An independent travel specialist, which creates bespoke holidays to the Portuguese speaking islands of the Atlantic (Azores, Madeira, Cape Verde and Sao Tome) is reporting a surge in enquiries for winter walking breaks in Cape Verde.

The experience-led independent travel specialist says that the combination of the British summer weather “wash-out” and the starkly contrasting heatwaves and wildfires raging across the continent is a major factor.

Archipelago Choice, based in Cumbria, has been creating personal holidays based on 24 years of traveling and exploring these unique island archipelagos (there are 23 in total).

Co-founder Ian Coates comments;

‘Cape Verde has really seen a boost in terms of tourism over recent years as flight regularity has improved but it is still relatively quiet there, especially in the winter months.

‘We often see the island get a boost up our rankings as the seasons turn and travellers crave the combination of an active break with relative peace and quiet and some welcome warmth over winter.

‘However, this year has been bigger than ever. Back in the spring Cape verde was already riding high in our destinations list but if it carries on at this rate it will make the top spot, let alone the top 10.’

Earlier this year, Archipelago Choice highlighted a sunnier sales climate as travellers began to return to “experience led” breaks after a lull during the pandemic.

Now, with bookings up 25% on 2022 and 86% on 2021 respectively, the family-run has noticed that whilst the most popular destinations remain constant, there has been a major shift – family bookings.

Ian continues;

‘We’ve been exploring the world for nearly a quarter of a century, creating imaginative, tailor-made holidays for people who love to travel. There have always been the traditional favorite destinations within the islands but this year has surprised us with something new…family bookings.

‘Our holidays are pretty active, (hence the popularity of places like Cape Verde over winter) and they’ve tended to attract singles and couples who are into hiking, scuba or who just have that sense of adventure and heading off the beaten path.

‘That often means that younger families tend to seek other destinations or experiences as finding that balance can be tricky when not in traditional “resorts”.

‘However, there has been a kind of reset after the pandemic. We’ve not only seen our regular travellers returning to us and a general uptick in new bookings, we’ve also seen a marked change in the structure of the bookings, as families are bringing their more grown up children with them.’

With warmer winter walking top of the agenda for Cape Verde visitors, Ian and his team have included their top six recommendations for those seeking an active winter break and perhaps, a welcome ray of sunshine.

So why not leave the beaches behind and explore the vibrant culture and dramatic mountainous scenery of Cape Verde on these bespoke trips

Or for a focus on walking, check out the Best of Cape Verde walking in 15 days, including;

Scrambling up to the highest peak – Pico d’Antonia (1392m) – on Santiago, surrounded by jagged peaks

Standing on on top of Cape Verde’s highest point and volcano – Pico de Fogo (2829m) – and scree run down

Walking up to Sao Vicente’s highest spot – Monte Verde (744m) – with excellent views of the neigbouring islands

Hiking through alpine hills scattered with wildflowers to get to the top of Tope de Coroa (1979m) on Santo Antao