The incredible tropical islands that are 28C in October and a direct flight from the UK

The volcanic archipelago of , an island country of West in the central , is the epitome of island life – with hot temperatures throughout the year, very little rainfall, relatively low humidity and enjoyable sea breezes. 

Sometimes called Cabo Verde, it is a great destination for holidaymakers , particularly in the early autumn when temperatures are at their hottest. 

In September, usually the hottest month, temperatures can rise to about 35C. In October, temperatures usually remain between 26 and 28C, with daily maximums as high as 30C. 

Even in January and February, temperatures usually only drop to around 21C. 

What’s more, new routes providing better connections to Cape Verde from the UK have been implemented, meaning there has never been a better time to visit. 

The 10-strong island cluster hides in the eastern Atlantic, opposite the small African country of . Unlike many countries, Cape Verde remained empty until colonialism, when Portuguese and Genoese sailors stumbled across it in 1456. was the first to lay down roots, founding what is now the town of Cidade Velha on the south coast of Santiago in 1462. 

Praia followed in 1615, becoming the archipelago’s capital in 1770. Cape Verde gained independence from Portugal in 1975, but the islands’ history remains today with the Monumento de Diogo Gomes – a statue of the Portuguese explorer who discovered Santiago in 1460 and the Presidential Palace which was built in the 19th century for the Portuguese governor. 

Cape Verde has its own musical culture – morna – a lilting, rhythmic form of music whose spiritual leader is , a singer nicknamed the “Barefoot Diva” who hailed from Sao Vicente. She was so loved that, since she died in 2011, the island’s airport has been named after her. It was proclaimed the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by in December 2019.

Fogo Island is the most obvious example of the archipelago’s origins. The clue is in its name – “fogo” is Portuguese for “fire”. The conical summit of Pico do Fogo rises to an altitude of 2,829 metres and erupted as recently as 2015 – not that this seems to worry the nearly 36,000 locals. Chã das Caldeiras, a village of some 700, is located inside the volcano’s crater.

For those who enjoy the darker side of tourism, one can visit the eerie abandoned Esperadinha Airport, found on the southwesternmost island of Brava.

The sits on its western coast, occupying the only flat pieces of land, a precarious location on a narrow promontory near the water’s edge. Opened in 1992, the airport ceased operations in 2004 due to the strong winds that made it dangerous for planes to land.

Today, one can stroll across the deserted tarmac and inside its derelict buildings. There are two other defunct airports in the archipelago – Agostinho Neto Airport, in Santo Antão and Mosteiros in Fogo.

Admittedly, the , two hours further than the Canary Islands, but it is far more accessible than you first think. The Cape Verdean capital Praia sits some 2,837 miles from London, with the journey there taking you most of the way to the Equator. 

TUI offers direct flights to the island of Sal from Birmingham, Bristol, East Midlands, Glasgow, , Manchester and Newcastle. The package giant also has plans to launch a further connection from the neighbouring island of Boa Vista from the East Midlands in May 2025, which is already connected via many of the airports listed above. 

The Portuguese national carrier TAP offers an alternative indirect option, serving Sal and Boa Vista, plus the islands of Santiago and Sao Vicente from Lisbon. It also flies to the UK from Lisbon, landing at , Gatwick and Manchester. 

For those willing to make the trip, however, you will be rewarded with sun, sand, welcoming people and beautiful views.