Hold tight, it’s impossible to do all 10 Cape Verde islands justice in a brief tour but here is just a flavour of the many charms they have to offer. They are split into 2 groups so we will start in the north with the barlovento or windward islands.

SAL produced all the salt for the Portuguese empire, hence the name. Surfers flock to Sal for the excellent conditions and the Trilogy windsurfing competition in Punta Preta in the south. Divers are equally spellbound by the tunnels, caves and reefs, but cyclists and hikers take the main road from Santa Maria to Espargos in the north.

BOAVISTA has shallow seas and sand dunes, and its pride and joy is the 16 km Santa Monica beach, All water sports are popular on Boavista, but for a small port with bags of character, visit the capital Sal Rei.

SAO VICENTE is the party island with the town square and labyrinth of side streets in capital Mindelo, the focal point. Cesaria Evora is the islands claim to fame, a soulful singing star on the international scene, she learnt her craft at the ash Wednesday carnaval, the biggest in Cape Verde and the Baia das Grata 3 day and night music event in August.

SANTA ANTAO is the scenic island with rugged coasts and green hills around the mountain range that splits the island and attracts hikers. Ponto do Sol is a small capital but has an airport but go easy with the Grogue rum that originates from here.

SAO NICOLAU was a favourite target of pirates, forcing locals to retreat to the volcanic hills, dominated by Mount Gordo at 1,304 metres, the high point of Cape Verde. Preguiga in the bay of Sao Jorge boasts a large fortress built in 1818 to finally see off the pirates.

SANTA LUIZA is the mysterious uninhabited island, but you may be able to explore with the help of a kind boat owner.

This brings us down south to the Sotavento or leeward islands.

SANTIAGO has a strong African feel in its music and dense central rain forest complete with monkeys. Praia, the Cape Verde capital is a vibrant city with a tight maze of streets full of bars and restaurants. Tarrafal sits on a hill above a lush valley but also offers one of the best beaches on all the islands, and is the former home of the colonial prison.

FOGO is famous for the Pico de Fogo volcanic peak, the last small eruption was in 1995 but it didn’t disturb the vineyard and French restaurant that nestle in the crater. The capital Sao Felipe sits on a cliff and has a colonail feel, great place to sample local coffee, wine and grapes or dip in the Salina de Sao Jorge natural pool.

MAIO is quiet, scenic and flat. The sea turtles are usually the only creatures on the white sand beaches. Vila de Maio, the capital, has little more than a church but for real serenity, try Morro, just 3 miles away.

BRAVA gets what little rain is going and with its humid climate, it is home to jasmine, lobelia and hibiscus. Small bays mark the coast of this, the smallest Cape Verde island.