“No Stress” is the island motto of Cape Verde and can be felt and seen on every corner: it can be found on T-shirts, shared taxis and house walls. The relaxed attitude to life of the residents, together with the almost endless sandy beaches and the year-round warm temperatures, is balm for winter-plagued holiday and sun-seekers.
The Cape Verde Islands have 15 islands, nine of which are inhabited. The tourist centers are located on Sal and Boavista.
Beautiful views of Boa Vista
Boa Vista (beautiful view) is the easternmost Cape Verde island, just under 500 kilometers from the African mainland, Senegal. Before the Portuguese arrived 500 years ago, the 620 m² island was uninteresting and lonely for humans. Salt, the white gold of the island, made them rich. Today, tourists appreciate the richness of Boa Vista: its wonderful, long, fine sandy beaches, its unspoilt nature and the cheerful nature of the islanders, who put a smile on their lips for every situation.
Boa Vista is the most pristine Cape Verde island. Over a length of 55 kilometres, its beaches merge almost seamlessly. The most beautiful among them are the 18-kilometer Praia de Santa Monica, which invites you to sunbathe and swim, and the Praia de Chaves, where the desert seems to merge into a beach with turquoise waters. The island is also a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Thanks to the rich coral deposits that form a magnificent underwater landscape, its waters are an excellent diving area.
There aren’t many sightseeing highlights on the island, maybe that’s the secret to a “no stress” holiday. Nevertheless, one or the other excursion is worthwhile, such as to Sal Rei, the capital of Boa Vista or to the shipwreck Cabo Santa Maria. More than 55 years ago, the cargo ship ran aground off the coast of Boa Vista. Today, a rusty skeleton remains, which serves as a popular photo motif.
If you want to spend an all-round relaxing holiday with all the comforts and excellent cuisine, the Spanish hotel chain RIU has the right offer, whether for families or adults in the “adults only” hotels. Just recently, the five-star Riu Karamboa on Boa Vista was completely renovated as an adults-only hotel. Thanks to the 24-hour all-inclusive service, hotel guests can enjoy an unlimited range of culinary delights in five restaurants. Six bars invite you to enjoy refreshing drinks and cocktails. 67 of the newly designed 921 rooms are swim-up rooms with private pools. Outside, Riu guests can relax by five swimming pools overlooking the sea. The extensive entertainment programme for adults ensures informal hours both during the day and in the evening.
The six Riu hotels (three on Sal and three on Boa Vista) are located on the most beautiful beaches and offer 24-hour all-inclusive services for a carefree holiday. Direct flights with TUIfly from various German airports. www.riu.com
