Cape Verde has transformed into a in demand holiday destination in recent years. Thousands have visited the country for the beautiful beaches of Sal and Boavista. But beyond the beaches of these two islands there is so much more to discover...
Santo Antão probably is Cape Verde's most spectacular island. Many people visit Santo Antão for it's amazing hiking trails, which seem to rise up high above the ocean, offering endless breathtaking views. The island can be reached by ferry within an hour, from Mindelo, which is Cape Verde's second biggest city.
The island of Santo Antão may be the most beautiful island of Cape Verde. But for many years it has been a bit neglected by the Cape Verdean government. Things are starting to change, and with more and more hikers and nature lovers finding there way to this green paradise, plans are being made for big investments.
Here's why now is the right time for real estate investments on the island:
Government investments for Santo Antão
The PEDS of Cape Verde, the organization responsible for 'strategic planning of sustainable development' has said it's determined to promote the island of Santo Antão in order for it to be known as one of the 20 most beautiful islands of the world, by 2021.
The organization spoke about the plans for Santo Antão during a conference on the island, and said that the focus needs to be on ecotourism and 'ethnic tourism'. Recently, the website Viral Planet named the village of Fontainhas in a list of the 25 most beautiful villages of the world. Years ago, the village of Fontainhas was named in a top 10 list of the Spanish National Geopgraphic.
Different City Hall representatives, touist operators, and the association of Santo Antão municipals (AMSA) have been discussing the proposals for an UNESCO herritage site on the island.
The AMSA believes the island of Santo Antão has a few places that deserve to be on the list of UNESCO.
"Santo Antão is a 'pearl' that fascinates everyone who gets the chance to visit it", said a spokesperson of the organization. At the moment different projects are being developed on the island, in order to diversify and better the touristic offer. Local and sustainable tourism initiatives should be the focus of the coming years.
A few weeks ago, Cape Verde's prime minister Ulisses Silva e Correa spoke to the press about the commitment the government is willing to make with the island. Silva e Correa stated that the government is looking to invest in different sectors on the island, including investment in education.
Although Santo Antão is not seen as a touristic destination yet, in 2017 the island received around 26.000 visitors, almost 24% (!) more than in 2016.
Chinese investments in Cape Verde
The president of Cape Verde Trade Invest says that the country is a preference of China in Africa. Ana Barber recently spoke these words after the 15th edition of the Forum Macau. Cape Verde is ready to become the second biggest platfrom for Chinese investments. The country wants to become the Macau of Africa.
According to Barber Cape Verde has a few very important factors which make the country a preference for countries looking to invest. "Cape Verde has a geographical advantage, as well as political and social stability. Also, the facility in transfering funds makes it easy for corporations to do business in the country."
A very good example of the Chinese interest in investing in Cape Verde is that of David Chow. The businessman is investing € 250 milion in the city of Praia, on the 'ilheu of Santa Maria'. The tiny island of Cape Verde's capital will receive a resort/hotel, together with casino.
China is expected to increase investments on other islands of Cape Verde as well.
Investment opportunity Santo Antão**
The route from Ponta do Sol to Cruzinha is one of the most popular hikes to do. Just outside Ponta do Sol, the first 'stop' of the hike is the very special village of Fontainhas. This village was named 'one of the three villages in the world with the best views' in 2015 by National Geographic. The entire hike takes up to 4 hours, but is well worth it. Close to the village of Cruzinha is where one man turned his lifelong dream into reality.
Ben dos Santos is from Santo Antão, but spent most of his life in The Netherlands. In Rotterdam, a city with a big Cape Verdean community he worked hard in order to return to his beloved country. He went back to Cape Verde to fulfill his dream.
"Santo Antao is my home. All those years I lived in Rotterdam I used to think about returning one day.
Questel Bronq today is my everything. When I look around I feel so incredibly happy with what I have achieved.
I've put all I have into the construction of Questel Bronq, and I can honestly say that I would do it again. Unfortunately I'm not in a position to further invest at the moment, but this is something that I would love to do. We have been speaking to many touroperators who are impressed with our accommodation and location, but need us to expand before they can start to work with us. Right now, I have 9 cabanas available for guests, and I'm looking to expand to at least double of that."
For the Questel Bronq project owner Ben dos Santos is looking for a property investor who is interested in the expantion of the hotel property to 18-20 cabanas. If you have been looking for a solid investment in Cape Verde, this is your chance. Quested Bronq needs to expand because of the high demand for its services. If interested in learning more, please contact us, by using the contact form.
Hi, my name is Freddy, the creator of the MindeloCaboVerde.com blog, and Mindelo Apartments. I work with experienced and qualified partners in Cape Verde to present you with the best opportunities in real estate.