The first island to invite tourism, Sal hosts the international airport, and a wide range of hotels to choose from. The gorgeous stretches of palm-lined beaches have attracted a range of visitors. The main town here, Santa Maria, is a centre for tourism and water sports in the crystal waters and sandy coves. The entertainment found here is typical of the lively Capverdian culture, bars and restaurants playing local music. Espargos is the administrative centre, located close to the airport and offers plenty of shops, bars and restaurants to keep you amused.

The sand here is white and the beaches, like the rest of the island, idyllic. Another extremely flat island, it is so quiet it has almost been forgotten. The vast, palm-fringed beaches are all but deserted and you can bask in its unspoilt loveliness. Even the turtles have recognised this haven, and many have been earmarked to lay their eggs. You'll be spoilt for choice where to lay and simply absorb the tranquillity. Although, this is a small island, due to the beauty of the beaches, property investment is beginning to take off here.

Tourism is in its infancy on São Nicolau so the island still retains a genuine unspoilt feel with stunning scenery. This mountainous island has barren ranges in the west, north and east and is one of the most impressive in the archipelago.

Ribeira Brava the capital of São Nicolau, and clings to the fertile slopes of the mountainside. Its colonial style houses painted colourfully and with beautifully tendered gardens make it an interesting place to visit.

Considered, the most African of all the islands, Santiago is rich in culture, evident during its many festivals and local music. It is also the largest island in Cape Verde and the most densely populated. The scenery here remains stunning and natural, testament to its ancient status as the first Cape Verde Island to be populated by humans. In contrast to Sal, the interior is mountainous, the highest peak being Pico d'Antonia at 5000 ft. The beaches are sandy but smaller than on some other islands, but the landscapes are fabulous nonetheless, for the colourful flora and picturesque villages.

Fogo developed from a volcano, the summit reaches 10,000ft, and the climate is unsurprisingly hot all year round. There is great contrast here between the arid spots in the south and the lush, green northern region. The capital is Sao Filipe, built on a cliff, and like Sao Vicente, still very much reflects its colonial past, especially in its architecture.