EasyJet is set to launch its longest flight later this month, heading to the breathtaking sun-soaked African island of Even though it offers Caribbean-like weather and beaches, it comes at a fraction of the cost for holidaymakers.

This new route marks a first for the budget airline, taking off from Cape Verde is an archipelagic state in West Africa, located in the central Atlantic Ocean.

It comprises ten volcanic islands spread over approximately 1,550 square miles, situated around 400 nautical miles west of Cape Verde, the westernmost point of continental Africa. The Cape Verde islands are part of the region that also encompasses the Azores, the Madeira, and the Savage Isles.

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At present, TUI is the only airline offering flights to Cape Verde from the UK, with routes from London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, and Newcastle. However, this will change later this month, providing holidaymakers with more options when flying from the UK's second busiest airport.

The new route commences on March 31 and will operate three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The flight duration is a hefty six hours, but as Cape Verde operates on a timezone one hour behind the UK (CVT), Brits will gain an extra hour to explore the stunning island on their first day, reports .

On the first day of sales, holidaymakers could snap up a week's getaway with easyJet for a mere £230.98 each for a round trip as listed on easyJet's website.

Flights will depart at 11.30am from the UK and arrive in Sal at 3.40pm. The return flights from Sal have a later departure at 4.35pm, touching down in the UK just past the stroke of midnight.

Cape Verde, often hailed as "Africa's answer to the Caribbean", enjoys fabulous weather along with its striking white sandy beaches. Peak tourist season in Sal is from November to May – the dry months when the climate is invitingly warm, averaging 25-30C, with lower humidity and minimal rainfall, ensuring constant sunshine without the swelter.

It also allows travellers to immerse themselves into an intriguing mix of African and Portuguese customs. Since declaring independence in the 1970s, Cape Verde has cultivated a population predominantly of Sub-Saharan ancestry with some European roots, largely observes Catholicism, and speaks Portuguese – a narrative that mirrors its historical ties.

Santiago, the most populated island in Cape Verde and home to the capital city of Praia, offers bustling local markets, quaint cafes, restaurants, and ice cream parlours - perfect for a refreshing treat after a day under the hot sun. Since 2016, its historic centre has been on the tentative list of World Heritage Sites.

Among the top beaches in Cape Verde are Santa Maria on Sal, a favourite spot for both sun-seekers and water sports enthusiasts, adorned with vibrant boats, and Santa Monica on Boa Vista, a stunning white sand beach that spans six miles across the southwest coast, offering a high chance of solitude.