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Went to Santa Maria stayed at Club Hotel Garopa, the weather was good. There is a breeze, the pools are great and you can use the sister hotel Riu Funana too. The food was very good and we enjoyed all the meals we had. The rooms are smallish but fine and clean, dont go here expecting a lot of trips out, there are none really and Santa Maria is not really worth going to but the beach is very long and goes on for miles and it's so white its the best bit for me being Caribbean and this beach is as good. There are plenty of water sports on the beach too. Overall it was a good holiday.
Sal. Santa Maria
High Point: One of the best beaches this side of the Atlantic especially if your in to wind/Kite surfing. Down sides: Not a lot going on in the evening, very African feel about town, surroundings can be a bit of a shock if you are used to sophistication and European standards. Locals can appear a little intimidating but in the main are friendly. Major parts of the resort are currently massive building sites with very large developments currently going on, being a windy resort there is quite a bit of dust flying around so your best evening wear is perhaps not recommended. On the whole if your looking for sun and sand this place has it in plenty and by 2020 should start looking like Tenerife Mark 2. Lots of hype in the travel press about this up and coming place detailing all the good points but perhaps leaving out the negatives, changing money can be a pain with long ques at banks. Local Escudos, Euros can be confusing on exchange rates. Try your local Restaurant, some change stirling at a better rate and without the queue. Having been there would I go again? to be honest no, but worth a try if you take the hype with a pinch of salt, by the way theres plenty of that there too.
Sal
Cape Verde tourism is very much in its' infancy. However, what a fabulous time to visit, before it is over-run with high rises and time share!! Situated on the west coast of Africa, on the same latitude as Barbados, Cape Verde is a real hidden gem. Walk along the fantastic white sandy beaches and dip into the crystal clear warm sea. For the more active amongst you, take advantage of the excellent watersports available. Island hop to the other islands and discover a completly different terraine ranging from volcanic to green lush gardens. Book an excursion and see the whole island of Sal in a day. Float in the fabulous pools and soak up the sunshine.
