Located on the Cape Verdean island of Sao Vicente, the thriving city of Mindelo serves as the cultural capital of Cape Verde. The towering peak of Monte Verde overlooks the city, which brims with charming cafes, bars, and restaurants. A strong musical heritage is evident in the traditional music escaping onto the streets; Mindelo was once the home to the world-famous singing legend, Cesaria Evora, known as the ‘barefoot diva’. Colourful colonial houses line the shores of Porto Grande harbour, which is set against a spectacular backdrop of rugged volcanic mountains. Make sure to visit the impressive market for wonderfully fresh fish; explore the Fortim d'El Rei, an old fort perched on a hill overlooking Mindelo Port; and climb the three-story Belem Tower, a copy of the Lisbon original.
Santo Antao is one of the most beautiful islands of the Cape Verde Archipelago, offering visitors breathtaking landscapes. This Cape Verdean island features hidden beaches, cobblestoned roads, fishing villages, and majestic mountains. It is the second largest island with spectacular dramatic landscape characterised by lush green valleys, pine forests, sheer cliffs, rugged mountains and some fascinating flora. One of the main highlights is without a doubt the short yet awe-inspiring hikes through hidden valleys and secret villages along the ancient coast of this magnificently scenic island. It draws hiking enthusiasts from all corners of the globe. Visitors can also make a journey to the summit of Topo de Coroa, the highest point of the island standing at 1979 metres.
Together with Ribeira Grande, Paul covers a third of the island of Santa Antao, which is part of the Barlavento group of Cape Verde. Set in the northeastern part of the island, the municipality is a famous hiking destination home to the lush, exquisite and renowned Paul Valley. Sugarcane terraces line the valley’s sides, and the jagged peaks of taller mountains decorate the skyline in the southwest. Farmlands dominate the Atlantic coastline, and grasslands, bushes and forests offer plenty to explore. There are several good restaurants and accommodation options, and a historic church provides insight into the local culture and history.
Set on the southern coast of Santiago Island, the bustling city of Praia is the capital of the Cape Verde Islands. As the economic, political, and cultural centre of Cape Verde, Praia offers a marvellous combination of heritage, beaches and community activities. Historic buildings worth seeing include the colonial town hall, the classicist cathedral, the grand Presidential Palace, and the old city wall, complete with cannons. The town's fascinating museums include the Sala-Museu Amilcar Cabral, which celebrates the freedom fighter Amilcar Cabral, and the Museu Etnografico de Praia, containing traditional Cabo Verdean artefacts. For those looking to sunbathe, swim and relax, Quebra Canela Beach offers large stretches of white sand beaches and inviting water, fringed by some delightful bars and restaurants. Prainha Beach is clean and close to the city centre. With a distinctly African character, one of the town's main attractions is its excellent market, selling fresh produce and other goods.
Sao Filipe is Fogo Island’s capital city, set on its west coast. The charming town still exhibits remnants of its colonial past. Here, amongst cobbled streets and brightly painted squares, visitors will find many fine examples of the ‘Sobrado’ architecture brought to the island by the Portuguese. A number of scenic black sandy beaches such as Ponta da Salina and Porto de Vale de Cavaleiros are easily accessible from the town. Those with a taste for coffee, art and culture should head to the Dja'r Fogo Gallery to taste the artisanal coffee made on the family-run plantation here since 1874 and enjoy the centre’s exhibits and guided trips. Visitors can also find out more about what life was like on the island in the last 200 years at the Casa da Memoria.
