Highlights
- Visit Monte Gordo Natural Park
- Look out for endemic bird species in Monte Gordo
- See the wind sculpted rock formations of Carbeirinho
- Swim in Juncalinho natural sea pools
- Stay in the pretty colonial town of Ribeira Brava
Discover São Nicolau
São Nicolau is a truly laid-back island. It has some fantastic walking trails, particularly in the Monte Gordo Natural Park and the Ribeira Prata Valley. The landscape is unspoilt and boasts lush valleys, natural sea pools, black-sand beaches, and wind-sculpted rock formations. It has a really special charm and is worth the effort if you’re after a peaceful getaway.
Ribeira Brava is often described as the prettiest town in Cape Verde and the beaches of Tarrafal are said to have healing powers, so don’t be surprised if you spot curious visitors scooping up sand to take home!
Things to do on São Nicolau
São Nicolau is a mountainous island, much like Santo Antão, so it’s a great place to enjoy secluded walking trails and it’s well known for it’s thriving bird populations, including 28 endemic species, such as the Macela do Gordo. The obvious challenge is to hike to the top of Monte Gordo (1,312m), though you need to be reasonably fit, as it does get pretty steep and rocky near the top. If you prefer a less strenuous walk, there are plenty of well-marked trails all around the park.
We always recommend taking a guided driving tour of the island so that you can explore the lovely beaches, such as Carriçal (good for a swim) and Barril beach in Tarrafal, the deserted villages of Covoada and Ribeira Funda, the wind-sculpted rock formations at Carbeirinho, Juncalinho natural sea pools, and the dunes around Baixo Rocha Beach.
Top places to stay on São Nicolau
We always recommend staying in Riberia Brava (or Vila, as the locals call it), because you’ll have easy access to the walks on the northwest of the island. It’s a really pretty town, with the colourful colonial buildings that Cape Verde is so well known for.
Family-run Pensão Jardim is in a lovely elevated position, overlooking the pretty central square of Ribeira Brava. This has been our first choice of accommodation on São Nicolau for many years now. Whilst it’s a modest property, it has a wonderfully laid‑back and welcoming atmosphere, and the views are truly a highlight.
Getting to São Nicolau
You fly to São Nicolau from Sal, a short journey on a small aircraft, which takes around 40 minutes. Though the flights aren’t particularly regular, we can plan your holiday itinerary around flight availability.
Chat to Max or Jake if you want to know more about São Nicolau: team@archipelagochoice.com
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