Sal, Cape Verde

35,267 people call Sal home, a number that's grown rapidly since the 1960s. While the island boasts 350 days of sunshine and idyllic beaches, the reality is a persistent bureaucratic headache. Hurricane Fred in 2015 caused significant damage, underscoring the climate risks. Those seeking a laidback island escape with world-class kiteboarding may find Sal appealing, but the infrastructure and logistics can be a slog.