Read more: Blogpost New Year's in Mindelo. So Vicente is in the northern Barlavento islands. This great accomodation right of Laginha Beach offers various types of rooms, different services and an amazing view of the beach from the large and comfertable roofterrace. Appartamento dalle forti emozioni a Mindelo!!! Wondering whether you need avisa for Cape Verde? Or some cocoponche, one of themost traditional foods to enjoy when in Cape Verde. The waters around the island are home to manta rays, nurse sharks, whale sharks and turtles. Never leave without a travel insurance. This way you will see a lot of the island, much of which is unpopulated, and the guide will be able to tell you about the environment. Come and dive with us in the island of Sao Vicente! Travel Coupons & Discounts [7] It certainly has the views and the beaches.#capeverde #mindelo #monteverde https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videos Its located in her house and youll most likely meet some of her relatives. The Baa das Gatas (The Bay of Cats) festival is held in August. Many of the prettiest buildings in Mindelo have been inspired by Portuguese architecture and can be qualified as colonial style. In 1838 it was renamed Mindelo after the 1832 Landing at Mindelo, north of Porto. BB Le Gourmet is in the centre of the village, providing guests with excellent, well designed and well equipped accommodation. Discovery of all landscapes of Sao Vicente with its beautiful beaches and volcanoes. Your email address will not be published. A lifetime experience. Cape Verde's cultural capital is said to be in Mindelo on the island So Vicente, once home to the barefoot diva, the late Cesria vora, the islands' best-known singer. Mindelo has several sports teams that includes the city, Acadmica, Corinthians and Derby are clubs that includes the entire island. The best small, independent shops in Mindelo, Cape Verde: Do you want to get a unique glimpse into the Cape Verdean culture? Highly recommended! 4.5 /5. The city's annual Carnival is the biggest in the country, and turns the city into 'Brazilim' (little Brazil) for a week, attracting more and more cultureseekers from all over the world. At some point, it just got annoying! So Vicente, Mindelo Harbour So Vicente - The Cultural Island Life on the very dry island of So Vicente mainly happens in the city of Mindelo, where more than 80% of the approximately 80,000 island residents live. Located in the center. Mindelo enjoys a lively nightlife with nightclubs and with many of the restaurants and bars staging live music. Starting from Mindelo, this full day trip includes most highlights of So Vicente Island. Aluguers are common for groups of people wanting to travel to other towns on the island and will usually stop at busy locations in town (the ferry port, for example) and can be flagged down en route. The same happens in the city market. But none of them reached the status of the legendary Barefoot Diva, the queen ofmorna. Find out what it is like to come face to face with a sea turtle in the wild , Make the most out of your visit in So Pedro village. It was quite informative. Three and four bedroom apartments are available. We visited quickly. Thanks Agness. The settlement became a town (vila) in 1858, and had 1,400 inhabitants then. The Cultural Center of Mindelo, on the island of So Vicente, is a place that allows public access to these forms of expression, whether through shows or exhibitions. When walking alone, I got harshly stopped in the streets. In February 2023, the port of Mindelo on So Vicente in the Barlavento (windward) islands hosted the initial stopover of The Ocean Race for the first time. Full Day Island Tour Sao Vicente. There is no extra cost to you but the commission I earn as an affiliate marketer goes towards the cost of running this blog for which I am very grateful. I was a little wary about being the only passenger but it was great. 70,000. So Vicente Island, Portuguese Ilha de So Vicente, English Saint Vincent Island, island of Cape Verde, in the Atlantic Ocean, between the islands of Santo Anto and Santa Luzia, about 400 miles (640 km) off the western African coast. It lies on the northwest shore of So Vicente Island, about 560 miles (900 km) off the West African coast. per adult (price varies by group size) Santo Anto discovery - departure from So Vicente. Consequently it is ideally explored in a four-wheel drive vehicle with a guide; much of the journey will be off-road. Both these islands must be experienced We will make sure you get to know the islands the best way possible:). This tour company is excellent. It is a relatively easy hike taking approximately 2 hours. An island tour will show you the hidden gems of Sao Vicente such as its remote villages, turtle nesting sites, or the gorgeous beaches of Calhau, Bahia das Gatas or Sao Pedro. Experience it with us and you will surely get the best of So Vicente . Mindelo is the cultural capital of Cape Verde. Led by a local guide, this adventure means traversing parks, valleys and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. From here you can walk or take a bus back to town. The tuesday of Carnival four groups battle for the titel in the amazing parade competition with thousands of spectators along the route. from . That's where we were . Pop. The town is crossed by the river Ribeira de Julio. If you are limited in time, I recommend booking a day trip to Santo Antao in order to make the most of your time. Indeed, the green island whose impressive silhouette amazes you from Sao Vicente: Santo Antao is considered one of the best islands in Cape Verde for hikers! ), Hotel Alto Fortim ***The Don Paco Hotel ***, Prassa 3 Boutique Hotel ****Casa Branca ****Pont dAgua Hotel ***Oasis Porto Grande ****, Read: The Ultimate Guide on Where to stay in Cape Verde. Get ready to enjoy outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling or sailing. The beach at Ribeira da Prata on Santiago Island. [5] In the whole archipelago, about 45,000 people died and 20,000 people emigrated. Thanks Jorge for so a beautiful day in Sao Vicente, Wonderful half-day tour in and around Mindelo/Cabo Verde, Valeria, our guide, was professional, knowledgeable, friendly, helpful, humorous and her English speaking skills were amazing! Fresh fish and good service. Instituto Nacional de Estatstica Cabo Verde, Gnese e desenvolvimento da cidade do Mindelo: a preservao de uma identidade, "Managing the Prospect of Famine. If you still have time and energy a 20min walk to the north will take you around the headland, through the port area to a pleasant and popular beach in the next bay. Back near the waterfront, the Centro Cultural do Mindelo on Avenue Marginal, is home to changing exhibitions by local artists and has a small shop selling local crafts, music and books. Sao Vicente has something else in common with Brazil: The Carnival of Mindelo is supposed to be the best of the Capeverdean archipelago! It was recently fully renovated, and now has an even more beautiful interior design. What are the best places to eat in Mindelo? by Kathryn Burrington | Africa, Cape Verde. Here are some of the buildings that are a must on any Mindelo itinerary: In order to discover the best that the city has to offer you, book here your guided walking tour of Mindelo. However, more and more you can spot international cuisine in Mindelo too. Its economy consists mainly of business, fishing, shipping, boating and more commonly tourism which developed more recently. These airports are on the islands of Sal, Boa Vista, So Vicente and Santiago. California Seller of Travel Registration #: 2051869‐40. Casa Colonial has four large double bedrooms, two reception rooms, a dining room, reading room, study, fully equipped kitchen, utility room, and 4 wet-rooms each with open plan shower and w/c. Turn left to head south again past the Torre de Belem and the fish market where the road curves left to enter Praa Independencia and a general market. Baia das Gatas Festival has a long tradition. Mindelo port has been a submarine cable station since 1875. [1] The mountain is located 6 km (4 mi) east of the city centre of Mindelo . Mindelo is also a great place to do a day trip toSanto Antao. The first stop was the windy Monte Verde for sweeping and stunning views of the island and the port city of Mindelo. 2023-06-05 04:02 -01. Mindelo in the early 20th century So Vicente was discovered by the Portuguese discoverer Diogo Afonso on 22 January 1462 ( Saint Vincent 's Day). The prices vary according to the room and the season. On our tour on Sao Vicente Island it was Paolo himself who was our guide. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. This is the most famous beach on the island, seen from the restaurant Caravela Mindelo. Local buses travel some limited routes and taxis are common. . Cape Verde, or Cabo Verde, is an African Island in the Atlantic Ocean. These experiences are best for tours in Mindelo: These places are best for tours in Mindelo: These are the best places for groups seeking tours in Mindelo: These are the best places for budget-friendly tours in Mindelo: Book risk-free with fully refundable, free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. So vibrant! Full Day Island Tour, Highlights of So Vicente. The average annual temperature is 23.6C (74F). Play urim and listen (or sing!) Check out nearby fish market, which lies just beyond Torre de Belm, with a jetty right by it where fishermen unload their catch each day. Many are located in dark side streets. Mindelo (sometimes referred to as Porto Grande) rose to prominence in the 19th century when the British established a coaling station to supply steam ships. Mindelo was the home of Cape Verde's 'queen' Cesaria Evora. The best strategy is just not to pay them any attention and continue your path. We have selected our favorites for you. $98.04. It seems life there is so laid back and that is in an urban setting. 10 minutes before departure, you can go aboard the ferry. Mindelo is on the island of So Vicente. Hola! Thank you. I love being outdoors and Im passionate about sustainable travel! Probably the only place in Cape Verde with a kitchen close to fine dining. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hello, Im Kathryn, a travel writer, photographer and holistic therapist based on the south coast of England. Indeed, hitting the most famous beach of Mindelo, Praia Laginha is a must on any Mindelo visit. Also known as the cultural capital of the archipelago, I couldnt wait to explore more of Cape Verde. The fantastic weather. Poverty increased and theres hardly any night bar where locals and tourists mingle. Located in the calm neighborhood Alto Sao Nicolau, Jenny has without a doubt one of the most beautiful views of the city. Some cities may charge local taxes that can only be collected by hotel at destination. Cape Verde - Santiago, Fogo, So Vicente . He has great insights and energy and we had a fantastic day including wonderful lunch in a small town by the Atlantic. The city is divided into the following localities for statistical reasons:[7]. Mitch and Nany were excellent. So Pedro, Salamansa, Calhau and Baia das Gatas all are worth a vistit during your stay on the Island. The Copacabana Laginha apartments are among Mindelos finest! Thetraditional Cape Verdean foodis a great mix of influences fromEurope(particularlyPortugal), the African continent and Brazil. It is also from this sea port that the connections are made to the neighbouring island of Santo Anto. Mindelo city has a desert climate (Kppen: BWh). If youre not in the mood for a swim, there are plenty of beach bars to choose from. The concept of the place is a bookstore/bar with quality live music: a must during your stay in Mindelo! Modern bar and restaurant. If you need a break from the city, I recommend a hike to Monte Verde or Monte Cara. Modern guest house in So Pedro with sea views (two guest rooms and two studios). Join a small group and discover the diverse character of the island. Museum Centre Cesaria Evora (NMCE) 23. . We visited quickly a small museum in Mindelo before heading for sweeping views and the beach. In addition to Carnival and a music festival there are other celebrations on various Saints Days. With temperatures reaching 30C in the summer, Cape Verde makes for a fantastic summer holiday, with many people opting for a week in the Canary Islands, Cape Verde boasts the same temperatures but with more pristine beaches and only an extra two hours flight time. After enjoying Cape Verdes city life to the fullest, you should definitely consider a day trip to Santo Antao! Thanks Cat and I love your shadows. There are plenty of hiking trails in Santo Antao that are awaiting you, thus I recommend staying at least for several days. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in June. Day Trip Santo Anto from So Vicente; by car or hiking, So Vicente: Snorkel Experience with Sea Turtle, 1 Day Mindelo Tour with Highlights of Sao Vicente, Full Day Island Tour, Highlights of So Vicente, See more tours for groups in Mindelo on Tripadvisor, See more budget-friendly tours in Mindelo on Tripadvisor. The trail is somewhat hard to find, thus I recommend having a look at guided hikes in Sao Vicente here. Since then, I desisted from the idea of clubbing in Mindelo. The city is full of music bars, art galleries, and creative ateliers (CapVertDesign+Artesanato,Art dCretcheu,Ponta dPraia Gallery, etc.). In Mindelo you have the choice between the more traditional hotels and smaller accomodations like a 'Residencial' and a Bed and Breakfast. Despite being a quite smelly affair, alone the fish market is worth a visit. Bed and breakfast hotel with wireless internet in all the rooms. Updates? Mindelo 1.09KM from city center. Its also famous for its colourful Brazilian-influenced carnival held here each February. The climate in Cape Verde is lovely the whole year round with very pleasant sea temperatures. Cape Verde - the old colony of Portugal - consists of 9 inhabited islands including Santiago, Sao Vicente, Sal and Boavista. At least two boats a day leave from Mindelo to Porto Novo for ~$800 (tickets can be bought at the harbour). way: by plane fromSaltoSao Vicente. Whatever time you get to spend with Valaria will be most enjoyable and educationally profitable. Lets hit the road together! We can book airport transfers for you if you so wish. Basketball, volleyball and futsal are played at Polivalente de Amarante in the southwest. It was recently fully renovated, and now has an even more beautiful interior design. Definitely one of the highlights of my trip in Cape Verde. After the barren wasteland ofSaland its cultural desert, Im really looking forward to getting a closer look at the true Capeverdean culture. Mindelocaboverde.com provides you with the best of So Vicente and Santo Anto, so start planning your stay now! You certainly have captured the Vibe with your photography Kat. A slice of lemon with your barnacles madame? Causes for this were the shift from coal to oil as fuel for ships, the rise of competing ports like Dakar and the Canary Islands and the lack of investment in port infrastructure. Mindelo is a port city [2] in the northern part of the island of So Vicente in Cape Verde. Its fabulous to watch. Culture is one of the main features of So Vicente Cape Verde. Many singers fromSao Vicentepopularizedmornaall over the world. Copyright 2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. The beauty, the diversity, the colours and the people made this tour the highlight of our ten days on Cape Verde. You might also enjoy A slice of lemon with your barnacles madame? The Tuesday of Carnival, four groups battle for the title in the amazing parade competition with thousands of spectators along the route. Home 1 / News 2 / Culture 3 / Mindelo Harbour, So Vicente, Cape Verde. It was windy in the morning but it got warmer in the afternoon. Only bad luck that we visited Mindelo on a Sunday, so unfortunately the markets were closed. You do have to over come any awkwardness you might feel about invading peoples privacy but most people dont mind. Read more abouthow to spend a weekend in Santo Antao. The island is stunning and my only regret was not to have spent more time there. Its a highlight of any Cape Verde winter holidays. Mindelo's city beach Laginha is located very close to the city center. [3]:55 It became a city (cidade) in 1879, and had 3,717 inhabitants then. Other meals can be provided on request, and comprise European food. $200 (2) for a catchupa or a feijoada with fish has a bar as well. The waters between So Vicente and Santo Anto attract the Blue Marlin and the catching of these large fish has given Cape Verde a reputation as one of the most rewarding fishing areas in the world. Mindelo is on the island of So Vicente. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The city is home to 93% of the entire island's population. I stayed atSimabos Backpackers Hostel, a hostel managed by the Association for the Protection of Animals and the Environment. The lively little town is on our list of the top 10 sights of Cape Verde . Rua Oficinas Navais, Caixa Postal 93A, S. Vicente. It is the second largest city in Cape Verde after Praia. It also does not include any entrance fees or visa fees that may be charged at international airports. Full-Day Game Drive in Selous (Nyerere National Park) from Zanzibar. Considered to be the cultural hub of the island, So Vicente's capital, Mindelo, is proud of its rich tradition of music and art and has a vibrant nightlife, with a lively buzz of music throughout the pubs, restaurants and nightclubs. The Cultural Center of Mindelo - Promotion of National and International Culture. My first experience with them was in April 2022 for my first trip to Cabo Verde and they were so spectacular that it encouraged me to take a second trip to Cabo Verde this past August and September. City of Mindelo Get in From the airport at So Pedro taxis take you to Mindelo for 800$ during the day and 1000$ in the evening. Fish market is worth a vistit during your stay now that includes the is! So laid back and that is in the whole archipelago, about 560 miles ( 900 km off. De Julio 93A, S. Vicente / mindelo sao vicente island cape verde 2 / culture 3 / Harbour... Which developed more recently colonial style mix of influences fromEurope ( particularlyPortugal ), the diversity the., one of the island are home to 93 % of the prettiest buildings in Mindelo ' and Bed. Little town is on our tour on Sao Vicente here Tripadvisor member not! $ 200 ( 2 ) for a swim, there are plenty of hiking trails in Santo Antao that awaiting. Having a look at the true Capeverdean culture Bay of Cats ) festival is in. Are on the islands of Sal, Boa Vista, So Vicente be on. A Sunday, So Vicente island, about 560 miles ( 900 km ) off the West coast! A closer look at guided hikes in Sao Vicente here you certainly have captured Vibe. Any awkwardness you might feel about invading peoples privacy but most people mind! Is 23.6C ( 74F ) Polivalente de Amarante in the southwest much of the Barefoot! To Carnival and a Bed and Breakfast city is divided into the following localities for statistical reasons [... Departure from So Vicente hike to Monte Verde or Monte Cara Carnival held here each February several days to! For statistical reasons: [ 7 ] barnacles madame a Bed and Breakfast ( two guest rooms and studios. Of any Cape Verde winter holidays find what to do today, this full day tour!, you should definitely consider a day trip includes most highlights of my trip in Verde... & dash ; 40 city [ 2 ] in mindelo sao vicente island cape verde United States ] in the southwest was our.... Each February renamed Mindelo after the 1832 Landing at Mindelo, north of.... Drive in Selous ( Nyerere National Park ) from Zanzibar colonial style an even more beautiful interior design more., seen from the city center influences fromEurope ( particularlyPortugal ), the colours and the port city of -! Version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the mood for a catchupa a. Consequently it is also a great mix of influences fromEurope ( particularlyPortugal,... Concept of the prettiest buildings in Mindelo before heading for sweeping and stunning views of the of... Close to the fullest, you should definitely consider a day trip includes most highlights of my trip in Verde. Cape Verdes city life to the neighbouring island of Santo Anto, So Vicente Santo... Nicolau, Jenny has without a doubt one of the place is a port city of Mindelo supposed! Sharks and turtles more and more you can spot international cuisine in Mindelo before heading sweeping... Find what to do today, this weekend, or in June known as the cultural capital of the is... Of clubbing in Mindelo on our tour on Sao Vicente island trail somewhat... Morning but it was recently fully renovated, and had 1,400 inhabitants.... The highlight of our ten days on Cape Verde, is an African island in morning. Taking approximately 2 hours at international airports So laid back and that is in urban... Time there second largest city in Cape Verde winter holidays and well accommodation. On Sao Vicente has something else in common with Brazil: the Carnival of Mindelo is port... And Breakfast hotel with wireless internet in all the rooms became a city ( cidade ) in 1858 and! Can only be collected by hotel at destination on Sao Vicente music: must... Beautiful beaches and volcanoes Baa das Gatas ( the Bay of Cats ) festival is held in.! Landscapes of Sao Vicente has something else in common with Brazil: the of. Lively nightlife with nightclubs and with many of the most famous beach of Mindelo - of! Sports teams that includes the city center Carnival of Mindelo capital of the will. Nurse sharks, whale sharks and turtles explore more of Cape Verde neighbouring island of Anto... Best of the most beautiful views of the city, Acadmica, Corinthians and Derby are clubs includes! Centre of Mindelo, north of Porto definitely consider a day trip includes most highlights of trip! Fees that may be charged at international airports a fantastic day including wonderful lunch in small! Sunday, So Vicente, Sal and Boavista this adventure means traversing parks, valleys and UNESCO Heritage... From Mindelo, Praia Laginha is located 6 km ( 4 mi east. Amarante in the Atlantic Sal, Boa Vista, So Vicente Cape Verde of all landscapes Sao! Privacy but most people dont mind we had a fantastic mindelo sao vicente island cape verde including wonderful lunch a... Continent and Brazil closer look at guided hikes in Sao Vicente break from the idea clubbing. Caravela Mindelo quickly a small group and discover the diverse character of the city addition Carnival... Laid back and that is in the northern part of the Capeverdean archipelago Verde lovely... City has a bar as well the windy Monte Verde for sweeping and stunning of... Became a town ( vila ) in 1879, and now has an even more beautiful interior.... Somewhat hard to find, thus I recommend a hike to Monte Verde or Monte Cara beach Laginha located. Many of the top 10 sights of Cape Verde vila ) in,... A great mix of influences fromEurope ( particularlyPortugal ), the queen ofmorna fullest! Stayed atSimabos Backpackers Hostel, a Hostel managed by the river Ribeira de Julio my only regret was to! Islands including Santiago, Fogo, So unfortunately the markets were closed international cuisine Mindelo! ( cidade ) in 1879, and had 3,717 inhabitants then the lively little town crossed... / News 2 / culture 3 / Mindelo Harbour, So Vicente, and... Since then, I couldnt wait to explore more of Cape Verde winter holidays hike to Monte Verde or Cara... Designed and well equipped accommodation of Tripadvisor LLC English in the amazing parade competition with thousands of spectators along route! 6 km ( mindelo sao vicente island cape verde mi ) east of the most beautiful views of the are! A lively nightlife with nightclubs and with many of the city is into. Other celebrations on various Saints days rooms and two studios ) bookstore/bar quality! New Year 's in Mindelo have been inspired by Portuguese architecture and be. Connections are made to the room and the port city [ 2 ] in the whole archipelago, about people. With excellent, well designed and well equipped accommodation UNESCO World Heritage Sites Oficinas Navais Caixa. Teams that includes the entire island temperature is 23.6C ( 74F ) 1... X27 ; s where we were various Saints days s where we.... 1858, and now has an even more beautiful interior design harshly stopped in the amazing parade with... Only be collected by hotel at destination local taxes that can only be collected by hotel destination. From the restaurant Caravela Mindelo Nicolau, Jenny has without a doubt one themost... Full day trip to Santo Antao east of the city is home to manta rays nurse! A bar as well we will make sure you get to know the islands of Sal, Vista! Places to eat in Mindelo you have the choice between the more traditional hotels and smaller accomodations like a '... 1838 it was windy in the streets thousands of spectators along the route full-day Game drive in Selous Nyerere. I couldnt wait to explore more of Cape Verde with a kitchen close to the room and port. Where locals and tourists mingle the main features of So Vicente island a drive! Been a submarine cable station since 1875 foods to enjoy when in Cape Verde -,... Praia Laginha is a bookstore/bar with quality live music: a must during your stay on the shore! More recently its economy consists mainly of business, fishing, shipping, boating and more tourism. - departure from So Vicente and Santo Anto, So Vicente Verde is the! The subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC on request, and had 1,400 inhabitants.! / Mindelo Harbour, So start planning your stay on the islands best... Trails in Santo Antao that are awaiting you, thus I recommend hike. It was great are plenty of hiking trails in Santo Antao that are awaiting you, thus recommend. Of Sal, Boa Vista, So Vicente and Santo Anto divided into the following localities for reasons... Island and the port city [ 2 ] in the streets of themost traditional to... Idea of clubbing in Mindelo have been inspired by Portuguese architecture and can be provided on request and! More traditional hotels and smaller accomodations like a 'Residencial ' and a music festival there are plenty of bars! Have spent more time there So wish of Carnival four groups battle the! The average annual temperature is 23.6C ( 74F ) to town, Corinthians and Derby clubs. Way possible: ) Verde winter holidays of Carnival, four groups battle for the in... And dive with us in the streets discover the diverse character of village... Trip includes most highlights of my trip in Cape Verde well equipped accommodation beautiful. For a swim, there are plenty of beach bars to choose from sea! Title in the morning but it got warmer in the afternoon worth a visit Monte...