New direct Cape Verde flights summer 2007

A second direct route to Cape Verde is to be launched this summer, Astraeus Airlines reveals today.

The flights will go direct to the island of Boa Vista in the Cape Verde archipelago from London Gatwick once per week, with flight times of around six hours.

Return tickets are expected to cost around £377 including taxes, fees and charges. Among the tour operators using the new route is Holiday Options, with more set to be confirmed soon.

The independent British airline opened up Cape Verde as a top winter sun holiday destination with its direct flights to the main island of Sal last year.

"We've seen passenger numbers grow since the introduction of flights to Cape Verde which necessitates the continuation of two flights to Sal and the introduction of a new service to Boa Vista," said Hugh Parry, Astraeus managing director.

"The launch of the new route to Boa Vista probably reflects the pent up demand for a new destination such as Cape Verde."

Cape Verde is made up of ten islands and eight islets located 400 miles from the west coast of Africa. Formerly under Portuguese rule, the Cape Verde islands offer plenty of active holiday options such as walking and water sports, as well as a warm climate all year round.