It's most obvious in the foods on offer, with Portuguese foods (such as fish- and seafood-based dishes, olive oil, garlic, lemon and sausage) and African foods (stews, beans, maize and tropical crops) comfortably combined on most menus.

Many visitors' first impression of Cape Verde comes through the mournful songs of Cesaria Evoria, the island's best known singer. The ‘barefoot diva' is the best exponent of morna, a lovelorn type of folk music similar to Portuguese fado. Music is a key component of life on Cape Verde, and several islands stage exuberant carnivals, with the best known being the Baia das Gatas Festival.

Once a former colony and slave trade outpost, the ten islands and five tiny islets which make up Cape Verde vary wildly in character and scenery, from spectacular verdant mountain ranges, to deserted beaches, with a some volcanic landscapes thrown in for good measure. It’s this variety that makes Cape Verde such an unusual and appealing destination.

There’s lush and lively Santiago, the biggest of the islands at 991 sq km (383 sq miles) which, replete with lush green hillside is great for keen hikers eager to trek through jungle and spot some native wildlife. It’s also the cultural heart of Cape Verde, having been the primary location of the slave trade during its height, and is home to the UNESCO world heritage old fort site at Cidade Velha. Divers are in for a treat; here 16th century shipwrecks litter the sea floor and these are open to curious members of the public wanting to explore.

Alternatively, divers can head to the quiet islet of Boa Vista where there are numerous opportunities for scuba diving and snorkelling – look out for eels, yellowfin tuna and the odd humpback whale in the clear blue waters.

 The island of Sal is also popular for watersports such as windsurfing and sailing, but it’s the white sandy beaches that will appeal to those wanting to relax completely. The adventurous should hop on a boat to the island of Fogo, another hiker’s paradise, where volcanic peaks tower 2800m (9186 ft) above sea- level; make sure you take a guide.

There are also good markets on some of the islands. São Vicente’s is renowned for its exuberant Carnival, whilst the Baia das Gatas Festival is a more traditional affair but one that still has people boogieing until the early hours to Cape-Verdean rhythms.

Since achieving independence from Portugal in 1975, Cape Verde has struggled economically. Many might argue that Cape Verde's isolation is a blessing, leaving these islands unspoiled and comparatively undiscovered; however, the government is focused on attracting tourists to the islands, and with the beauty of its scenery, friendliness of its people and its vibrant Creole culture, they should have no problem in succeeding.

Cape Verde is home to several rare breeds of African birds, as well as unique types of sparrows, swifts and warblers.

Sample Cape Verdean rum or grog, produced on Santo Antão.

Wander around Cidade Velha in Santiago, the first European settlement in the tropics and a World Heritage site to boot. City ruins from the 1600s have survived the ravages of both time and pirates, and Fortaleza Real de Sao Filipe, a dramatic cliff-side fort, provides sea views.

Dance barefoot on the beach. Cape Verdean's love dancing, and you're sure to pick up some special moves from the locals.

Trek around Cape Verde's diverse islands. Fogo has a beautiful volcanic peak with sweeping views, while Boa Vista has a desert-like quality with shifting sand dunes and palm trees.

Go scuba diving around Sal's amazing underwater world. Get up close to Cape Verde's plentiful sea-life.

Listen to live music on Sao Vicente. Cape Verde is famous for sultry morna folk music, but its inhabitants also like to dance to faster samba and tango rhythms. For a taster, try Cesaria Evora, a national icon.

Sun yourself on Cape Verde's pristine beaches. Two of the best are the fine white sand beaches of Sal and the salty black sand beaches of Sao Nicolau.

Explore the famous salt mines of Sal, after which the island is named. The mines were built inside a dormant volcano and are a fascinating and eerie experience.

Learn to surf or water-ski. Cape Verde has some of the best waves in the world, and most hotels are happy to arrange lessons or board hire.

Watch the sunset on Sal Island. Truly one of the most beautiful in the world.