African island with 31C winters and cheap resorts gets first ever easyJet flights
BRITS can now get package holidays to what is known as Africa's affordable answer to the Caribbean.
The African island of Sal in Cape Verde has average winter temperatures of 31C, daily sunshine and you can be there in six hours.
Sal is one of the most popular islands in Cape Verde and easyJet now flies there from Gatwick making a break there even easier for holidaymakers.
The budget-friendly airline started its new service last week with return flights to the African island starting at just £54.04.
The service is year-round, with flights three times a week – every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
easyJet is also offering package holiday deals to Sal.
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A seven-night break starts from £464 per person, including hotel, flights and 23kg of baggage.
This deal is for the Santa Maria Porto Antigo Residence which is found on one of the sandy beaches on the island.
It is also close to the town centre, where you can explore local markets, shops, and dining spots.
With Santa Maria Pier nearby, popular activities include diving, snorkelling, and fishing trips.
It also has a private beach, swimming pool and they offer massage treatments to guests too.
Santa Maria is one of the most colourful towns on the island, with bright and colourful buildings.
Every September, the town holds a music festival with live acts and lots of food and drink stalls.
Sal is also known to be the kitesurfing capital of the world because of its strong north-easterly winds, so it is a great spot for anyone keen to try out the sport.
Other popular activities in Sal include off-road safaris, catamaran cruises and wildlife experiences.
Cape Verde's diverse range of marine life means you won't leave disappointed, with corals, fish and even shipwrecks to take in.
Over in Shark Bay, you can see lemon sharks, which are known for their yellow skin and can grow up to 3.4 metres in length.
Cape Verde also has the third-largest population of nesting loggerhead turtles.
Anyone wanting to spot them in Sal, the best time to do so is between July and October when they hatch on the beaches.
The island of Sal, Cape Verde, translates to "Salt" in Portuguese and within the crater of an extinct volcano, lies the Pedra de Lume salt mines.
Visitors often say it looks like another planet.
You can experience local culture in towns like Espargos and Palmeria and it's easy to get around the island with bus links.
Taxis which are also affordable, a 10 to 15 minute drive on the island typically costs around 1500 CVE (£11.54).
As for the weather, which is always important when picking a holiday destination, the temperature in Sal doesn't tend to drop below 25C with highs of 31C in winter.
The rainy season is between July and October, so the best time to book is between November and June.
Read More on The Sun
Plus, a travel guide to the other islands of Cape Verde.
And what Sun Travel thought when we visited the archipelago.
Everything you need to know about visiting Cape Verde in 2024

Cape Verde is an island country off the west coast of Africa known for its white sandy beaches and tropical climate.
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