Cape Verde

[anna7602]

Anyone been? We're thinking of going the first or second week of January. It seems to be the warmest location semi-close to us that time of year that both DH and I have an interest in visiting. Otherwise, we will just pack our warm coats and wander around some European city or other that week.

[Deleted]

I know someone who did the Peace Corp there. We did the Canaries in March and it was nice weather but too cold to go in the water.

What about Morocco? We went last summer and it was an amazing vacation. Loved it.

[anna7602]

Nov 12, 2012 6:48:12 GMT -5 @septimus said:

I know someone who did the Peace Corp there. We did the Canaries in March and it was nice weather but too cold to go in the water.

What about Morocco? We went last summer and it was an amazing vacation. Loved it.

I've been to Morocco and the Canaries already and am looking for something new. Cape Verde is one of those places we've always been curious about but probably wouldn't pay to fly to from the U.S. in the future if we don't go now.

[Deleted]

Nov 12, 2012 8:10:27 GMT -5 anna7602 said:

Nov 12, 2012 6:48:12 GMT -5 @septimus said:

I know someone who did the Peace Corp there. We did the Canaries in March and it was nice weather but too cold to go in the water.

What about Morocco? We went last summer and it was an amazing vacation. Loved it.

I've been to Morocco and the Canaries already and am looking for something new. Cape Verde is one of those places we've always been curious about but probably wouldn't pay to fly to from the U.S. in the future if we don't go now.

I get the feeling Cape Verde is a lot like the Canaries.

We've been looking at Madagascar for next year.

[GilliC]

(Madagascar is fabulous! Great diving/snorkeling, and the lemurs are adorable! It's definitely worth a trip into th interior to do some trekking in the national parks. I would love to go back and spend some more time there!)

[GilliC]

Anna, have you been to Réunion? I'm pretty sure there are direct flights from Paris, and it's gorgeous. A lot like Hawaii with lush volcanic mountains and lots of activities. (I liked Seychelles a lot better overall, but Réunion might be an easier trip. Also, it's rainy season in Seychelles then.)

[anna7602]

Thanks for the ideas, Gillic.

Stupid immigration just scheduled our visa renewal appointments for the first Friday in January and a follow-up medical check-up the second week. So now I am stuck looking at travel over New Year's, when everything is likely to be pricier/already booked.

[sa]

I have a couple of friends from Cape Verde. They love it, but it obviously holds a special place in their hearts since they grew up there.

One of my friend's boyfriends said it was just ok (he never holds back on giving an honest opinion). He said the water is beautiful, but good portions of the island were more like barren desert.

If you'd like I can ask my friends for recommendations.

[sa]

According to my friend she felt that the Canary Islands seemed more Europe than island in culture if that makes any sense.

She said if you're looking for a nice beach vacation, Cape Verde would be her choice, although I'm sure she's a little biased.

Here were some of her recommendations:

Top island - Sal. She recommended staying at this hotel:

www.odjodagua-hotel.com/EN/HOME.aspx

Also, she said the food at that hotel is really good. She also recommended these restaurants:

Café Cultural, Beach Club at Morabeza hotel, Restaurante Leonardo, Caranguejo

As for activities, it's your basic island, water activities.

If you wanted to explore another island for the beach she recommended Boa Vista.

www.spinguera.com/holidays-capoverde.asp/lingua_en/guesthouse-cape-verde-boavista.html

If you wanted another island to explore the mountains she recommended Santo Antao Island. No specific recommendations for hotels though.

She did mention that Sal and Boa Vista are not green islands. She said that when you get off the plane it will be desert, but you will be a short drive to the beach. She just wanted to make sure your expectations were not of a lush island.

Hope this helps.

[anna7602]

Nov 13, 2012 10:31:28 GMT -5 sa said:

According to my friend she felt that the Canary Islands seemed more Europe than island in culture if that makes any sense.

She said if you're looking for a nice beach vacation, Cape Verde would be her choice, although I'm sure she's a little biased.

Here were some of her recommendations:

Top island - Sal. She recommended staying at this hotel:

www.odjodagua-hotel.com/EN/HOME.aspx

Also, she said the food at that hotel is really good. She also recommended these restaurants:

Café Cultural, Beach Club at Morabeza hotel, Restaurante Leonardo, Caranguejo

As for activities, it's your basic island, water activities.

If you wanted to explore another island for the beach she recommended Boa Vista.

www.spinguera.com/holidays-capoverde.asp/lingua_en/guesthouse-cape-verde-boavista.html

If you wanted another island to explore the mountains she recommended Santo Antao Island. No specific recommendations for hotels though.

She did mention that Sal and Boa Vista are not green islands. She said that when you get off the plane it will be desert, but you will be a short drive to the beach. She just wanted to make sure your expectations were not of a lush island.

Hope this helps.

This is very helpful. Thanks so much!