São Vicente Island

São Vicente – the cultural

Overview of the island

Size:

227 km² (the third smallest inhabited island)

Population:

Approx. 80,000

Capital of the island:

Mindelo (approx. 75,000 inhabitants)

Highest elevation::

Monte Verde, 750 m

With an area of 227 km², São Vicente is one of the smaller islands of Cape Verde. The second largest city in the archipelago, Mindelo, is home to more than 90% of the 80,000 inhabitants and is known as the cultural capital of the country.

In terms of landscape, São Vicente is dominated by Monte Verde (750 m), which, together with two other mountain ranges (the Madeiral and Fateixa massifs), defines the island’s image. From here you have a good view of the surrounding countryside, the city of Mindelo and the neighbouring island of Santo Antão. On clear days, you can even see the uninhabited islands of Santa Lucia, Branca and Raso.
The low mountains can only draw very limited water from the trade wind clouds, making São Vicente one of the driest islands in the archipelago. A desalination plant supplies Mindelo and the island with drinking water.

Mindelo, the port city

Mindelo Portarina 2
Port with marina in Mindelo, São Vicente Island

The history of São Vicente is closely linked to the municipal port of Mindelo. For many years, the Porto Grande was the largest port in the Atlantic and therefore a corresponding economic engine for the entire country. Nowadays, with its enormous water depth, it is still significant, even if it is no longer as frequented by international shipping traffic as it once was due to the ports in Dakar and Las Palmas, which were built later.

Mindelo is considered a melting pot of cultures and is the cultural centre of Cape Verde. People from the literary world, musicians and other artists are at home here. There are museums, live concerts and a lively nightlife. The city is lively, but with its 75,000 inhabitants also manageable.

Laginhaindelo 2
"Laginha"Beach, Mindelo, Sao Vicente
Mindelousic

Live Music Tip:
There is regular live music for dinner at the following two restaurants:

  • La Pergola, in the courtyard of the Alliance Française.
  • Náutilus, in the courtyard of the former customs warehouse.

In Mindelo, you should definitely experience live Cape Verdean music – whether in a music bar, a bar or a restaurant. It is best to find out on the spot which location is currently popular and which concerts are on.

Mindelousic

Live Music Tip:
There is regular live music for dinner at the following two restaurants:

  • La Pergola, in the courtyard of the Alliance Française.
  • Náutilus, in the courtyard of the former customs warehouse.

Enjoy the most beautiful harbour bay of the archipelago in Mindelo. The town also impresses with its historic old town, its houses reminiscent of Portuguese and English influences, picturesque squares and lively markets. The palm-lined shore road invites you to take a stroll. The Mercado de Peixe (fish market) and the Torre de Belém (replica of the tower of the same name near Lisbon) are worth a visit. Not far away is the Rua de Lisboa – it is the soul of Mindelo, as many people say. The numerous cafés invite you to take a break. In addition, the market hall and the former governor’s palace in classicist style are located in this street.

Further south, at the Praça Estrela with a pavilion and some bars, African traders offer their goods (clothes, shoes, electronic items, bric-a-brac, but also fruit and vegetables).
People who have had enough of the hustle and bustle of the city can unwind on the small but fine, light sandy beach called Laginha, not far from the centre.
The evening starts at the beautiful Praça Nova (New Square). This is where you stroll to see and be seen. You should also enjoy a drink at the famous Quiosque.

Cesaria Evora Sq

Tip Museum:
The “Museu Cesária Évora” gives a good insight into the life of the great singer.

The great diva, born in 1941 in Mindelo, which is where she lived until her death in 2011, made Cape Verdean music and its styles such as morna and coladeira famous worldwide.
The “Queen of Morna”, who became famous only at the age of about 50, sang about the sorrows and joys of island life with her warm, deep voice. Her best-known song, “Sodade”, is about emigration.

Cesaria Evora Sq

Tip Museum:
The “Museu Cesária Évora” gives a good insight into the life of the great singer.

The Southwest

Norteaia 2
Norte Baia and Praia Grande, São Vicente Island

In the southwest of the island, windsurfers will find excellent wind conditions at the beach of the quiet village of São Pedro. Surf riders also get their money’s worth at the so-called “Sandy Beach”.

There are several beautiful beaches, but they have not yet been developed. The wind-protected beach of Baía das Gatas should be mentioned, which is very suitable for swimming and is also safe for children. It is also known for hosting one of the largest music festivals in Cape Verde every August.
Just to the south, there are two beaches that are also very beautiful, but are not suitable for swimming because of the strong surf: Praia do Norte and Praia Grande. Only in the southeast of Praia do Norte does the Praia da Ceilada/Calhau beach offer better bathing opportunities again.

São Vicente is also popular with deep-sea fishermen, divers and sailing enthusiasts. There are charter offers here and skippers are available.

Other Islands of Cape Verde

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