São Vicente
São Vicente Island” is one of the smallest islands in Cape Verde. At just 227 square kilometers, it is slightly smaller than the canton of Zug and has 83,000 inhabitants.
The arid island is not as old as the other islands in the archipelago and therefore has even higher mountains. The highest peak is Monte Verde, at 750 meters. The island is surprisingly urban and economically oriented towards the port and industry.
The capital Mindelo, with its large port, forms the center and is also the cultural center of the whole country. The city is known as the cradle of Cape Verde’s famous musical styles. Although live music is only played in some bars, there are still shows by local artists.
The island offers little infrastructure for tourists, although there are very good wind conditions for windsurfers and attractive waves for surfers in the southwest, near São Pedro, for example. There is also a beautiful sandy beach in the northeast, near Baia das Gatas, which is also suitable for families, as well as other beaches that are rarely suitable for swimming vacations due to the surf.
Even if the island’s charm isn’t immediately apparent, São Vicente may well be worth a visit if you’re planning a vacation on the Cape Verde islands.
