São Vicente

São Vicente — overview

São Vicente is small, dry and dramatic — and its main city, Mindelo, is the undisputed cultural capital of Cape Verde. Wrapped around a deep natural harbor and overlooked by the peak of Monte Verde, Mindelo is the home of morna (Cesária Évora was born here), the best live music scene in the country and the legendary February carnival, widely considered the best in West Africa. The city itself is walkable, colorful and full of bars, galleries and seafood restaurants. Outside Mindelo, surfers find waves at São Pedro and beach lovers the calm bay of Baía das Gatas.

Highlights

• Mindelo: colonial old town, marina and music bars
• Mindelo Carnival (February) — the biggest in West Africa
• Monte Verde lookout over the bay
• Baía das Gatas beach and music festival
• São Pedro surf beach and Calhau village

Frequently asked questions