The winter coats are out, we haven’t seen a blue sky in weeks and the heating bill is about to be astronomical.

Enter Cape Verde.

A six hour flight and an hour’s time difference, the Cape Verde island of Sal will offer you warm weather all year round and the chance to forget about those work emails piling up.

It’s so small you can see nearly everything the island has to offer in less than two days, saving you from the ultimate dilemma of wanting to switch off from life but feeling guilty for spending hard earned cash to fly somewhere hot and sunny and not at least attempt to see some sights.

Time to book your flights.

Prosecco in the pool in winter

Why the African islands of Cape Verde are the ideal winter holiday destination (Bex)
Swim-up bar? Yes please (Picture: Riu)

Because of its position off the west coast of Africa, and something to do with north easterly winds coming from the Sahara (don’t ask us we’re not weathermen), Cape Verde spends the entire year with temperatures in the twenties.

It’s perfect for that glass of bubbles or a daiquiri in the pool when the weather at home is approaching freezing.

Why the African islands of Cape Verde are the ideal winter holiday destination (Bex)
Waves breaking on the sandy beach in Santa Maria (Picture: Getty)

From a low of 23C in January to average highs of 27C in August, Cape Verde is also perfect for the sun-worshipper who doesn’t want to die of heat exhaustion.

Paradise, only a six hour flight away (Picture: Thomson)

If the feeling of the sand under your feet and the crashing of the waves is more your style, beaches on Sal are an incredible mix of golden and black, thanks to the fact that the ten islands in Cape Verde are volcanic.

Plus the seas are Caribbean blue.

Why the African islands of Cape Verde are the ideal winter holiday destination (Bex)
Look at that sea (Picture: Getty)

Cruising down the coast

Island hopping is a possibility in Cape Verde, which is made up of ten islands.

But the easiest and laziest option is to cruise around on a luxurious vessel captained by someone more experienced, with wine included.

Take a trip on a catamaran (Picture: Thomson)

The catamaran will sail you down the islands coast for an afternoon of pure bliss, with the sun shining above you, the sea calm below you, and the drinks flowing.

Get yourself a good spot for sunbathing, and when the boat drops anchor, decide if you’re willing to put that glass down for a dip in the waters.

Daredevil danger

If after all that relaxation you’re itching to get active, Sal also offers a wealth of activity for even the biggest daredevils.

Cape Verde has produced two windsurfing world champions and it’s not hard to see why; the strength of the currents combined with islands breeze and the unpredictability of the surf means that conditions are ripe for those who enjoy the challenges of the sea.

The conveniently named Kite beach (Picture: Getty)

Kite surfing is also popular on the island – Kite Beach is the place to visit if you want to try that – as well as snorkelling, surfing, and paddle boarding.

(Picture: Thomson)

If you’d prefer to keep your thrills land-based, quads are a great way to see the island.

Much of Sal remains undeveloped, with miles of barren landscape ripe for exploring, with the mountains a looming backdrop.

This can leave you rather dusty, shall we say, so don’t go wearing your brand new white Nikes.

For those looking for a different way to spend an afternoon, diving is also popular.

Why the African islands of Cape Verde are the ideal winter holiday destination (Bex)
Sea turtles swimming in the sea (Picture: cabo-verde.com)

Diving in Cape Verde means the discovery of hundreds of diverse marine life including fish, flora and fauna; expect to see anything from snapper fish to turtles and sting rays.

One animal you may not see while diving is the loggerhead turtle, which is an endangered species.

Project Biodiversity (Picture: Thomson)

The turtle nests on the island of Sal during June and October, but light and waste pollution has led to a decline in their numbers.

Project Biodiversity however aims to ensure the animals are protected from poachers and other human-driven threats, and the NGO runs a hatchery on the beach outside the Riu Palace hotel, outside of the village of Santa Maria, where nests are kept safe and allowed to hatch naturally, before the babies are taken to the sea after the sun sets.

Baby turtles head to the waters (Picture: Thomson)

At 5pm every day the charity allows those interested to learn more about their work, and watch volunteers as they double check hatched nests for any babies who were unable to make their way to the surface of the sand the previous evening.

The islands waters are also home to sharks, and those brave souls who went back in the water after watching Jaws will be able to walk among the creatures of the sea on Sal.

Take a trip into the ocean (Picture: Thomson)

Allowing the sharks to swim around your ankles can be an exhilarating experience but luckily the Lemon Sharks aren’t interested in human flesh; they follow the tide in to feed in the shallows so its ideal to time your visit with the tides.

The island is also home to Viveiro botanical gardens, where all manner of trees are planted for conservation purposes.

The gardens are also home to many animals native to the island, including donkeys, goats, and monkeys.

You may even see a mamma duck walking around with her ducklings as you enjoy a cocktail.

Hidden treasures

The coast of Sal (Picture: Thomson)

It’s not all endangered animals and water sports in Sal though, as the island is also home to some incredibly beautiful hidden treasure.

The Salt Mine is buried deep in the remains of a volcano but it’s now open to the public, offering the opportunity for those willing to take a dip in the lake and allow the density of the water to force you to float to the surface.

Western Africa,Republic of Cape Verde. Sal Island. Pedra de Lume.Swimming in a crater lake.

All along the west of Sal are secret sea caves but the most spectacular is the Buracona Lagoon.

Buracona is one of many hidden treasures (Picture: Thomson)

When the sun’s rays hit the water at the right angle, it creates a stunning ‘blue eye’ on the surface of the water, a baffling but beautiful sight.

Why the African islands of Cape Verde are the ideal winter holiday destination (Bex)
Buracona cave’s sun reflection (Picture: Shutterstock)

Where To Stay

Tui are one of the only UK companies to sell package holidays to Cape Verde.

Prices for seven nights at the 5T RIU Palace Cabo Verde on an all-inclusive basis start from £1,003 per person for this January.

How to get there

Tui flights leave from London Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham seven days a week.

Prices for direct flights come as part of an all-inclusive package and start from £1,003 per person, including transfers.

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