cape verde property

Cultural Events Sal Island, Cape Verde

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Cultural Events
Religious and other Festivals The majority of the popular festivals and celebrations were also imported from the other islands, for example:
CARNAVAL
19TH OF MARCH - The festival of S. José in PALMEIRA
3RD QF MAY - Celebration of Santa Cruz
JUNE/JULY - The festival of the Popular Saints: St.Antonio, S.João and S.Pedro, respectively in PEDRA DO LUME, ALTO S.JOÂO and HORTELÃ.
15TH OF AUGUST - The festival of S.ra da Piedade (Our Lady of Pity) in PEDRA DO LUME.
15TH SEPTEMBER - Municipal Celebrations Municipal Day commemorates the founding of Sal's larger communities with a great many activities and its high point takes place at the Santa Maria Festival of Music, carried out on the beach with the same name. lt is a remarkable event and an essential part of the tourist circuit of Sal and Cape Verde due to the renown it has attained over the years.

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History of Sal Island, Cape Verde

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History
Sal was discoverd in 1640 and was first known as LLANA or PLANA meaning "flat'. It was given its present nome when a lagoon in a crater of an extinct volcano was discovered and in this place, after the rains, salt was produced. This crater is now known as PEDRA DO LUME.Practically uninhabited and used only for grazing animals by the neighbouring population of BOA VISTA, it was only when salt was discovered that Sal began to grow in importance and, in fact, salt became its main export right up until the middle of this century.With a strong contribution from Italy and the recognition that a fueling point for flights to South America was necessary, the International Airport was built in 1939. As a result, quite a large internal migration took place, particularly from S.Nicolau to Sal. This factor made possible the construction of the tourist complexes, which for the last 20 years have been growing, particularly in SANTA MARTA, the region where the old salt pits were. The main attraction of this area are the magnificent beaches and sea and the excellent conditions for practising water sports.

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Maio - history of Maio, Cape Verde

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History
The island was discovered on the 1st of May 1460 by the Portuguese navigators Diego Gomes and Antonio de Noli, and it was from the name of this month that the island "Maio" got its name.The economic activity of the island at the time was limited basically to the breeding of goats. Later, at the beginning of the XVII century,the production of salt brought more people to the island.As many English ships stopped here to get supplies, the port became known as Porto Inglês, which means English Port.In the XIX century, the export of salt to Brazil greatly boosted the economy. During the XX century, emmigration began and steadily increased. Life in Cabo Verde was difficult, mainly due to the terrible droughts that hit the country year after year.

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Cultural Events Maio Cape Verde

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Religious and other FestivalsThe two most important celebratians are:
3rd of MayThe May Festival, Festival of the "Santa Cruz" (Holy Cross)
24th, 25th and 26th of JuneThe Traditional celebrations of S.Joào
Weddings are also celebrated in a very traditianal way, with everyone getting together the night before to give presents and help in the preparations for the big day.

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CAPE VERDE MAIO ISLAND

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A VISIT TO FIGUEIRA DA HORTA AND RIBEIRA DO JOÃO:This trip takes the visitor into the oasis. FIGUEIRA DA HORTA is about 6 km from the town of MAIO. The scenery is truly desert like and unusually attractive. The bird-life found here, well adapted to desert conditions, feeds on insects and can go without water for long periods of time.There is also another co-operative here in the shape of an African hut. On the road, out in the direction of Figueira Seca, there is an animal drinking trough. RIBEIRA DE JOÃO is the final stopping point and is a truly magnificent oasis.

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Salt Pits in Cape Verde

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A VISIT TO THE SALT PITS AND THE MORRO-MORINHO:Although these extraordinary salt pits, 5000 m long and 1500 m wide, are no longer in use, they are well worth a visit. The vegetation in the area is very unique. Two typical species, called locally the "Marraça" and the "Salsola Soda" are the main ones to be found here.MORRO is a small village practically built along the road side. The local handicrafts of pots and other cooking utensils are very interesting. It has a very attractive beach and its clear waters are excellent for fishing.In the same vicinity, between Costa and Monte Batalha is a regian where there is absolutely no vegetation. The mirages that appear here make you feel as in you are in the open desert.A little further on is CALHETA, a small fishing port. It was in this region that the infra-structures for reforestation were introduced for cattle breeding purposes.CALHETA de BAIXO has two fine white sandy beaches, sheltered by the rock formations at both ends.Next on the route is MORRINHO, where to the north is another salt pit separated from the sea by about 1200 m.BAIA de SANTANA is a deserted beach in the shape of semi-circle. It is the beach that the fishermen from MORRINHO use and the turtles too are also fond of this beach.Nearby are two more beautiful beaches, BAIA de PORTO CAIS and PRAIA REAL, where the turtles can be seen and where there is an abundance of shellfish.
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Places to visit Cape Verde

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Places to visit and Itineraries
In front of the capital of the island, the village of Sal-Rei, you will find the islet with the same name with signs of the historic Duque de Bragança Fort. Walking on the beach of Chave, you will arrive at Rabil which in the past was the most important location of the island. Here you may visit the church of S. Roque, the oldest of on Boa Vista that was built in 1801, and you may also tour a ceramic factory. We suggest that you return to Sal-Rei by the road passing through dunes and date-trees.By car, preferably in an off-road vehicle, from Rabil you will reach Povoação Velha, after having passed by Monte de Santo Antonio. Going Northwards, we recommend a drive through the rural areas and the villages of João Galego, Cabeço dos Tarrafes, until you reach the Morro Negro lighthouse, which is the most Eastern point of the Archipelago and the nearest to the African continent.
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Sports and Entertainment Cape Verde

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Sports and Entertainment
Known as the island of beaches and dunes, the Boa Vista's coast provides the best alternative for the tourist's leisure time. Either for a swim in crystal clear waters or for sports like windsurfing, scuba-diving or fishing. Among the other beaches surrounding the whole island, Curralinho stands out as the very best in all of Cape Verde. This beach is also known as Santa Monica because of its resemblance to the beach with this same name in the United States of America.In the island where "morna" commenced, the evenings at the sound of music, in the warm and exotic African atmosphere. You can also find an offer of friendship and companionship with the hospitable people of Boa Vista who are always ready for a good conversation.

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Food and Drink Cape Verde

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Food and Drink
The food is rich and varied, based on fish and shellfish. The "lagostada', prepared in various forms, and the delicious dishes made with limpets, and crab should not be missed by those visiting the island. The fish soup and the soup made with ("capado") goat meat are also enloyed by the most demanding "gourmet". As dessert or for breakfast, try tasty cheese of Boa Vista.

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Handicraft on Cape Verde Islands

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Handicraft
Of all the industrial handicrafts introduced at the time of the settlement of the population there is only one remaining. This is the production of ceramics using the typical African methods. Besides being decorative, the cooking pots, mosaics, floors tile are also very useful. ln the working shops and local establishments you may find embroideries, rough clay dolls, straw hats and various objects carved out of horns and coconut shells. The latter of these is very popular with tourists.

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Cultural Events on Cape Verde Islands

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Cultural Events
During the year, diverse festivities take place to animate the cultural life of Boa Vista.
Religious and Other Festivals
1st of JANUARY - Celebrated throughout the whole island, the biggest celebration of this festival is in the village of Sal-Rei with dances and other forms of festivities. 6th of
JANUARY - The festival of the Three Wise Men is celebrated in the villages of João Galego, Funda das Figueiras and Cabeça dos Tarafes, with mass, dances and various other social activities. Groups of musicians visit the houses playing the music connected to this occasion.
CARNAVAL TUESDAY - This is celebrated all over the island. 3rd of MAY On this day the Feast of the Saint Cross is celebrated to commemorate the liberation of the slaves, and it attracks all inhabitants of the island. Besides the mass and procession, there are also parades marching to the sounds of drums, whistles and hooting.
4th of MAY - Celebration of Pidrona.
8th of MAY - The feast of S. Roque at Povoação Velha, with mass procession and the dance that no festival would be complete without.
28th of MAY - Festival of "Cruz Nhô Lolo" with goat fighting.
l3th of JUNE - The Feast of Saint Anthony, with a procession that approaches a small church (Ermida) located in the centre of,the island, near "Rocha de Santo Antonio" (Saint Anthony Rock).
4th of JULY - The mam festivity of the island since it is the day of Santa Isabel, the Patron Saint of Boa Vista. Because it is the Municipal Day, it is the largest festival and it attracts many people from the other islands.
24th of JULY - The Feast of Saint John the Baptist in the Parish with the sarne name, with procession and offerings.
15th of AUGUST - The feast of Our Lady of Mercy ("Nossa Senhora da Piedade") takes place in the village of João Galego.
16th of AUGUST - Celebration in Rabil of the feast of S. Roque.
AUGUST - During the third weekend of this month the Festival of Music of Praia de Santa Cruz takes place, bringing artists from the other islands and from abroad.
8th DECEMBER - Povoação Velha celebrates the feast of its Patroness, the Immaculate Conception

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Cape Verde History

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History
It was discovered on the 3rd of May, 1480, after the islands of Maio, Santiago and Fogo, and was first named S.Cristovão.The name Boa Vista has its origin in the exclamation "Captain, good sight (boa vista)", instead of the traditional "Land at sight", due to the joy of a sailor in the dormer window of a sailing vessel which faced a fearful tempest. Initially dependent on one of the ports under the command of a captain in the island of Santiago, the occupancy of that island started in 1497, when it was given to Captam Rodrigo Afonso for the raising of cattle in the hands of a small number of shepherds.Its adual population began in 1620. In this year the firts settlement, Povoação Velha, was established when a group of Englishmen started to extract salt which contributed significantly to an improvement in the economy of the island, consequently attracting other industries, such as cloth weaving and ceramics. From this time on the island had great prosperity and it became an important cultural centre in the Archipelago. A little later, pirates, attracted by the products it manufactured, discovered Boa Vista. The island then suffered a raid in 1815 and 1817. To protect against such attacks, the Duque de Bragança Fort was built on the islet of SalRei. Boavista is considered the birth place of the 'morna' which is the main musical genre of Cape Verde. This word had its origin in the English verb "to mourn", which means to cry or to lament.In 1843 the island was the centre of the Portuguese-British Commission for the abolishment of slavery.

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Location of Boa Vista

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Location
Boavista is the most eastern island of the Archipelago, and quite near to the African continent. It has a surface of 620 km2 and is pentagonal in shape with its longest distance, from North to South of 31 km, and 29 km from West to East. lt is made of sedimentary rocks and is basically flat except for the volcanic formations in Rabil and Fundo das Figueiras. Pico d'Estancia at 390 meters is the highest point of the island. Among the typical vegetation of the island is the date palm a kind of a palm tree with three or six branches coming out of the same base.The island is covered with sand dunes which give it a lunar scenery and it has 55 km of beautiful white sand beaches and esmerald green water. All these characteristics make Boa Vista an excellent tourist attradion.

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Gatwick direct flight to Cape Verde

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The direct flights from Gatwick and Manchester have been a huge success, with hundreds of Brits visiting Cape Verde each week. The flights, both on a Thursday, take from 5.5 hours and are with Astraeus, a British charter company, and have been chartered by Holiday Options, The Cape Verde Experience ( 0845 338 8709) and TeleTicket Travel ( go to www.teletickettravel.co.uk for online bookings). THOMSONS HAVE BOUGHT FORWARD THEIR DIRECT FLIGHT FROM GATWICK FROM MAY TO FEBRUARY 2007 DUE TO THE DEMAND.

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Flights to Cape Verde

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BOEING 757 FLIES INTO BOA VISTAA Boeing 757 has flown into the new Boa Vista airport as test run for the charters due to the VentaClub Italian all inclusive hotel. http://www.ventaclubresorts.com/english/properties/boa_vista/ The airport does not have landing lights yet, or a guidance system yet, but flights are due to start shortly from Italy.

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CAPE VERDE TOURISM RISES BY AN AVERAGE OF 28% OVER THE LAST 5 YEARS.

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TOURISM RISES BY AN AVERAGE OF 28% OVER THE LAST 5 YEARS.

The tourism sector, according to Cabo Verde Investimentos, has seen annual growth on the order of 11%-12% and “has been the main locomotive for the country’s economic growth. The flow of tourists over the last five years has increased at an annual rate of 28%, with the number of visitors jumping from 67,000 in 2000 to 230,000 in 2005.” It is estimated that some 280,000 foreigners visited the country in 2006. In 2006, the flow of tourists to Cape Verde grew with the introduction of charter flights originating in Sweden, Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom. Several countries in southern and Eastern Europe have also demonstrated interest in Cape Verde as a tourist destination.

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MORTGAGES BECOME EASIER IN CAPE VERDE

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MORTGAGES BECOME EASIER IN CAPE VERDE.

The basic mortgage conditions for mortgages in Cape Verde are listed below. This information has been passed to us by mortgage brokers who specialize in Cape Verde. Cape Verde Property Ltd are not licenced mortgage brokers and take no responsibilty for the accuracy of this information. Please call and we can forward your details to the mortgage brokers. Basic Mortgage conditions for non-residents in Cape Verde: Loan: Up to 75% of appraised value of the property by the bank or the purchased price, whichever is less Term: up to 25 years depending on apllicant’s age Currency of the loan: euros Interest rate: From 7% ( Euribor 6 months + 3%) variable Repayment: Monthly installments of principal and interest. Max. Age: 65 years Bank arrangement fee: 1%flat paid prior to the first disbursement Redemption fee: 2% of the prepaid capital (only applicable on full repayments) Collateral: Mortgage on the Cape Verde property Insurance: The property must be insured for the full loan loan value and the Bank named beneficiary until the repayment of the loan Other conditions prior to loan underwriting:Bank account in euros in the Cape Verde Bank Deposit of arrangement fees Copy of the purchase agreement Property documents Proof of downpayment Deposit of equivalent of 8% for tax, notary and property registration fees Power of attorney issue in benefit of the bank or a legal representative for procedural representation Completion: Funds are released after the public deed, mortgage contract and registration of the mortgage with the property Registration Office Observations: Stage loans available depending on development.

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Introduction to Cape Verde

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Introduction to Cape Verde
The archipelago of Cape Verde is a closely knit group of 10 islands and 8 islets in the Atlantic Ocean, some 400 miles west of Senegal. The islands all have their own characters, some volcanic and mountainous, others flat and sandy. The northern group includes Santo Antao, Sao Vicente, Santa Lucia and San Nicolao. To the west are the sandy islands of Sal and Boa Vista, and to the south is Brava with its abundance of flora, the volcanic Fogo, beautiful white sandy beaches of Maio and finally the largest island of Santiago with its white sandy coves and mountainous interior. The capital Praia can be found on the south coast of Santiago. Cape Verde was first discovered in 1460 by Antonio Da Noli, a Genoan merchant, working as a Portuguese explorer. It is situated between 4 continents, Africa, Europe, North America and South America, only 3 hours from Brazil and 4 hours from mainland Europe.

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Investment Cape Verde

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Reasons Why Cape Verde Is An Intelligent Investment :Investment Property Cape Verde - Natural• All year round excellent weather• UK closest Tropical islands• Experts predict an increase in property value of up to 70 per cent over the next two years (A Place in the Sun, July 2006)• Beautiful beaches, exotic tropical plantations and breathtaking mountains• Very low cost living offering affordable holidays• Flight times only 5.5 hrs from UK with little jet lag as in Investment Property Cape Verde - Economic• Early stage of development in Cape Verde, ideal time to invest• Huge tourism growth potential• New International Airport and Cape Verde airlines to start direct flights from UK in 2006• Very strong public and private investment• Currently being re-classified as a "middle-income" country due to foreign investment in infrastructure and tourism• Strong possibility of inclusion in the European Union• Excellent property prices, Cape Verde beach apartments from €47,000• Exchange rate value of local currency is fixed to the Euro• A multi-party very stable democracy, supportive of foreign direct investment• Guaranteed rental schemes in place for up to 3 years.

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SANTO ANTAO - Cape Verde

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SANTO ANTAO
Considered by many to have the most spectacular of all the Cape Verdian landscapes, Santo Antao consists of a mountain range exceeding 5000ft which divides the island in two. Take a ferry from Sao Vicente, taking about one hour into Porto Novo. Visit the towns of Ribeira Grande, many visitors base for further explorations, and Ponto do Sol, the island's administrative capital. The colonial architecture is prevalent here and the island's airport is located here. Favoured especially by walkers, the island has a strangely diverse local sub climate, ranging from the rugged coast to the fertile forests in the interior. Near the township of Janela is a rock with inscriptions dating back to the fifteenth century. Another important thing to try while in the Cape Verde archipelago is its famous local rum, grogue. Made from sugar cane, it has quite a kick!

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MAIO ISLAND CAPE VERDE

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MAIO
The sand here is white and the beaches, like the rest of the island, idyllic. Another extremely flat island, it is so quiet it has almost been forgotten. The vast, palm-fringed beaches are all but deserted and you can bask in its unspoilt loveliness. Even the turtles have recognised this haven, and many have been earmarked to lay their eggs. You'll be spoilt for choice where to lay and simply absorb the tranquillity. If you could ever get bored of this, head to the capital, Vila do Maio. Only a small town but there is a traditional church. The next town along, about three miles down, is Morro where there isn't much to do but enjoy the peace and breathtaking scenery.You'd benefit by hiring a vehicle to navigate Maio, accessing its many beaches and simple villages. The locals here favour a quiet life, yet are invariably friendly, and with a population of only 6,000, and scenery so stunning, you can understand the unhurried pace.

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FOGO - Cape Verde

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FOGO
Fogo developed from a volcano, the summit reaches 10,000ft, and the climate is unsurprisingly hot all year round. There is great contrast here between the arid spots in the south and the lush, green northern region. The capital is Sao Filipe, built on a cliff, and like Sao Vicente, still very much reflects its colonial past, especially in the architecture. The sand on the island is black, due to the volcanic nature of the rock, and you can bathe in the natural pool at Salina de Sao Jorge. The village of Chas das Caldeiras is actually inside the crater of the volcano, well worth the three-hour journey from Sao Filipe. It is possible to arrange to stay with a family at the base, or alternatively at the Pousada Pedra Brabu, near Chas das Caldeiras. You can hire a guide and the ascent takes about five hours, the descent about two, if you feeling fit, give it a go, but it's not recommended for those in less than tiptop condition. If you've exerted yourself enough at other activities, you can always ride to the volcano on a horse, riding equipment is available to rent.

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SAO VICENTE - Cape Verde

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SAO VICENTE
As one of the volcanic isles, land erosion has caused the coastline to shrink. Mindelo is the capital and a post-colonial port. You can see the influences left behind by its former British rulers, in the cemetery and coaling station. Mindelo is also a site for intellectual and artistic communities and has a lively nightlife. Visit around Ash Wednesday, and you should catch the island's carnival, Cape Verde's liveliest. Another traditional festival held on Sao Vicente during August is Baia das Gratas, an international music event lasting three days and three nights. There is also a great beach here that is the island's safest. If windsurfing is your thing, you'd be mad to miss Sao Pedro beach, a long stretch that enables fast sailing. The cultural centre for Cape Verde, in terms of music and its cosmopolitan vibe, many of the big names in Cape Verdian music originated from Sao Vicente.

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Boa Vista Island, Cape Verde

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BOAVISTA
Dubbed 'the sand dune isle' for it's distinctly desert-like appearance, Boavista experiences the hot, dry winds blowing off the Sahara. An ideal location for sailing, diving, surfing, fishing, and kayaking, Boavista also boasts one of the best beaches to be found on Cape Verde, Curralinho, it is also the largest. The quaint port at Sal Rei is the Boavista's capital, and here you'll find the limited accommodation the island offers. Boavista is still very much developing, and you will need to book rooms in advance.If you have your own transport, you can reach many of the island's incredible highlights, and some of the more remote beaches. There is a craft centre just inland from Chave beach, where you find sites of production of ceramics. Walking tours across the sand dunes are popular, as are the extensive selection of water sports.

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Santiago Island, Cape Verde

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SANTIAGO
Considered the most African of all the islands, Santiago is rich in culture, evident during its many festivals and local music. It is also the largest island in Cape Verde and the most densely populated. The scenery here remains stunning and natural, testament to its ancient status as the first Cape Verde island to be populated by humans. In contrast to Sal, the interior is mountainous, the highest peak being Pico d'Antonia at 5000 ft. The beaches are sandy but smaller than on some other islands, but the landscapes are fabulous nonetheless, for the colourful flora and picturesque villages. The capital Praia enjoys a lively entertainment scene. The stunningly natural town of Tarrafal on a hill, overlooking a lush valley opening out into the palm-lined beaches and blue waters.About ten miles from the old city of Praia, Cidade Velha was a port for the trading of slaves and goods between the European empires. The old fortress overlooks narrow, cobbled streets, giving the city a nostalgic air of its former glory during colonial times. This is an interesting place to wander round, taking the old Cathedral and St Filipe Fortress. The first university in Cape Verde was established here in Praia. There is also a museum of marine archaeology, which houses treasure recovered from various wrecks that sunk around the islands.You can rent a jeep to travel across the mountain ranges to Vila do Tarrafal, stopping at Assomada en route, where you can find a colourful African market. The return trip along the coastal roads affords stunning views.

For information on Property in Santiago, Cape Verde, please see www.topa.co.uk

Sal Island, Cape Verde

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SAL The most developed of the islands, Sal hosts the international airport, and a wide range of hotels to choose from. The gorgeous stretches of palm-lined beaches have attracted a range of visitors. The main town here, Santa Maria, is a centre for tourism and water sports in the crystal waters and sandy coves. The entertainment found here is typical of the lively Capverdian culture, bars and restaurants playing local music. Espargos is the administrative centre, located close to the airport and offers plenty of shops, bars and restaurants to keep you amused.Sal is named after the salt mines that once operated here, and the island is the flattest in the archipelago. Tours of the island are available taking in the Pedra de Lume salt pond, the port of Palmeira the volcano crater and the natural pool at Buracona. Sea excursions can be taken by boat around the coast, stopping at various ports along the way. Alternatively you can take day trips to other islands by catamaran.The rapid expansion of the tourism on the island is evident in the many hotels and facilities springing up; it is primarily a beach resort due to its rather monotonous scenery. Accommodation is not a problem here, and you can even hire a beach buggy and taxis are available from the airport.

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Lawyers in Majorca

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Law Firm Overview Despacho Morell®, Abogados was founded by Mr. Joaquin Morell y Rovira in 1945 and was one of the first English-speaking law offices in the city. The Law Office was first located on the mezzanine floor of the Morell Palace, a building constructed in the XVIII century, formerly owned by the Morell family. Despacho Morell®, Abogados offers its clients the professional services of a highly qualified legal staff. All the solicitors in the office are prepared, first of all, to prevent and, as the case may be, to solve the economical and legal problems of the clients by seeking and reaching the most useful and effective solution in order to attain the intended objective. Our law office, since established, specialises in advising individual persons or corporate bodies in their relationship between them or with the Administration. Our registered office is located in Palma de Mallorca, although we operate all over the Balearic Islands and we are in collaboration with a wide range of law offices in Spain and other European Union countries. Despacho Morell®, Abogados, being aware that each client requires a specific treatment/handling adapted to his objectives and to his economical situation as well, therefore considers it essential to personalise its attention to the client and, moreover, to be extremely careful with the negotiation/mediation process aimed at avoiding that the initiatives and acts of the client be decided judicially. That is to say, we practise preventive law. The professionals and all the staff of Despacho Morell® are, of course, engaged to respect both the deontological code of law and also our own Code of Ethics and Confidentiality. Foreign Investments, Civil Law, Advise on Construction, Promotion and sale of Real Estate properties, Conveyancing, Company Law, Copyright, Inheritance Law, Family Law, Debt collecting, Urban planning Law, Lease (tennancy) Law, Comunity of owners property Law and International Trade Real Estate Law. I.- Integral advice and defence during the process of construction, promotion and sale of real estate properties. II.- Complete advice in the process of acquisition and sale of real estate property. III.- Advice on real estate investments, especially foreign investments in Spain. IV.- Negotiations and drawing up of contracts (purchase-sale, options to purchase, leases, etc.) V.- Advice on costs (taxes, duties, public deeds, mortgages, banks, Land Registry, etc.) VI.- Advice on Community of Owners. VII.- Investigation of the urbanistic situation of real estate properties in Municipalities, Cadastres and Land Registries. Year this Office was Established: 1945Number of Offices Worldwide: 2Attorneys in this Office: 4Attorneys Worldwide: 5Languages: Spanish, English, French, German

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Majorca - language

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Language: The local language is Catalan, with a great deal of dialectal variety when compared to the Catalan of other areas (Catalonia, Valencia) or even the other Balearic islands. There is also a relatively large amount of variation between Majorcan localities. In view of the diversity, the local language is often termed "Majorcan" (mallorquí) or Balearic (balear) rather than the general term Catalan (català). Despite numerous differences between Majorcan and Central Catalan, islanders generally agree that they are varieties of the same language, whereas Valencians very often deny that their language is Catalan, and the matter is often hotly disputed. Spanish also has the status of an official language, and many Spanish speakers moved from other parts of Spain to the island in the twentieth century. Young Majorcans are typically bilingual in Catalan and Spanish, with some knowledge of English or German as a foreign language, especially due to the large number of tourists on the island

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History of Majorca

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History: The island was conquered by James I of Aragon in 1229, creator of the Kingdom of Majorca; prior to that, it was under Moorish or Arab domination.

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Majorca

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Majorca (Mallorca in Catalan and Spanish (sometimes also encountered in English), from Latin insula maior, later Maiorica "major island") is one of the Balearic Islands (Catalan: Illes Balears, Spanish: Islas Baleares), which are located in the Mediterranean Sea and are a part of Spain. Like the other Balearic Islands Ibiza (Catalan: Eivissa), Formentera and Minorca ("minor island", Catalan and Spanish: Menorca), the island is a popular tourist destination. In Germany, where package tourism to Majorca has been popular since the 1960s, it has become a synonym for mass tourism and also for birdwatchers

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GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS in Cape Verde

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The Cape Verde constitution adopted in 1980 and revised in 1992, 1995, and 1999 forms the basis of government. The president is head of state and is elected by popular vote for a 5-year term; the most recent elections were held in February 2001. The prime minister is head of government and proposes other ministers and secretaries of state. The prime minister is nominated by the National Assembly and appointed by the president. Members of the National Assembly are elected by popular vote for 5-year terms; the most recent elections were held in 2001. Nationwide municipal elections were held March 21, 2004. The next presidential and parliamentary elections are scheduled for January 2006. The judicial system comprises a Supreme Court of Justice--whose members are appointed by the president, the National Assembly, and the Board of the Judiciary--and regional courts. Separate courts hear civil, constitutional and criminal cases. Appeal is to the Supreme Court.Cape Verde enjoys a stable democratic system. The Movement for Democracy (MpD) captured a governing majority in the National Assembly in the country's first multi-party general elections in 1991. The MpD was returned to power with a larger majority in the general elections held in December 1995. In 2001, the PAICV regained power. Currently, there are four parties with seats in the National Assembly--PAICV 40, MPD 30, PCD 1, and PTS 1.

For help on buying property in Cape Verde go to www.topa.co.uk

Travel in Cape Verde

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CURRENCY
The unit of currency is the Cape Verdean escudo (CVE). The CVE is tied to the Euro at CVE 110.265 = 1 Euro. There is a bureau de change at the airport, and local banks will change travelers cheques and foreign currency. The Morabeza Hotel changes euros at 105 CVE. There is an ATM at the international airport, but no others in the islands as yet. Major credit cards are accepted only in a few main resort hotels and restaurants, but this is growing all the time. Banks will give cash on credit cards but commissions can be high. If you are looking to purchase a property, it is advisable to open a bank account in Cape Verde, both in CVE and Euros. CVE cannot be transferred out of the country, but euros can.

Please look at website www.topa.co.uk for property sales on Cape Verde

Travelling to Cape Verde

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HEALTH
No vaccinations are required for entry to Cape Verde, however it is recommended that precautions be taken against cholera, typhoid fever, polio and Hepatitis B. There is a very limited risk of malaria on Santiago Island between September and November, but generally there are very few mosquitoes. Water is unsafe to drink without prior treatment, but we do know Europeans in Santiago who have drunk the tap water for the past 5 years with no ill health. Milk is unpasteurised. Medical facilities are limited and some medicines in short supply. Visitors receive free hospital treatment in general hospitals on presenting their passports, but health insurance is strongly advised, with coverage for emergency repatriation. There is a new hospital and new private health clinics being built on Sal.

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History of Cape Verde

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HISTORY
In 1462, Portuguese settlers arrived at Santiago and founded Ribeira Grande (now Cidade Velha)--the first permanent European settlement city in the tropics. In the 16th century, the archipelago prospered from the transatlantic slave trade. Pirates occasionally attacked the Portuguese settlements. Sir Francis Drake sacked Ribeira Grande in 1585. After a French attack in 1712, the city declined in importance relative to Praia, which became the capital in 1770.With the decline in the slave trade, Cape Verde's early prosperity slowly vanished. However, the islands' position astride mid-Atlantic shipping lanes made Cape Verde an ideal location for resupplying ships. Because of its excellent harbour, Mindelo (on the island of São Vicente) became an important commercial centre during the 19th century.Portugal changed Cape Verde's status from a colony to an overseas province in 1951 in an attempt to blunt growing nationalism. Nevertheless, in 1956, Amilcar Cabral, a Cape Verdean, and a group of Cape Verdeans and Guinea-Bissauans organized (in Guinea-Bissau) the clandestine African Party for the Independence of Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde (PAIGC), which demanded improvement in economic, social, and political conditions in Cape Verde and Portuguese Guinea and formed the basis of the two nations' independence movement. Moving its headquarters to Conakry, Guinea in 1960, the PAIGC began an armed rebellion against Portugal in 1961. Acts of sabotage eventually grew into a war in Portuguese Guinea that pitted 10,000 Soviet bloc-supported PAIGC soldiers against 35,000 Portuguese and African troops.By 1972, the PAIGC controlled much of Portuguese Guinea despite the presence of the Portuguese troops, but the organization did not attempt to disrupt Portuguese control in Cape Verde. Portuguese Guinea declared independence in 1973 and was granted de jure independence in 1974. Following the April 1974 revolution in Portugal, the PAIGC became an active political movement in Cape Verde. In December 1974, the PAIGC and Portugal signed an agreement providing for a transitional government composed of Portuguese and Cape Verdeans. On June 30, 1975, Cape Verdeans elected a National Assembly, which received the instruments of independence from Portugal on July 5, 1975.Immediately following the November 1980 coup in Guinea-Bissau, relations between Cape Verde and Guinea-Bissau became strained. Cape Verde abandoned its hope for unity with Guinea-Bissau and formed the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV). Problems have since been resolved, and relations between the countries are good. The PAICV and its predecessor established a one-party system and ruled Cape Verde from independence until 1990.Responding to growing pressure for pluralistic democracy, the PAICV called an emergency congress in February 1990 to discuss proposed constitutional changes to end one-party rule. Opposition groups came together to form the Movement for Democracy (MpD) in Praia in April 1990. Together, they campaigned for the right to contest the presidential election scheduled for December 1990. The one-party state was abolished September 28, 1990, and the first multi-party elections were held in January 1991. The MpD won a majority of the seats in the National Assembly, and the MpD presidential candidate Mascarenhas Monteiro defeated the PAICV's candidate with 73.5% of the votes. Legislative elections in December 1995 increased the MpD majority in the National Assembly. The party won 50 of the National Assembly's 72 seats. A February 1996 presidential election returned President Mascarenhas Monteiro to office. Legislative elections in January 2001 returned power to the PAICV. The PAICV now holds 40 of the National Assembly seats, MpD 30, and PCD and PTS 1 each. In February 2001, the PAICV-supported presidential candidate Pedro Pires defeated former MpD leader Carlos Veiga by only 13 votes.

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People in Cape Verde

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PEOPLE

The Cape Verde archipelago was uninhabited until the Portuguese discovered the islands in 1456. African slaves were brought to the islands to work on Portuguese plantations. As a result, Cape Verdeans are of mixed African and European origin. The influence of African culture is most pronounced on the island of Santiago, where half the population resides. It is believed that of the more than 1 million individuals of Cape Verdean ancestry, fewer than half actually live on the islands. Some 500,000 people of Cape Verdean ancestry live in the United States, mainly in New England. Portugal, Netherlands, Italy, France, and Senegal also have large communities.The official language is Portuguese, but most Cape Verdeans also speak a Creole dialect--Crioulo--which is based on archaic Portuguese but influenced by African and European languages. Cape Verde has a rich tradition of Crioulo literature and music.

For more information on Cape Verde go to www.topa.co.uk

Cape Verde Geography

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GEOGRAPHYThe Cape Verde Islands are located in the mid-Atlantic Ocean some 450 kilometers (about 300 mi.) off the west coast of Africa. The archipelago includes 10 islands and 5 islets, divided into the windward (Barlavento) and leeward (Sotavento) groups. The main islands in the Barlavento group are Santo Antão, São Vicente, Santa Luzia, São Nicolau, Sal, and Boa Vista; those of the Sotavento group include Maio, Santiago, Fogo, and Brava. All larger islands but Santa Luzia are inhabited. Three islands--Sal, Boa Vista, and Maio--generally are level and very dry. Mountains higher than 1,280 meters (4,200 ft.) are found on Santiago, Fogo, Santo Antão, and São Nicolau. Sand carried by high winds has created spectacular rock formations on all islands, especially the windward ones. Sheer, jagged cliffs rise from the sea on several of the mountainous islands. Natural vegetation is sparse in the uplands and coast, but interior valleys support denser growth. Rainfall is irregular, and the archipelago suffers periodic droughts and consequent food shortages. The average precipitation per year in Praia is 24 centimeters (9.5 in.). During the winter, storms blowing from the Sahara sometimes cloud the sky, but sunny days are the norm year round.

For information on property on Cape Verde look at www.topa.co.uk

Jacuma Resort, Brazil

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www.topa.co.uk will be the place to look for property on the wonderful developement of Jacuma Resort in Brazil.

Beach front, prices from €79,500 for a one bedroom apartment with sea view. Semi-detached bungalows also available and the developer will even remove the separating wall if you would like to buy two semi's to have a large detached property on a beautiful lagoon overlooking the beach and ocean.

Property in Sao Vicente, Cape Verde

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Mindelo Towers is the latest addition to the website www.topa.co.uk - with excellent prices for sea view apartments and penthouses. Furniture packages are available from €5,000.

Sao Vicente is a beautiful island in the archipealego of Cape Verde, it is the cultural centre with lots of music, dancing and singing.

An excellent investment, buy now before the international airport is open and the prices go through the roof.

Flights to Boa Vista

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Astraeus Airlines scheduled their Gatwick to Boa Vista flights for 10th July this year, flying weekly.

Unfortunately the fire truck which is essential to obtain the licence to operate from the airport was damaged in an exercise on Santiago.

The opening of the airport has been delayed until further notice - maybe six months from now.

If you are thinking of buying property on Boa Vista then checkout the website www.topa.co.uk

Flights to Cape Verde

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Direct flights to Sal Island, Cape Verde are now available from the UK with Astraeus Airlines having two flights on Thursdays and Thomsons flying there on Mondays. Flights are available from Manchester and Gatwick.

Have a look on the website www.topa.co.uk for more information on flights to Cape Verde

Get on the property ladder in Cape Verde

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Studio apartments can be bought for just £50,000 on Vila Verde on Sal Island, Cape Verde.

Why not contact www.topa.co.uk for more information.

Villas in Cape Verde

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Buy yourself a beautiful villa in Cape Verde on Sal Island for just €297,500.

Three bedrooms and three bathrooms, large plots, lots of terraces, sea views from some villas - take a look at our website www.topa.co.uk for more information.

Property in Brazil

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Why not invest your money in property in North East Brazil?

Excellent prices, good payment plans, safe investment, North East Brazil is the place to invest!

Prices are expected to increase significantly over the build period of two years or so for off-plan property.

Soon to be launched on www.topa.co.uk - watch this space!

cape verde property

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Cape Verde is very much an emerging market and property prices currently reflect that situation. An excellent investment, possible alternative to buying property in the UK as there is still room for capital growth on property purchased now.

Take for example a young couple in the UK earning £20,000 each pa. A total of £40,000. Average house prices are around £140,000 for a two bedroom house, unless they have savings to put as a deposit on the property then it might be that they cannot get onto the housing ladder here. So, what are the alternatives? Borrow money from parents who can perhaps put the deposit onto their own mortgage to help out - and get their houses back to themselves!! Or rent a property in the UK for £600 a month rather than spend £700 a month on an interest only mortgage - and buy a property abroad. Get onto the property ladder in an emerging market and take advantage of the capital growth which could mean the deposit on a property in the UK in a couple of years time. Some developers allow you to sell the property before completion so they might not have to wait two years before realising the capital - it could be less than a year.

Have a look at our website www.topa.co.uk for more information on buying property in Cape Verde.