The Canary Islands, with their year-round sunshine, stunning beaches and short flight time, are a top choice for Brits seeking a holiday abroad. The Spanish islands have been a popular destination for generations, experiencing a tourism boom in the 1960s. Since then, millions of tourists have descended on Lanzarote, Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
In 2023 alone, around 14 million international tourists visited the islands. However, the influx of visitors has sparked protests from locals demanding more sustainable tourism models. But there's another destination offering a similar experience to the Canary Islands - and it's even hotter, but without the crowds.
Cape Verde, an archipelago off the coast of Senegal, is being hailed as the 'new Canaries', and it's not hard to see why. Cape Verde consists of ten islands (nine inhabited): Sao Vicente, Sao Nicolau, Santo Antao, Santa Luzia, Maio, Sal, Boa Vista, Santiago, Fogo and Brava. Boa Vista and Sal are particularly popular with holidaymakers.
The islands gained independence from Portugal in 1975 and boast a blend of African and European culture - somewhat akin to how the Canary Islands differ from mainland Spain. Situated further south in the Atlantic than the Canaries, Cape Verde enjoys warmer temperatures that rarely dip below 20C. The temperatures in Cape Verde peak around 30C during July, August and September, but even in January, the island maintains a warm 25C.
A refreshing sea breeze from the Atlantic is always present. Cape V.