Country Guides Country Guide: Cape Verde

Date Published:

18/11/2009

The nine islands each have something to offer but the three main ones – Sal, Boa Vista and Santiago – are the islands where you’ll find the majority of European quality property to buy.

A Villa in Sal

Sal is one of the three eastern islands offering white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. It is home to the main international airport receiving regular flights from Manchester and London. Adrian Lillywhite, MD of Cape Verde Property, says, ‘Sal is the most established of the Cape Verde islands as far as tourism and property purchasing and is still the most popular island for investing in apartments and villas, both in the town of Santa Maria and in the new out of town five-star gated communities on Ponta Preta Beach as well as further north on the island.’

Property for sale on Sal includes Murdeira Beach Club, which is based around a 75-berth marina. Two-bedroom apartments are priced from €148,179; three bedroom semi-detached villas from €247,069 through Experience International.

Boa Vista is the nearest island to Africa. An island paradise ringed by reefs, it is home to more than half of Cape Verde’s beaches, including the longest beach at 13 miles. The island is known for its marine turtles and for its traditional music. The capital of Sal Rei in the northwest has many restaurants as well as bars, beaches and water sports activities.

Lillywhite continues, ‘Boa Vista has a new international airport and is growing as the next beach and holiday island destination for Cape Verde. Sal Rei is the main town of Boa Vista and there are developments emerging on Estoril Beach and Cabral Beach. Chaves Beach is a stunning location set just to the south of Sal Rei.’

Property for sale on Boa Vista includes Palm View studio and two bedroom apartments in the six star resort with great amenities. Prices start from €89,000 for a studio with Cape Verde Property.

Santiago is the largest island in the archipelago, home to more than half the population and the capital city. Praia. Santiago has a spectacular mountainous interior, the highest point being Pico d’Antonia at 1392m. The coastline has numerous sandy beaches, the best being at Sao Francisco and Tarrafal, 80 kilometres to the north. It is the most international of the islands, hosting more than a dozen foreign embassies and consulates.

Lillywhite says, ‘With a more diversified and greener terrain than other islands, many people think Santiago will become an exclusive, upmarket island with quality developments and golf courses.’ Property for sale on the island includes the villas and townhouses at the Sambala Resort. Located on Sao Francisco beach, Sambala is being developed as an integrated resort scheme. A strict environmental code of practice and social integrity has been implemented, and eco-friendly building techniques are practised and recycled construction materials are used. Prices start from €189,000 for a two bedroom townhouse on eco homes portal www.whatgreenhome.com.