In March, the Irish company Cape Verde Development, who have several projects across the 10 islands, went on a roadshow across Ireland and the UK.

They report that the destination, relatively unknown a few years ago, has seen great interest from Irish investors and that they have sold over 85% of the available properties at Murdeira Beach Resort, one of their most recent launches.

?The feedback from clients has been extremely positive and it's clear that Cape Verde is seen as excellent, " said director of Cape Verde Development, Tom Sheehy.

?We now have only around 100 properties still available in the Murdeira Beach Resort, and fully expect these to sell quickly."

The island of Sal, one of the largest of the group, appears to be where the majority of development has been focused. On the same latitude as Barbados and only an hour south of the Canaries, the average temperature in Cape Verde is 230 Celsius all year round, making it an ideal destination for sun starved milky skinned Irish buyers.

Vila Maria is an exclusive development of apartments on the island of Sal, 200 metres from the beach. Here many cliched picture postcard moments can be experienced: miles of unspoilt beaches, clean and crystal blue water, and water sports such as surfing, wind surfing and kite surfing on the windward side of the island.

The location of the development is close to the town centre, surrounded by four and five star hotels, which will help to encourage capital appreciation. At present on the islands there is a high demand for quality accommodation. The four and five star hotels are booked up in advance and even those travelling to the area on business find it difficult to find accommodation at short notice.

The Vila Maria development will have its own private pool and residents will also have free access to a nearby Aqua Park with an Olympic size swimming pool, soccer pitch, tennis club as well as bars and restaurants. In addition, the apartments are being sold fully furnished, with each property tastefully furnished with high quality Italian furnishings.