Although on the map of Africa, the Cape Verde Islands seem to be better off in the Azores or even the Canary Islands. The archipelago consists of nine large islands divided into two groups - Windwards and Leewards, six being volcanic and high, and three flat and sandy. They are not a tropical paradise, but they are worth coming to see, although they are difficult to reach.

The Portuguese came here in 1460 and incorporated them into their empire. Cape Verde became an important water supply point for ships passing through the area, then a sugar cane plantation and later an important center of the transatlantic slave trade. In 1975, Cape Verde gained its independence.

With tangled African and Portuguese roots, the people of Cape Verde certainly know how to make music and dance - samba and salsa with African tribal echoes. The sweet lament of moma is prolonged in the cheerful sensuality of the coladeira and batuque dances, and the love songs are highly prized among the Creoles. The official language is Portuguese, but Creole is preferred in everyday speech.

The beach and the village of Tarrafal, on the island of Santiago

Usually, the first place you reach is Praia, on the island of Santiago - the capital of Cape Verde. The beaches are fine and white, and the mountains are impressive; more important, however, is its role as a springboard for visiting the other islands. Brava is the smallest inhabited island, the most inaccessible, but also the most beautiful.

On the larger island of Fogo, you can go hiking and enter the crater of the old volcano. There is a lot of rivalry and a lot of cultural differences between the islands - going as far as how women tie their handkerchiefs. This small nation lacks resources and has suffered greatly over time. Disastrous times of famine have always tormented the islanders, but their spirit remains alive and cheerful.

POPULATION

420 979 (2006)

WHEN TO GO

October and November, when everything is green after the rains, and before December, when the wind intensifies.

HOW TO GET THERE

With an international flight to Sal and Santiago; rare ferry races from Dakar or Las Palmas.

POINTS OF ATTRACTION

• Midelo Carnival on Sao Vicente in February - with allegorical and costumes like in Rio.
• The lively port city of Mindelo, on Sao Vicente.
• The beautiful town of Vila Nova Sintra, on Brava.
• Villa de Ribeira Grande, on Santo Antao - the first European city in the tropics.
• A breakfast with cachupa - a delicious bean dish.
• Circuit of the islands by ferry.