Praia Cruises, Cape Verde

A quarter of Cape Verde’s population calls Praia, the capital city, home. But don’t let that fool you into thinking this place is a bustling metropolis. Praia’s managed to maintain a cool-as-a-cucumber atmosphere, thanks to its collection of sandy beaches, Classical-style houses and family-run restaurants. The city’s market-sprinkled centre, called The Plateau, follows this laidback theme, too. Its main attractions include a handful of cultural museums, the Presidential Palace and the Praia Cathedral. The latter’s the biggest of its kind in Cape Verde.

• Recharge your batteries on Quebra Canela Beach. This sandy belt’s a 10-minute cab ride from the port, and is backed by bars and restaurants, so you can easily spend a day here.
• Take a look at the age-old artefacts at the Ethnographic Museum of Praia. You’ll learn all about Cape Verde’s history and traditions as you explore the textiles, pottery and fossil exhibits.