Cape Verde - What an experience visiting the island of Sal, imagine places before a lot of tourism, it is the ultimate place to go and unwind and chill by the pool or on the vast expanse of beaches they have. There are 10 islands that make up Cape Verde, they are situated in the Atlantic Ocean, just past the Canary Islands, time difference they are 2 hours behind UK, they are situated off the coast of Gambia and Sengal. Sal is in the Northeast of the cluster of islands. Flight from Bristol direct is just under 6 hours, should you forget to apply for travel entry form, this can be done at the airport, it costs a little bit more, but is straight forward. Transfers to the hotels aren't that long either as the island is only 18 miles long.
When I visited the hotels, they do have representatives that visit on each desk shows when they are in the hotel. However, you can scan a QR code and find out details of what is available on the island and contact details. With regards to accessibility the Melia Llana one of the larger hotels has lifts and some adapted rooms, the staff at all the hotels we visited would be more than willing to assist. Getting around the larger hotels, there are ramps and lifts. The smaller hotels not all had a lift, and room access was via a small flight of stairs, but they did have a ground floor room with a terrace. A group of hotels that have shared facilities you can access along the beach, there is a paved boardwalk which takes you to the other facilities, beach bars and restaurants.
I viewed a great choice of hotels ranging from small boutique bed and breakfast Hotel Odjo d'Agua is in Santa Maria near the pedestrian area of the town where you can find bars and restaurants in the evening. It is a quirky hotel on the beach and has a lovely restaurant, rooms are bright and airy ranging from standard room to sea view junior suite. Then also have the larger all-inclusive hotels, my preferred was the Robinson, all rooms were spaced out so you didn't feel on top of one another, the buffet for all meals was amazing, you could see the chefs prepare some of the speciality dishes. This hotel was on the beach also and you can have rooms with a side sea view.
As Sal is a small island getting around is quick and easy, plenty of taxis or there are a few trips you can do. Sal means salt in Portuguese and there is salt mine where you can go and float, the water there is 20 times salter than the sea. Your skin will thank you for the exfoliation when you get out! I didn't go but if you are an adrenalin person they have a zip wire park, also snorkelling is popular.
A few top tips, Euros are excepted, however your change maybe in the local currency of Cape Verdean Escudo, you cannot exchange this when home so leave it for a tip at the hotel or taxi driver. Another to wear sun cream, even when hazy, also to apply plenty mosquito replant even during the day, however I am sure you will take it unlike me!
Want to know more about the beautiful Cape Verde islands? Speak to Michelle at Miles Morgan Travel in Monmouth, who will be happy to help you discover more and plan your perfect getaway! Call 01600 463 022 or email monmouth@milesmorgantravel.co.uk for more information.
