São Vicente

Discover São Vicente

The scenic island of Sao Vicente in Cape Verde is perhaps best known for its culture, music and yearly carnival. Mindelo is one of those places with a full calendar of social activities and musical events, whether it’s the spectacular Carnival festivities in February or the Baia das Gatas full moon party in August. There’s always something going on, and live bands are commonplace in the cafes and restaurants. Outside of the city, Sao Vicente has a stark landscape of black-sand beaches, coastal dunes, and inland little gardens growing tropical fruit, and rows of vegetables.

Things to do on São Vicente

We always recommend including at least one guided tour during your time on São Vicente, because the guides will offer you insights into island life and are always happy to share their island with you. Our guides can take you on a walking tour of Mindelo, or can take you around their island on a driver-guided tour. You’ll visit black and white sand beaches, the dunes at Praia Grande, and rows of vegetables and tropical fruit trees at the gardens in Madeiral. You can even drive to the top of Monte Verde, São Vicente’s highest point. From here, you get to enjoy one of the finest views on the island, looking back to Mindelo and all the way across to neighbouring Santo Antão. You’ll also stop at lots of pretty fishing towns, like São Pedro.

São Pedro has one of the most beautiful beaches on São Vicente and is a fantastic spot to enjoy some water sports. Or take a short boat trip out into the bay to swim with turtles, where a thriving population makes for a truly special experience. Baía das Gatas, with its natural swimming pools, is one of the calmer beaches on the island, making it perfect for a relaxing swim or some snorkelling. And Laginha Beach, which is located right in the main bay of Mindelo, is really popular, thanks to its white sands and crystal-clear waters.

Music plays an important role in the island’s existence and, every evening, you’ll find local musicians jamming in the restaurants or small music venues. The famous ‘Queen of Morna’, Cesária Évora, was born on the island, and our guided sightseeing tours of Mindelo include a visit to a guitar-making workshop. Music is very much part of the fibre of island life on São Vicente, and you will hear it everywhere you go.

Top places to stay on São Vicente

There are some great places to stay in the city, from the boutique hotel Casamarel, which offers lofty views over Mindelo, to Kira’s Boutique, which is really homely and close to the main square. Quirky Terra Lodge is also a great spot.

If you’d rather not stay in the city, then Sao Vicente also has amazing beaches, including Sao Pedro in the west. The Aquiles Eco Hotel is a fun little spot. It’s a short walk from São Pedro beach, and just a 15-minute taxi ride from the restaurants and live music of Mindelo.

Getting to São Vicente

Most people either fly to São Vicente via Lisbon, or fly directly to the island of Sal, from where you can take a short internal flight to São Vicente. São Vicente also acts as a stepping stone for getting to the lush green valleys of Santo Antao, whether that’s a day trip or an extended visit. The ferry crosses from Mindelo on São Vicente to Porto Novo on Santo Antao, on a twice-daily basis.

Chat to Jake or Max if you want to know more about São Vicente: team@archipelagochoice.com