Discussion
Fancied booking something a little different for next year with the family ( 6 of us 3 rooms) as we generally do the Spain/Tenerife annual holiday trip.
Cape Verde popped up on a feed somewhere so i did a little digging. 6 hour flight seems ok but some very indifferent reviews. Reports of mass illness and constantly being hassled.
Anyone been ?
Cape Verde popped up on a feed somewhere so i did a little digging. 6 hour flight seems ok but some very indifferent reviews. Reports of mass illness and constantly being hassled.
Anyone been ?
Stedman said:
Visited 6 years ago. Didn't get hassled - this may have changed. Did get sick, both ends and felt properly rough with temp for 36 hours. This has not changed as colleagues have experienced the same recently. I suspect it was the water/ice/salad washed.
Beach and weather were decent
Tks. Beach and weather were decent
The beaches and weather is what drew me to look.
Not sure i could handle the wife and kids moaning about sickness so might pass
Depends where in CV you go.
Sal is beautiful and more of an 'explore' place.
Boa Vista, when I went, was all all-inclusive hotels and that's where I think issues have arisen with sickness.
I went to Boa Vista twice - first in 2014 when everything was relatively new. For doing nothing and relaxing by a pool, it was great but there was almost nothing to do on the island, which was like the surface of Mars.
Second time was in 2019 and it had deteriorated - both in terms of clientele and facilities. The OH got food poisoning, it wasn't great.
Sal is beautiful and more of an 'explore' place.
Boa Vista, when I went, was all all-inclusive hotels and that's where I think issues have arisen with sickness.
I went to Boa Vista twice - first in 2014 when everything was relatively new. For doing nothing and relaxing by a pool, it was great but there was almost nothing to do on the island, which was like the surface of Mars.
Second time was in 2019 and it had deteriorated - both in terms of clientele and facilities. The OH got food poisoning, it wasn't great.
Muzzer79 said:
Depends where in CV you go.
Sal is beautiful and more of an 'explore' place.
Boa Vista, when I went, was all all-inclusive hotels and that's where I think issues have arisen with sickness.
I went to Boa Vista twice - first in 2014 when everything was relatively new. For doing nothing and relaxing by a pool, it was great but there was almost nothing to do on the island, which was like the surface of Mars.
Second time was in 2019 and it had deteriorated - both in terms of clientele and facilities. The OH got food poisoning, it wasn't great.
Very possibly. I went to Sal. Would certainly go back for some winter sun...Sal is beautiful and more of an 'explore' place.
Boa Vista, when I went, was all all-inclusive hotels and that's where I think issues have arisen with sickness.
I went to Boa Vista twice - first in 2014 when everything was relatively new. For doing nothing and relaxing by a pool, it was great but there was almost nothing to do on the island, which was like the surface of Mars.
Second time was in 2019 and it had deteriorated - both in terms of clientele and facilities. The OH got food poisoning, it wasn't great.
Sal and Boa Vista are the touristy bits and generally OK.
Praia is an extension of Lagos and you'll get hassled for money all the time if you're white.
Only drink bottled water
Expect to get the s
ts when you eat out.
It blows a fking gale all the time, no matter where you are.
When it's not blowing a gale you'll get eaten by mozzers.
You can see everything there is to see there by lunchtime.
Forgot to add that there's hardly any natural vegetation as the place is a volcanic desert.
Praia is an extension of Lagos and you'll get hassled for money all the time if you're white.
Only drink bottled water
Expect to get the s
ts when you eat out.It blows a f
king gale all the time, no matter where you are.When it's not blowing a gale you'll get eaten by mozzers.
You can see everything there is to see there by lunchtime.
Forgot to add that there's hardly any natural vegetation as the place is a volcanic desert.
Edited by r3g on Tuesday 23 July 11:39
I went to the Dom Rep (Punta Cana) last year and had a great time - was one of the best holidays I've been on. Beautiful area, with some great beaches but let down by being incredibly dirty outside of the resorts (rubbish everywhere)
People were amazing, bar the Americans that make every hotel.... "American"
I'm just back from a fortnight in Hurghada (Egypt) and really enjoyed that, weather was what you'd expect from CV, but loads to do as close to a large city, and access to the pyramids if you want to do that for a day... yes, people try to get the money out your pocket for tips etc. but no worse than Turkey (in fact, I'd say the people in Egypt are much friendlier)
One thing that stood apart for me was the food. MUCH better than Turkey, and the Domican tbf...
In one sentence I'd describe it as 95% the holiday, that the Domican was, but at 40% the cost.
People were amazing, bar the Americans that make every hotel.... "American"
I'm just back from a fortnight in Hurghada (Egypt) and really enjoyed that, weather was what you'd expect from CV, but loads to do as close to a large city, and access to the pyramids if you want to do that for a day... yes, people try to get the money out your pocket for tips etc. but no worse than Turkey (in fact, I'd say the people in Egypt are much friendlier)
One thing that stood apart for me was the food. MUCH better than Turkey, and the Domican tbf...
In one sentence I'd describe it as 95% the holiday, that the Domican was, but at 40% the cost.
My least favourite holiday I ever went on was Sal in 2015.
Got sick, rare for me. Only other place this has ever happened to me is Sri Lanka.
I went in July and it was too breezy to sit around the pool.
Flies absolutely everywhere, possibly linked to point #1!
The resort was nice but it was brand new and just felt a bit soulless. Armed guards around the perimeter felt a bit excessive given there was nothing around for miles.
The one time we ventured out we were hassled by salespeople and stray dogs.
One positive I remember is watching the locals bring the fishing boats in and then the ladies gutting them on the pier. The speed and skill they work with was fascinating to see. Literally the only positive memory I have of there, would not recommend!
Got sick, rare for me. Only other place this has ever happened to me is Sri Lanka.
I went in July and it was too breezy to sit around the pool.
Flies absolutely everywhere, possibly linked to point #1!
The resort was nice but it was brand new and just felt a bit soulless. Armed guards around the perimeter felt a bit excessive given there was nothing around for miles.
The one time we ventured out we were hassled by salespeople and stray dogs.
One positive I remember is watching the locals bring the fishing boats in and then the ladies gutting them on the pier. The speed and skill they work with was fascinating to see. Literally the only positive memory I have of there, would not recommend!
Agree with previous views - we went in January 22 and was very windy and cloudy for the first week but warm/hot. I would guess in summer it would be even hotter given its location.
There is not a lot to do or see if you want to escape from the hotel.
If you are looking at summer then Cyprus and Turkey will be on the very hot side I would imagine - never been in peak season but always been hot when I been in early June and Late September.
As a change from Tenerife, maybe try Fuerteventura? Not quite as touristy as Tenerife perhaps.
There is not a lot to do or see if you want to escape from the hotel.
If you are looking at summer then Cyprus and Turkey will be on the very hot side I would imagine - never been in peak season but always been hot when I been in early June and Late September.
As a change from Tenerife, maybe try Fuerteventura? Not quite as touristy as Tenerife perhaps.
r3g said:
If you don't want long flights and want beaches, but not Spain/Canarias, then you need to stay in Europe. Turkey, Greek islands, Cyprus being the obvious candidates.
Tks We've been to turkey and whilst i liked it the Missus wouldnt go back. We went to Crete this year which TBF was lovely.
Have stayed lots at Sensatori Tenerife ( red level) but feel we need a change.
Just having a look at hotels in Majorca.
Am considering Dom Rep as i love a beach so more research needed on that one.
Personally i enjoyed Turkey (Max Royal Belek) but the wife is having none of it
Esquire said:
Tks
We've been to turkey and whilst i liked it the Missus wouldnt go back. We went to Crete this year which TBF was lovely.
Have stayed lots at Sensatori Tenerife ( red level) but feel we need a change.
Just having a look at hotels in Majorca.
Am considering Dom Rep as i love a beach so more research needed on that one.
Personally i enjoyed Turkey (Max Royal Belek) but the wife is having none of it
I realise we're out of the realms of short haul here but the only places I've ever been truly blown away by the beaches is the Maldives & Barbados.We've been to turkey and whilst i liked it the Missus wouldnt go back. We went to Crete this year which TBF was lovely.
Have stayed lots at Sensatori Tenerife ( red level) but feel we need a change.
Just having a look at hotels in Majorca.
Am considering Dom Rep as i love a beach so more research needed on that one.
Personally i enjoyed Turkey (Max Royal Belek) but the wife is having none of it
I'm not really a beach person but everywhere else I've been they've all been much of a muchness.
From my experience if you want to lie by a pool and not do much for a week and eat only from the hotel restaurants you'll be fine.
But if you like to get out and about eating in local bars and restaurants etc then dont bother as its a barren wasteland with nothing but sand and salt. The local village can be seen in 20 minutes and doesnt really offer much.
But if you like to get out and about eating in local bars and restaurants etc then dont bother as its a barren wasteland with nothing but sand and salt. The local village can be seen in 20 minutes and doesnt really offer much.
resolve10 said:
I realise we're out of the realms of short haul here but the only places I've ever been truly blown away by the beaches is the Maldives & Barbados.
I'm not really a beach person but everywhere else I've been they've all been much of a muchness.
Been fortunate enough to have traveled the Caribbean a couple of times via doing two crusies. Maldives have never been and maybe a tad too far flight wise. I'm not really a beach person but everywhere else I've been they've all been much of a muchness.
Just checking Dom rep now which could be a winner
ikarl said:
I went to the Dom Rep (Punta Cana) last year and had a great time - was one of the best holidays I've been on. Beautiful area, with some great beaches but let down by being incredibly dirty outside of the resorts (rubbish everywhere)
People were amazing, bar the Americans that make every hotel.... "American"
I'm just back from a fortnight in Hurghada (Egypt) and really enjoyed that, weather was what you'd expect from CV, but loads to do as close to a large city, and access to the pyramids if you want to do that for a day... yes, people try to get the money out your pocket for tips etc. but no worse than Turkey (in fact, I'd say the people in Egypt are much friendlier)
One thing that stood apart for me was the food. MUCH better than Turkey, and the Domican tbf...
In one sentence I'd describe it as 95% the holiday, that the Domican was, but at 40% the cost.
May i ask which hotel you stayed at pls ?People were amazing, bar the Americans that make every hotel.... "American"
I'm just back from a fortnight in Hurghada (Egypt) and really enjoyed that, weather was what you'd expect from CV, but loads to do as close to a large city, and access to the pyramids if you want to do that for a day... yes, people try to get the money out your pocket for tips etc. but no worse than Turkey (in fact, I'd say the people in Egypt are much friendlier)
One thing that stood apart for me was the food. MUCH better than Turkey, and the Domican tbf...
In one sentence I'd describe it as 95% the holiday, that the Domican was, but at 40% the cost.
resolve10 said:
I realise we're out of the realms of short haul here but the only places I've ever been truly blown away by the beaches is the Maldives & Barbados.
I'm not really a beach person but everywhere else I've been they've all been much of a muchness.
Scotland has the best beaches I've ever seen.I'm not really a beach person but everywhere else I've been they've all been much of a muchness.
Just a shame it doesn't have the weather to go with it.
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