Cape Verde

Cape Verde's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cidade Velha (simply 'Old City') was the first European settlement in the tropics, and once an important point in the Portuguese Empire. Parts of the original city still remain, including two churches, the town square and the imposing Fort de São Filipe, looming over the area from the hilltop. It is the perfect place to begin exploring Cape Verde's fascinating past.

Praia is Cape Verde's capital, largest city and centre of economic, political and religious life. The city boasts a distinct mix of African and Mediterranean vibes throughout the downtown area (known as Platô for its location on a small plateau), with its charming old quarter and rapidly expanding urban infrastructure.

Cape Verde's second city is also the undisputed centre of culture, entertainment and nightlife. With wider streets and European-style squares, it has great establishments for dining, drinking and live music, and hosts the wildly popular and animated carnival.

The small fishing town of Santa Maria, on the island of Sal, boasts miles of picture-perfect beach with golden sands and bright blue water. Relax at one of the numerous beachside bars and watch the fishermen reel in their daily catch, or jump off the pier into the refreshing water on a hot afternoon.

The stunning Forte Real de São Filipe, the first and most important fortification anywhere in Cape Verde, overlooks Cidade Velha from its privileged position on a 120-metre tall hill. Destroyed by the French in the 18th century, then rebuilt, and recently restored, it is today one of the country's most recognizable and most visited sights.

For some insight into Cape Verde's more recent turbulent history, visit Colonia Penal de Tarrafal, a prison and concentration camp nicknamed 'Campo da Morte Lenta' (Camp of the Slow Death). It was used to keep political opponents of António de Oliveira Salazar, the right-wing dictator who governed Portugal in the mid-20th century. It is a harrowing, but important visit.

Maio may be one of the most unfairly overlooked of the Cape Verde islands. It is true that tourist infrastructure is somewhat lacking, but that's part of its charm. Untouched beaches and sand dunes cover much of the island, though it is also home to a large forest, uncharacteristic in these parts. You may be able to catch a glimpse of a loggerhead turtle, as it has the second-largest nesting population in the archipelago.

The Serra Malagueta Natural Park lies in the northern part of the island of Santiago, a lush expanse crowned by the 1,064-metre Serra Malagueta. As one of the greenest areas in the whole country, and offering stunning views from the mountainous terrain, it is the premier hiking region in Cape Verde.

Cape Verde is a prime destination for outdoor activities and adventure-seeking, with people coming from all over the world to hike, dive, windsurf and fish, and also to admire some of the marine wildlife in the area, like turtles and whales. Below are the best times of year and islands for each activity: Diving: April-September (Sal and Boa Vista) Windsurfing: November-May (Sal and Boa Vista) Hiking: All year (Santo Antão, Fogo and Santiago) Fishing: April-August (all islands) Turtles: June-August (Sal and Boa Vista) Whales: March-April (Boa Vista), June-July (Sal)

On the appropriately named island of Sal, just to the east of Espargos, is the 1.8-kilometre wide crater of Pedra de Lume, an extinct volcano crater which is now home to the Pedra de Lume salterns. Though salt extraction is now inactive, it is still a fascinating visit and an interesting view, with white fields of salt and a natural lake filling the crater.

This fish market is a sight in itself, where fishermen sell their catch of the day and experts fillet large tuna in the back. But what is really special about this place is that you can purchase what you want from the market stalls and take them to any of the surrounding eateries to be prepared however you like, ensuring one of the freshest meals you've ever had.