São Vicente Island - Cape Verde
Fact sheet for the island of São Vicente (Cabo Verde):
Area: ~ 227 km²
Highest mountain: Monte Verde, approx. 774 m
Maximum length of the island: About 24 km
Maximum width of the island: About 16 km
Population: About 80,000 inhabitants (this number may vary, please update yourself with the latest statistics)
Municipalities: São Vicente is itself a municipality.
Capital: Mindelo, about 70,000 inhabitants (current data should be checked)
Nearest island / distance: Santo Antão, about 10 km away (northwest, separated by the Canal de São Vicente)
Airport: Cesária Évora Airport (formerly San Pedro Airport), west of Mindelo
Seaport: the port of Mindelo (Porto Grande), one of the largest natural deep-water ports in the world.
São Vicente, the name honoring Saint Vincent, serves as part of Cape Verde's Barlavento Islands to the north in the Atlantic Ocean, situated off the coast of West Africa. The island finds itself nestled between Santo Antão and Santa Luzia, with the São Vicente Channel creating a natural divide from Santo Antão.
Geographical Overview :
São Vicente takes on a predominantly rectangular configuration, covering an expanse of 226.7 square kilometers (87.5 square miles). Its dimensions span 24.3 kilometers (15.1 miles) from the eastern to the western edge and 16.3 kilometers (10.1 miles) stretching from north to south. Birthed from volcanic forces, the island's terrain remains predominantly level, with its most recent volcanic activity dating back to the Pleistocene era. Despite extensive erosion, vestiges of volcanic craters can still be observed, such as Crater Viana. The peak of Monte Verde, situated in the eastern region, soars to 744 meters (2,441 feet), claiming the title of the island's highest point. Other notable peaks include Madeiral at 680 meters, Caixa at 535 meters, and Monte Cara at 490 meters.
Mindelo, the island's urban nucleus, is home to 92.6% of São Vicente's population. The city is perched on the shores of Porto Grande Bay, a caldera partially opened to the sea. Close to this bay, barely a nautical mile from the coast, lies the small Ilhéu dos Pássaros islet. São Vicente is characterized by a sparse network of intermittent streams, among which are Ribeira do Calhau and Ribeira de Julião.
São Vicente island map
São Vicente - hotspot for culture & music
São Vicente, often nicknamed the "Rio de Janeiro of Cape Verde," is renowned for its vibrant cultural scene, which includes live music, international festivals, and grand carnival celebrations. Mindelo, the island's capital, stands out as the cultural hub of the Cape Verde Islands, characterized by its rich history, colonial architecture, and bustling city life. Known as a hotspot for intellectuals, musicians, and artists, Mindelo is a city that truly represents 95% of São Vicente's inhabitants.
The island itself is arid, featuring a mix of mountains, red landscapes, and serene, untouched beaches. It serves as an excellent base for visiting other islands in the vicinity. It was discovered by the Portuguese in 1462, previously uninhabited and used as a pirates' refuge before becoming a Portuguese imperial outpost. Both Portuguese and British influences can be seen in the local architecture.
São Vicente offers a majestic natural pool in Baia das Gatas, panoramic views from Monte Verde, and excellent spots for water sports like Sandy beach in Calhau. It's also noted as one of the world's premier destinations for blue marlin fishing.
Culinary options are plentiful, especially in Mindelo, with various restaurants offering live music and a range of delicious dishes. Accommodation spans from luxury to budget, with options like the Porto Grande Oasis Atlantico hotel and the more affordable Royal Mindelo.
The best time to visit São Vicente is during the cultural festivities in February or August. The island enjoys a subtropical dry climate with minimal rain, allowing for a pleasant visit at any time of the year.
Transportation on the island is facilitated by an international airport, local buses, aluguers, taxis, and car rentals. São Vicente is also accessible by ferry from neighboring islands, and its modern harbor accommodates both local and international watercraft.
Visitors often inquire about the duration of stay, trips to neighboring Santo Antao or São Nicolau, and the connections to the island.
São Vicente sightseeing
This map will guide you through some of the best spots to explore, including the serene Praia da Laginha in Mindelo, the picturesque Salamansa, and the beautiful Baía das Gatas, among others. Whether you're seeking a relaxing day at the beach or an adventurous hike up Monte Verde, São Vicente has a diverse range of attractions waiting to be discovered.
- Praia da Laginha Mindelo
- Salamansa
- Baía das Gatas
- Monte Verde
- Praia Grande, Cape Verde
- Calhau
- Boca da Lapa
- Praia de São Pedro - Turtles Swimming
near Calhau
Island hopping to the island of Santo Antão
Regular ferry services operate between the island of São Vicente and Santo Antão. There are a total of 14 services each week, providing convenient options for travel. One ferry departs early in the morning to São Vicente and returns in the late afternoon. For more information, including the ferry schedules and timetables, please refer to the following links.
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