Hi we went to CV in Feb with our 11 and 5 year olds it was brilliant so safe for the kids we will go back asap.

The transfers from the airport were good

We stayed at the Riu Garopa we could not fault anything and i am a funny eater we tried all the four different restaurants.

If i was you book with thomsons or try the riu direct then flights we found people that had booked separtely and it was alot more than we had paid.

We meet lots of nice people especially Steve who loves his barcadi and coke ha ha they know what a proper drink is.

The beach is lovely but the sea is rough just watch the flag we didnt have a problem at all.

Use plenty sun tan lotion of a very high factor their is nothing to buy so we took buckets and spades for out little one

Hope you go its different its not the canaries its Africa

Hi TiggerOldham

There are a few apartments available - more and more so as the new developments are completed.

The original apartment complex is called Muderia. They are slightly outside of the main town, Santa Maria so you need to get a taxi in and out.

There are a couple of well established but newer apartments in Santa Maria itself. Ponta Preta is Italian run and you can book directly with them through their website (just google the name) and Porto Antigo which can be booked through Thomson.

Googling words to the effect of 'apartments in sal' will turn up all the private lettings for other villas.

Supplies are scarce on Sal so it's quite difficult to self cater.

There are quite a few hotels available on different board basis but not many that offer family 'suites'. The main AI hotel is Thomson's Riu - I'm not sure if they offer 2 room suites. I think the Djadsal Hotel has family rooms though.

Currently, Thomson are the only operators flying to Sal directly from the UK. The only other alternative is to take TAP via Lisbon which involves a plane change & wait.

Sal is a tiny island so transfers from the airport to accommodation is no more than about 20 mins at most. Taxis are plentiful.

Cape Verde is very different to the Canaries. The climate is similar if not better thanks to the lack of rain on Sal but it is windy and the sea is rough. The beach is really the selling point. It's a developing country so infrastructure, although mostly adequate, is basic. And it's not a cheap place to get to or be. Apart from a small amount of sightseeing and lots of relaxing, there's not a lot else to do. So if you're keen on busy holidays it may be best to only take a week.

I'm sure you know to do your research! Happy to answer any other queries.

I'd recommend Porto Antigo apartments. We found ours very easily by using google. It isn't a cheap option though. Porto Antigo is perfect as it has a pool and it's own little beach which will be perfect for your your little one. No real waves to speak of but you can wander up the beach and splash in the surf if you want to.

www.capeverdeexperience.co.uk fly direct also.

They still use the Thomson flights - they have no choice!

Also - I've just noticed that the Hotel Pontao offer a 2 bed suite and the Morabeza 7 Hotel Odjo d'Agua have family rooms / suites. The Pontao is a budget option so expect basic but it does have a pool.

Cheers for all the comments, I'll begin my research now!!