Cape Verde holidays: a year-round haven for families

Situated around 570 kilometres off West Africa, paradise island Cape Verde is a year-round for families in search of more than just a fly-and-flop beach holiday.

The archipelago, comprising ten islands, takes just under six hours' to reach from London and is an excellent alternative to the Canary Islands and the Caribbean in the winter months. Characterised by its unique volcanic landscape, Portuguese and African culture, and white sandy beaches, Cape Verde offers something for everyone, from beach bums to adventure-seekers.

See also: Top ten year-round destinations

Sal is the sunniest island, known for its Mars-like landscape, salt mining history and abundance of water sports on offer. The white sand beaches are some of the finest this side of Africa and the culture bursts with vibrancy.

The lively city of Santa Maria has kilometres of sandy beaches, pastel-coloured houses and an abundance of restaurants and souvenir shops. It's where you will find the island's bustling tourist scene, the best nightlife and top hotels and resorts.

2014 saw the opening of the brand new Melia Dunas Beach Resort, offering everything you need for an all-inclusive beach holiday, from stylish suites to five impressive swimming pools. It's the ideal base for exploring the island.

See also: Hot holiday ideas for October half term 2015

Start by spending a day in otherworldly Pedra de Lume to immerse yourself in Sal's salt mining history. The village has an eerie atmosphere with an abandoned salt cable car pylon, which could see future restoration for tourism. The main attraction of the village is the Saltpans. Although the mining industry is long gone, the spectacular site's mosaic of coloured lakes remain inside a deep volcanic crater and invites visitors to float in its waters and experience body treatments using the white stuff from the lake.

Back in the south of the island, stunning beach Ponta Preta is backed by sand dunes and home to the laid-back Ponta Preta restaurant which boasts a distinct Caribbean feel. The cool eatery is perfect for a long, lazy lunch and offers a wide selection of freshly caught fish. Another great spot to while away the hours is hip hangout Angulo Beach Club in Santa Maria, owned by champion windsurfer Josh Angulo, which also offers wind-surfing, paddle boarding and yoga. While in Santa Maria, take a stroll on the jetty to observe the fishermen bring in their latest catch and watch how the brave locals jump from a height into the crystal clear sea.

For those eager to explore more of Cape Verde, Boa Vista is a less developed island and just a short flight away. Many argue that it has Cape Verde's best beaches and powder soft show-stopper Santa Monica is as breathtaking as they come.

Thomson offers all-inclusive holidays to Melia Dunas Beach Resort from £645 per person.

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