Discover São Vicente
The Island São Vicente in Cabo Verde
On the island of São Vicente, you will find live music everywhere. With its famous Carnival and many international music festivals, it is the cultural heart of the Cabo Verdian Islands. Mindelo, the capital of São Vicente, is one of the richer cities of Cabo Verde and is known for its cozy atmosphere, music, and colonial architecture. The port city inspired many intellectuals, musicians, and artists. Outside the city, you will find tranquility and beautiful, unspoiled beaches. For beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts, São Vicente is definitely worth a visit.
The History of São Vicente
After its discovery on January 22, 1462, São Vicente had no inhabitants until the British established a consulate and depot in Mindelo around 1800. These lords of the Atlantic and creators of the steam engine set up a refueling station for ships traveling from Europe to South America or southern Africa.
São Vicente today has a touch of importance and is getting richer. There is a scenic new road from Calhau to Baía das Gatas and preliminary work has begun on a golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus. Laginha beach outside Mindelo has been beautified, the concept of boutique hotels has been introduced (and copied), new museums have opened, and the 2016 elections have brought new optimism to the island.
The Weather in São Vicente
São Vicente how to get there?
Flights to São Vicente
Sao Vicente has an international airport (VXE) named after music icon Cesária Évora, located about 10 kilometers from the city of Mindelo. There are direct flights to various countries and domestic flights to/from the islands of Sal and Santiago.
International flights São Vicente
- Portugal - Lisbon
- Luxemburg
Domestic flights to São Vicente
- Sal SID
- Santiago - Praia RAI
- Brava SNE
Transportation by sea to São Vicente
Take a ferry to São Vicente
Sao Vicente can also be reached by ferry. For example, between the neighboring islands of Santo Antao and Sao Nicolau, ferries frequently sail to and from Mindelo. The travel time by ferry is relatively long considering for the distance and the departure of the ferries is not always certain.
Take a yacht to São Vicente
Mindelo has a modern marina, and the harbor and anchorages are excellent and provide shelter from the northwest to the south winds. Mindelo Marina has some of the best fuel, water, docking, and boat repair facilities in the Cabo Verde archipelago. On the floating pontoon, you will find a cozy bar-restaurant. Also, there is a ship chandler with a range of equipment suitable for crossing the Atlantic.
When you arrive, moor at the marina and then walk to Porto Grande. Identify yourself at the Capitania, which will guide you through the other necessities such as the maritime police and the immigration police.
Another possible anchorage is at Baia de São Pedro, where it is best to anchor off the beach’s eastern end. The wind can occasionally be tricky and there are no facilities. Watch out for the channel between São Vicente and Santo Antão, where winds can reach 40 knots, especially between December and May.
Getting around in São Vicente
Taxi
A taxi from the airport to Mindelo takes 20 minutes and costs about 10 euros. Taxis to town from the airport cost 900$ (1,000$ at night). It is 10km to Mindelo and 1km to São Pedro.
Public transport
In the city of Mindelo there are city buses that will take you to most places for a small price.
Festivals at São Vicente
Like every island in Cabo Verde, São Vicente has its own festivals every year. Locals and tourists come together to enjoy the festivities.