INFO AND PHOTOS

Snap Shot

Two bed semi-detached house with private garden, large roof terrace 500 meters from the sea.

Inside the property

The building is on three levels connected with a mahogany staircase that winds up to the top. On the ground floor there is a kitchen and living area. The kitchen is fully equipped and has a dining table and a set of 4 chairs. The living area consists of a sofa that is long enough to lie out on in two directions a TV and living room storage facilities. On the first floor there are two bedrooms the bathroom and shower. The master bedroom has a double bed and wardrobes with plenty of hanging space. The smaller bedroom has a built in triple bunk bed and storage system. On the second floor there is a lockable utility room with washing machine. There is also a large roof terrace that looks north east with an uninterrupted view to the distant sea on the North coast. The property is ideal for children with the small room sleeping up to 3 if necessary (please see photos for sleeping arrangements) There are plenty areas to play and explore nearby too!

Outside the property

The terra cotta tiled terrace and small garden surrounds two sides of the property. Coffee (or something a little stronger) can be served through the window directly from the kitchen to the terrace. At night the garden and entrance are lit with attractive ground lighting. There are a number of building projects some finished and some not. At the time of writing there are uninterrupted views to the north but it is expected that some of this land will eventually be built on. Three very different beaches are within walking distance (see below for info on the beaches). The shops are close (about 5 min walk) and are a little hard to find. Each shop is small, well hidden and stocks something different from the last. Look out for the bakery where they make scrumptious freshly baked bread and some local coconut buns that the local kids queue up for. At the time of writing a new commercial area of ‘more modern’ shops and restaurants is being built nearby.

The Beaches

The property is on a peninsula of land, the sea is to the north east and to the south. As the prevailing wind comes from the north east the beach (seen from the balcony) is a wind swept and rugged. The area surrounding the beach has been protected from further building and is bordered by sand dunes. Not ideal for swimming due to the surf and rocks, it is however; used for kite surfing and the dunes are used quad biking. The northern beach is 20 min walk. 500M to the south is Antonio Souza Beach, less than 5 min walk. It is a quiet beach with a mix of rocks and sand. It much more sheltered as it’s protected from the prevailing wind. Antonio Souza Beach and Santa Maria main beach are divided by a little harbor and restaurant where you can eat freshly caught fish and lobster overlooking the sea. Just on the other side of the restaurant is Santa Maria main beach, it is enormous and probably the best beach in Cape Verde. It stretches for several miles and has a number of beach front restaurants and activities. To walk the start of Santa Maria beach is about 7min to walk to the other end will take you an hour at least!

Description of the Cape Verde Islands

The Cape Verde Islands are in the Atlantic Ocean, 620km (385miles) west of West Africa's coast at Senegal. There are 10 major islands (9 of them inhabited) and 5 islets, all of volcanic origin and divided into two sub groups. To the north is the Barlavento (Windward) group (Santo Antão, São Vicente, Santa Luzia, Ilheu Branco, Ilheu Raso, São Nicolau, Sal and Boa Vista). To the south is the Sotavento (Leeward) group (Maio, Santiago, Fogo and Brava).

Wonderful un crowded beaches, dramatic mountainous scenery (on some Islands), charming, welcoming and extremely “laid-back” inhabitants, and the fact that the Cape Verde Islands are in the very early stages of touristic development, make this a destination of immense attraction to those who seek somewhere new and different to bask in the sun.

Building works

The Islands, particularly Sal but also Boavista and Santiago are the subject of a building boom, mostly of Hotels and apartments, happily low rise so far with many of the apartments being built for the British and other European holiday home markets. Thus building work is endemic and must be accepted as such.

Climate & Weather

The climate is tropical and dry. The average daytime temperature remains around 25°c and whilst there are highs and lows due to the influence from the Ocean, the changes do not exceed 10°c. The sea temperature is between 21°c in February and March up to 25°c in September and October. Rainfall is, unfortunately for the farmers, very rare. The Sea temperature is several degrees warmer than the Canaries.

The Islands can be windy, particularly the North-easterly Trade Wind can be strong, however this keeps temperatures and humidity lower and encourages some exciting water sports.

Activities - Snorkeling and Scuba diving - Sailing, surfing and Windsurfing - Walking and Trekking – Cycling - Bird watching - Fishing (Big Game, shore and Salt Water Fly).

Description of Sal Island

An international airport makes Sal one of the major gateways to the Cape Verde islands; plus the abundance of magnificent white sand beaches and guaranteed sun has turned Sal into a major tourist destination.

Santa Maria bay is a horse shoe shape with La Praia and the new town (the quiet end) at one end and lots of restaurants and bars in the middle. At the other end is a big sandy peninsula where you will find the extra ordinary 5 * Riu hotel.

Arguably Sal is the most cosmopolitan island in the archipelago, with a choice of bars, clubs and restaurants. Freshly caught fish is always on the menu – tuna steaks, lobster, and swordfish – cooked to a local recipe.

Places to visit include the Pedro Lume salt mines – dramatically contained inside the vast crater of a long extinct volcano – the saliency level is on a par with the Dead Sea and is worth experiencing for a weightless float.

Description of Santa Maria

Santa Maria offers 8 km of white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. Excellent conditions for many water sports. Windsurfing, fishing and diving are available. There are an abundance of bars and restaurants playing live Cape Verdian music. Sometimes there is quite large surf and the world kite surfing competition is held here. It is all within walking distance or if you are feeling lazy there are very reasonable priced taxis. There is little crime and the native population are friendly and very attractive, mixed race with green eyes and dark skin.

Flight Info

Direct low cost flights from Europe can be purchased from www.thomson.co.uk, www.tuifly.com www.charterflights.co.uk plus www.flytap.com do regular daily flights via Lisbon.

Directions

From Sal international airport you will need to take a cab to Santa Maria. It should cost you about €10. The journey to Santa Maria should take about 20 minuets. Ask the driver to take you to Antonio Souza Beach (left as you come into the town heading east) La Praia is three streets back, more or less behind the Cabo Verde Palace and close to the Sab Sab hotel.

Key collection instructions

Key collection instructions will be emailed to you when we receive your booking.