It would be extremely easy, if foolish, to overlook the tiny moonscaped islands of Cape Verde sparkling in the North Atlantic.

The isles that form the archipelago of Cape Verde sit several miles off the coast of Senegal – their beauty largely undiscovered by the travelling and tourism industry until recently.

However, things have picked up on the archipelago for visitors, with each island rediscovering its own unique ability to enthral visitors.

Uninhabited until they were colonised by the Portuguese in the 15th century, Cape Verde subsequently became a trading centre for slaves out of Africa and later as a shipping port for whalers and transatlantic shipping.

A strong Portuguese influence is therefore apparent in much of the islands' architecture as well as the language, although much of the land has become increasingly fragile since the Portuguese arrival due to overgrazing and over population.

For the small set of islands carries almost half a million people, while crippling droughts in the late 1990s meant much of the grain crops and pig populations fell dramatically.

But some of the islands are experiencing a real turnaround in fortune and are concentrating on tourism to help boost their economy.

And they are being aptly aided by their island homes, as the almost lunar landscapes of some islands are proving to be particularly attractive to hikers, walkers and climbers the world over.

One main attraction for climbers is Fogo Island, which consists of the huge Mount Fogo volcano surrounded by the pretty towns of Sao Filipe and Mosteiros. Views from the top, after a four hour climb, are fantastic – although bear in mind the volcano last erupted in 1995.

The nine islands that make up the main archipelago consist of Santo Antao; Sao Vicente; Sao Nicolau; Sal; Boavista; Maio; Santiago; Fogo, and Brava.

Each offers an amazing mix of scenery from lush vegetation and barren mountains to lively nightlife and busy towns.

Santiago, the largest island and home to the capital Praia, is a definite must-see. Distinctly African, the capital is a bustling, colourful, lively city, with great nightlife and amazing colonial architecture.

The old city boasts many narrow, cobbled stone walkways and pretty family cottages, as well as the remains of the old fortress and cathedral – each demanding countless photographs.

Elsewhere on the island the coast is rugged yet dotted with occasional sandy beaches, which can all be seen during a day's circular tour of the island.

The islands benefit from an almost perfect constant climate, never rising much higher than around 30C in the summer, or dipping below 20C in the winter.

Flights from the UK need a connecting flight in Europe – usually Amsterdam, Lisbon or Paris – but take around six hours.

With fine beaches, beautiful scenery and vibrant cultures, the archipelago adventure of Cape Verde is one not to be missed – especially not before the tourism trade inevitably gets too carried away with itself and the islands lose some of their already fading secrecy.