An Alternative to the Maldives You May Not Have Heard Of Is Breaking Tourism Records
When you think of remote tropical islands surrounded by turquoise seas and luxury hotels, the Maldives are probably the first place that comes to mind.
The Maldives are well known for being less accessible than the usual Caribbean destinations and are for many a synonym for the perfect sunny getaway.
People save for years just to spend one week on its paradise beaches.
But there is an exotic alternative to the Maldives that is more affordable, and although relatively unknown, has been quickly gaining popularity in recent years.
Last year, the lesser-known island nation of Cape Verde, located off the coast of West Africa, broke tourism records by welcoming over 1.2 million visitors.
Although that number may not sound spectacular, this country, like the Maldives, has only about 522,000 inhabitants.
For those unfamiliar with the country – Cape Verde consists of 10 main islands, a scattered archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean.
The official language is Portuguese due to its colonial past, and the culture is a blend of Southern European, West African, and even Brazilian influences.
An Island Paradise to Explore
According to Traveloffpath, comparisons to the Maldives mainly come because of the island of Sal (which means "salt" in Portuguese) – a true gem surrounded by unbelievably turquoise waters, with miles of soft white sand like powdered sugar.
Sal is primarily a resort destination, with hotels along the coast and numerous beaches.
If you stay in the main town of Santa Maria, which is actually a laid-back village full of seafood restaurants, prices range from about $40 for an apartment to $200 for an all-inclusive resort.
The average hotel price is around $133, whereas in the Maldives it is significantly higher – about $234.
Food is also affordable: the traditional dish cachupa (a thick stew of corn, beans, vegetables, and meat) in a local tavern costs around 550 Cape Verdean escudos, or approximately $5.51. Beer is even cheaper – between $3 and $3.76.
True, you won’t find those famous overwater villas connected by wooden walkways, but if you’re looking for sun and relaxation – not perfect Instagram shots – you won’t miss a thing here.
Cape Verde More Diverse than the Maldives
In addition, Cape Verde offers much more diversity than the Maldives.
The Maldives may have more islands, but they are all quite similar: beaches, coral reefs, crystal-clear water.
On Cape Verde, beaches are not the only attraction.
For desert landscapes and even more secluded sandy beaches, there is Boa Vista – the island that most appeals to lovers of peace and wellness tourism, with just a few guesthouses.
On Santo Antão, the landscape changes dramatically. The desert scenes give way to green mountains full of hiking trails leading to small, centuries-old villages frozen in time.
Volcanic Landscapes and Colonial Architecture
Brava, on the other hand, combines both worlds. Untouched coves, rugged coastline, hills covered in flowers. It’s not called the "Island of Flowers" for nothing.
Fogo (which means "fire") boasts surreal volcanic landscapes – including the still active Pico do Fogo peak, hills with coffee plantations from the colonial era, and black sand beaches (São Filipe beach is particularly picturesque).
For those interested in culture, the capital city Praia, on the island of Santiago, offers a beautifully preserved colonial old town – Cidade Velha. It’s like a small Lisbon, but without the crowds. The local cuisine is fantastic – reports Forbes.
