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sao vicente island shape

São Vicente

The cultural hub of Cape Verde

Welcome to the musical island of Cape Verde. São Vicente is the cultural centre of the country and home to artists, writers, painters and great musicians. Breathe in the Cape Verdean hospitality Morabeza as you wander around the colourful centre of Mindelo. It's a busy city with a tropical, island like atmosphere and a charming street life. Relax on the main beach Laginha with a rum based Caipirinha cocktail and enjoy your vacation!

mindelo city

Mindelo

All the daily activities happen in the capital Mindelo. The vibrant city with nearly 75.000 inhabitants is the beating trade centre of the Northern (Barlavento) islands. The musical and architectural heritage makes Mindelo so special.

Home town of the barefoot diva Cesaria Evora whose Morna's are still played everyday. Sit down a small cafe and listen to the melancholic songs full of Sodade.

 

During carnaval Mindelo turns into a dazzling spectacle. The parade is one of the most beautiful of its kind and attracts many visitors.

 

This artistic city will inspire and show you the diverse Cape Verdean culture!

cesaria evora

Landscape

São Vicente island is characterised by impassable mountain areas, hidden sand beaches, inactive volcano views and steep rocky coastlines. The land is dry and even the highest peak (Monte Verde, 774m) is not high enough to stop the clouds' moisture from falling down and irrigate the landscape. Sao Vicente has beautiful, unspoiled white beaches and a natural pool in Baia das Gatas. Please be aware of dangerous currents, some spots can be tricky to swim.

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Due to the dry lands, Sao Vicente was settled much later than the other islands. The sheltered harbour of Mindelo was often used by pirates as a hiding location, but the first real settlement only came in 1794. Nowadays the bay shelters the largest marine harbor of Cape Verde.

laginha

Laginha beach in Mindelo

Highlights of São Vicente

  • Mindelo: explore the historical city centre or the local neighbourhoods Ribeira Bote & Monte Sossego during a city tour. 

  • Calhau: a sleepy fisherman's village with volcanic rocks and views on the uninhabited island Santa Luzia.

  • Vulcão Viana: an inactive volcano hidden in the landscape next to Calhau village. The volcano is well kept and the crater accessible for visitors. Best to visit with a guide on one of our hiking tours. 

  • Monte Verde: the highest mountain of the island with agriculture areas on top. At 744 meters visitors are treated with a panoramic 360° view of Mindelo city and the wild East coastline. 

  • Baia das Gatas: a cosy sunbathing village with great beach spots to relax. It's home to the yearly Baia das Gatas international music festival. The natural pool is easily accessible from the pier and safe for children to swim. 

  • Sao Pedro: a fishermen's village growing in tourism development with a few cosy restaurants by the beach. For windsurfers and bodyboarders Sao Pedro is thé spot on the island. The hike to the Don Amelia lighthouse is worth the climb, but the real highlight of the bay is snorkeling with turtles. 

  • Salamansa: a colorful fishing village with an authentic way of living. The beach is unspoiled and has 2 restaurants. On windy days in wintertime Salamansa is a great spot for kitesurfing.

  • Praia Grande: follow the scenery road along white Sahara sand dunes and spectacular ocean views. Swimming is not recommended due to strong currents.

Where to stay​

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