All You Need To Know About Travelling To São Vicente, Cabo Verde in 2023
Last updated: 15 August 2023
São Vicente is known as the cultural island of the archipelago and is part of the Barlavento islands. With the majority of its population concentrated in Mindelo, this port city is filled with life. Pulsating to the sound of Carnival every February, to music emanating from the streets of well-known artists including internationally recognized Cabo Verdean singer, Cesária Évora, and its bustling nightlife, this island lives up to its reputation. Not only is Mindelo known for the arts, it is also a natural harbor, making Porto Grande one of the largest harbors in the Atlantic. Over recent years, however, it finds itself competing with the ports of Dakar and Abidjan in Western Africa. Landing at Cesária Évora airport (VXE), you will notice a number of mountain ranges including Madeiral, Caixa and Monte Cara. The highest point on the island is Monte Verde at 750m. Beyond Mindelo, São Vicente allows for an escape to the relaxing seaside cities of São Pedro where you can swim with turtles, Baía das Gatas to sit in natural pools or Calhau, a fishermen’s village for an ideal Sunday afternoon.
GETTING TO SÃO VICENTE
There are two international connections to São Vicente:
– Amsterdam on TUI which flies once a week (and returns to Amsterdam via Sal) and;
– Lisbon on TAP which flies almost daily.
Within the country, BestFly offers air connections with:
– Santiago (RAI) everyday;
– Frequent flights with Sal (every day except Saturdays);
– São Nicolau (SNE) once a week.
The current flight schedule covers the period 1 June 2023 – 25 September 2023. For the latest schedule, you can find it here.
You can also travel by ferry with CVInterilhas to the islands of Santo Antão and São Nicolau within reasonable times:
– The port in São Vicente is the only way to the island of Santo Antão. The ferry goes every day in the morning snd in the afternoon with a duration of 1h and;
– The ferry to São Nicolau goes twice a week with a duration of around 5h (note: at the original time of writing, the ferry journey used to be 2h).
Last updated: August 2023
GETTING AROUND THE ISLAND
From the airport to the city center, you can take a taxi for CVE 1,000 (EUR 9). Alternatively, your accommodation might provide or be able to organize an airport transfer, something more comfortable if this is what you seek.
To get around Mindelo, you can easily walk and if you need a taxi this should only cost you around CVE 100-200 each way. If you are going to explore the rest of the island, definitely rent a car for the most flexibility. Alternatively, you can join one of the tours organized by: Atlantur or Cabo Mundo Tours.
There is also the possibility to rent a motorbike with Zoom Zoom Mindelo. It is €25 for one day.
WHAT TO SEE + DO
São Pedro
A small village right behind the airport known for its beach, a long stretch of white sand, and swimming with turtles. Nearby, you will also find a lighthouse, Farol de D. Amélia, that makes for a good hike of around 2h. You can swim with the turtles as part of a tour with Atlantur, Cabo Mundo Tours or @saopedrotour (who can be reached on Instagram). Having swam with the turtles myself, I definitely recommend this activity on your visit to São Vicente.
Monte Verde
Drive to the top of the highest point of the island for amazing views over the island as part of your island tour.
Baía das Gatas
A small, quiet town but offers a beach of shallow water for a quiet couple of hours.
Mindelo
And finally Mindelo, the life of São Vicente. There are a number of things you can do:
– Spend your day relaxing on Laginha Beach;
– Visit the Mercado de Peixe;
– Spot the Torre de Belém as you stroll through the city;
– Visit cafés in the morning on Rua Lisboa (now officially called Rua Libertadores d’Africa);
– Walk around Praça Estrela where you will find the African Market filled with West African sellers and;
– Visit the Palácio do Povo, a pink colonial building and former government palace which now hosts various and ever-changing exhibitions.
Likkle recommendation: enjoy amazing pastries at Pastelaria Morabeza
There are some other beaches around the island to visit if you are spending a few days in São Vicente and seeking some tranquility:
– Salamansa (also ideal for kitesurfing)
– Praia Grande
– Calhau
POSSIBLE ISLAND TOUR ITINERARY
Half day tour:
– Starting point: Mindelo
– São Pedro to swim with turtles
– Drive up Monte Verde
– Baía das Gatas
– Salamansa
– End point: Mindelo in time for sunset
Full day tour:
– Same as above but after Baía das Gatas, head over to Calhau over Praia Grande
Personally, I think two days is more than enough to get a feel of São Vicente by either spending all your time in Mindelo or if you are feeling to venture further, spend one day exploring the rest of the island and the second day in Mindelo. São Vicente is often combined with Santo Antão as it is the only way to the island.
ACCOMMODATION
– Casa Branca Hotel
– The Casamarel
– Kira’s Boutique Hotel
– Pont d’Agua Hotel
– Terra Lodge
LIKKLE TRAVEL TOOLS
📱 e-SIM (digital SIM cards) for over 200 countries and/or regions with Airalo (check your phone compatibility to use e-SIMs).
🏥 stay protected with travel medical insurance. I recommend using SafetyWing.
🛎️ book your stay with Booking.com.
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