Cape Verde Islands are a destination that wins the hearts of all those who long for peace, sun and endless beaches. This little African paradise lies below the Canary Islands, near Senegal, and offers ideal conditions for holidays all year round. While it freezes in Europe, here temperatures hover around 25°C even in winter and the ocean invites you to refresh yourself.
Although the Atlantic can be colder during the winter months, you won't miss the sun and fine sand. All you need are light summer clothes, a swimsuit and a good mood. There's no winter here - at most you can wear a sweatshirt in the evening when it gets dark and the wind picks up.
Photo: Milan Salavec, with permission of the author
Quiet beaches, modern hotels and a safe environment
In Cape Verde, and especially on the island Boa Vistayou'll still find places that feel like the end of the world. Wide, almost empty beaches fringed by the turquoise ocean and hotel resorts that preserve the natural character of their surroundings.
Tourism here is growing slowly. Most of the resorts are modern, clean and offer a high standard of service. Compared to many other African destinations, Cape Verde is considered to be very safe placesuitable for families with children.
The story of the Czech who traded Sázava for the Atlantic
One of the Czechs who found their new home in Cape Verde is Milannow a permanent resident of Boa Vista.
A few years ago he left his life by the Sázava River and decided to live under the palm trees - literally a few metres from the ocean.
"In the morning I have a coffee, a banana and look at the ocean. I have a peace here that I haven't found in the Czech Republic," says Milan with a smile.
His house is right by the beach and has become a refuge not only for him but also for Czech tourists who visit the island.
Photo: jana cheerful
Cape Verde after the rains: when the tropics surprise
This summer brought unexpected weather. Heavy rains flooded parts of the capital Sal Rei and surrounding areas.
Milan describes the situation with insight:
"Boa Vista did well. We had a kind of South Bohemian fish pond without fish. Fortunately, nobody got hurt."
Rains are not common here, and because there are no drains, the water stays on the surface longer. Still, the locals are managing - even the kindergarten where Milan helps has reopened after a slight delay.
New infrastructure and modern hospitals
Boa Vista is literally changing before our eyes. In recent years, the new hospital, dental clinic i centre for mothers and children.
Healthcare has moved to a level that no one would have expected before.
"I used to have to fly to another island for an examination. Today we have a modern hospital right here. Everything is developing fast," says Milan.
The local authorities, schools and port administration are reliable, which is appreciated by foreigners who want to invest here.
Photo: Milan Salavec, courtesy of the author
Nurseries, schools and education at European level
Not only new nurseries have sprung up in Boa Vista, but also high school with international IB diplomawhich is recognised in the same way as the Czech Baccalaureate.
Thanks to tourist revenue, education, health and infrastructure are constantly improving.
Photo: Milan Salavec, with permission of the author
Real estate investment in Cape Verde
Cape Verde today attracts not only tourists but also investors. Interest in real estate on the island of Boa Vista is growing every year.
The prices of new flats are approximately between 29 to 35 thousand crowns per square meter.
"I recommend buying a new build. Older houses are not worth repairing," says Milan, who helps his compatriots buy or rent.
The annual property tax is only 3 % of the purchase price, which is very advantageous for Europeans.
Photo: Milan Salavec, courtesy of the author
The cost of living by the ocean
Life in Cape Verde is surprisingly affordable.
Milan calculates his monthly costs for four people as follows:
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water: approx. 1 500 CZK
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electricity: approx. 1 500 CZK
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internet: approx. 1 100 CZK
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resort maintenance (condominium): approx. 1 500 CZK
So in total, about 5 600 CZK per month - for a life by the sea, under the palm trees.
Ecology and environment: clean beaches and turtles
Cape Verde is a model for environmental behaviour. Here, garbage is not dumped in the wild and locals protect their most precious resource - sea turtlesthat come every year to lay eggs.
"There are guards on the beaches to make sure no one breaks the rules. Tourists can only see turtles with a guide," Milan explains.
Eco-friendly transport is also expanding on the island - you'll increasingly find electric tricyclesthat replace cars.
Restaurants, food and lifestyle
Those who visit Boa Vista should try the local cuisine.
Milan recommends two popular restaurants:
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Santa Monica Beach Restaurant - new, modern restaurant right on the beach, where you can also watch whales during lunch.
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Perla de Chaves - a romantic place suitable for weddings or celebrations. It offers great food and a spectacular view of the ocean.
"You can celebrate a wedding or a divorce there," laughs Milan. "Just enjoy life."
Cape Verde's future: modernisation and football passion
Boa Vista is under construction new runwayto allow larger aircraft to land.
This will bring in more tourists, but the vast beaches will remain quiet enough.
The locals also live for sport - especially By football. The Cape Verdean national team even has a chance to advance to the world championshipwhich would be a historic event for the islands.
Sunshine, comfort and strudel from the Czech Republic
When asked what he misses about Cape Verde, Milan laughs:
"Perhaps only Czech strudel or sauerkraut. Otherwise nothing. I have my peace and the ocean here, what more could I want?"
If you want to see that Cape Verde is not just about hotel resorts, but about real life in harmony with nature, you should definitely visit Boa Vista.
Source : https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kapverdy
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