If you,re looking for an uncommon holiday destination or somewhere new to invest in property then look no further than Cape Verde.Located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Senegal, western Africa, Cape Verde comprises a total of 10 islands and 8 islets. Before now Cape Verde's beauty a was a well kept secret. With endless beaches of fine white sand caressed by the azure ocean: the historical mystique of colonial style towns such as Ribeira Grande the first European city in the tropics: the broad assortment of vistas- from breathtaking volcanic - to green and abundant.

Nowadays, the Cape Verde islands are attracting tourists, especially holiday makers searching for an abundant mix of new holiday experiences. The Cape Verde people themselves are unique, being a cultural blend of their two closest neighbours - Senegal and Brazil. This intermingling is most obvious in the ever-present Cape Verde music; an exhilerating combination of Samba and Salsa sprinkled with tribal African.

If you enjoy fine beaches, beautiful scenery, vibrant cultures and have a sense of adventure Cape Verde will not disappoint.

Once a Portuguese colony, it has been independent since 1975. The country is obviously influenced by western culture, by and large Catholic and has a stable politic past. Situated just off the coast of West Africa, a direct flight from the UK to Cape Verde International Airport on the island of Sal is a reasonable five and a half hours flight. There is another international airport planned for the larger island of Praia. These are the closest tropical islands to Europe, hailed as the new Canaries but with the advantage of ninety nine percent guaranteed, year round temperatures of 25 to 30 degrees tempered with refreshing sea breezes.

As a tropical island destination, Cape Verde is as good as it gets. It's also about as good as it gets for property investment. Crystal clear water, Blue Flag awarded fine sandy beaches, dramatic mountains and a stunningly pretty landscape. The warm African waters play host to miles of spectacular coral reefs and present fantastic opportunities for shipwreck diving, swimming with dolphins and turtles, whale watching as well as the more usual variety of water sports. When the sun goes down the islands really come alive. A choice of first-rate entertainment, excellent restaurants, bars, nightclubs, live music, festivals and carnivals - there is something to suit every budget and taste.

Having acknowledged the importance of foreign investment and tourism, the government has set aside vast sums of money for improvements to the infrastructure and amenities, with a further 2.5 million euros allocated for the development of a top international golf destination.

There are few relatively unknown destinations that have the good fortune to be voted, the 12th most desirable location to invest in, by the UK Channel 4 programme "20 best places to buy in the sun" For the smart investor, property prices are currently on a par with Eastern Europe but with the added benefits of a tropical climate. This is a real opportunity to own the holiday property of tomorrow, at today's price. You really can have the best of both worlds in Cape Verde.