Cape Verde is an Archipelago of ten islands lying like a jewelled necklace off the coast of West Africa. And how they sparkle.

Until recently Cape Verde's beauty was largely kept a secret - the long beaches of endless white sand, lapped by turquoise ocean: the historical mystery of colonial style towns like Ribeira Grande the first European City in the tropics: the wide variety of landscapes - from dramatic volcanic - to lush and verdant.

Nowadays, the Cape Verde islands are opening up to tourists, especially holiday makers searching for a rich blend of fresh holiday experiences. Even the Cape Verde people are unique, being a cultural mix of their two nearest neighbours - Senegal and Brazil, this combination is most obvious in the ever-present Cape Verde music; a scintillating hip-swinging fusion of Samba and Salsa sprinkled with tribal African.

Cape Verde is already being dubbed the African Caribbean. Crammed full of character and blessed with endless snow-white sands, it's easy to see why these unspoilt isles are the hottest buzzword in travel."

Cape Verde's bounty-like beaches instantly grab your attention. Miles of utterly breathtaking porcelain-white sands stretch as far as the eye can see, seductively sliding into glass-like seas.

Santa Maria's unspoilt seashore curves around the coastline for over 7km, so whether you want to stay close to the action near the water sports centres and beach bars or crave the solitude of the sand dunes, you can always find your own piece of paradise.

The food in Cape Verde will have your taste buds tingling in no time, with an exotic mixture of African, Portuguese and Brazilian cuisine. A continental feast you could say. And if you're a fan of seafood, you're in for a real treat. Not only is it mouth wateringly delicious - it's extremely reasonable too.

Although much of Cape Verde's nightlife is low-key and often hotel based, the local's lively spirit comes out to play after dark. Their philosophy is the more the merrier' so whether you join them shimmying to live music at a bustling bar or sip ponche, firewater laced with honey, at a lively café, their energy and love of life is contagious.

In Santa Maria, you'll find a serene beach bar or two where you can sit listening to the waves crash in, a good handful of vibrant pubs filled with animated tourists and locals alike or if you want to be where it's at, head for local night hotspot The Pirata'.

Sitting at the heart of Sal is the bustling capital of Espargos. If you want to see a real slice of Cape Verdian life, you'll find a traditional community of bright spirited people here - from friendly stall vendors to gaggles of smiling children making their way home from school.

Wander past the tiny square where you'll see card games in full swing and as you make your way around the brightly painted town, pop in and out of the boutiques, music stores and art shops.

The entire Buracona coastal area is dotted with caves and grottoes just waiting to be explored. Clinging to a dramatic, rocky shoreline, the famous Blue Eye' here is a naturally formed lagoon, shaped like an eye and as well as being a natural swimming pool is popular with divers.

When the sunlight hits the right spot, it lights up the underwater cavern in a dazzling display of brilliant turquoise - a truly awe-inspiring sight.

Even if you're not here for the diving, you'll still be blown away simply sitting and watching the waves crash over the rocks and it's also the perfect setting for a picnic. So what are you waiting for?

There are now various flight options from the UK several times a week and the flying time from the UK is around 5 and a half hours.

For more information or prices contact me on 01722 341809.