AddictedToTravel.com

It has started - the rapid development of the beautiful Cape Verde islands is gathering momentum. When I first visited the islands over 7 years ago, only Sal was developing - with a few Italian-run hotels and a handful of charter flights. The government invited investment and opened the doors and how things are changing. On my last visit a year ago, Sal (Santa Maria) resembled a vast building site with new hotels and apartments going up at an alarming rate. The good news is - there will always be remote islands that are more difficult to access.... Fogo with its active volcano, and Santo Antao with mountains, walking and a single ferry connection.

In fact Brava, Fogo, Santiago, Sao Nicolau and Santo Antao each offer excellent hiking possibilities. From cobbled paths winding through lush tropical ribeiras to a snaking lava trail to the summit of active Mount Fogo, these islands offer simply magnificent scenery. Sal, Maio and Boavista are more suited to beachgoers and watersports enthusiasts with long white sand beaches, turquoise seas and challenging waves. For music, art and culture, Mindelo on Sao Vicente is the place to be.

I'd recommend you don't wait too long to visit though - for curious travellers in search of a more authentic experience - these islands are heading the same way as the Canaries... Is this a good thing or bad thing?