Things to Do in São Vicente

Mindelo is the Capital of Culture of Cape Verde! Mindelo is music! We offer 2 different tours of the vibrant nightlife of Mindelo: 1. "Mindelo by Night" 2. "Experience local nightlife" 1. On our tour "Mindelo by Night" we show you all the restaurants and bars where you can enjoy live music from talented musicians. Your guide will take you to famous restaurants and bars and discover lesser-known places not found in any guidebook. You will experience authentic culture up close and learn a lot about the country and its people, diverse musical styles and artists. 2. Afterwards we offer the tour "Experience local nightlife". We drive to a restaurant with live music and dancing opportunities in an untouristic district. There you will immerse yourself in the local nightlife and experience an evening with a real island atmosphere. We would like to point out that professional documentation of the tour is not desired.

Mindelo is music! Mindelo Cultural offers three different city tours with different highlights: 1) with music performance of 6 traditional rhythms: 3 hours 2) with music performance and dance workshop: 3.5 hours 3) with music performance and culinary tastings: 4 hours Your experienced guide, wearing a Mindelo Cultural badge, will meet you at the starting point of the tour. You will see all the sights of Cape Verde's Capital of Culture and learn interesting things from history, society and culture. You will also get to know all the restaurants and bars where you can enjoy live music from talented musicians in the evening. On all tours you will get a unique insight into the cultural richness of the Cape Verde islands, feel their soul and do something good: With your participation you support social projects of the SOS Children's Village in Mindelo.

If you’re looking to explore a truly unique place, Visit the Island of São Vicente. The Cosmopolitan City of Mindelo is vibrant and full of life, day and night, with its breathtaking arid landscape, rugged mountains with oasis valleys, tranquil villages and stunning coastal beaches, it is a MUST VISIT Island! Cultural Capital Home of: Musical Artists, Cesaria Évora & Bana ~ Queen and King of Morna. BEST Carnaval, BEST Music Festival (Baia das Gatas), Sahara Sand Dunes, Volcanic black sandy beaches, Laginha Beach, Monte Verde, Markets, Museums, Nightlife, Restaurants, Artists, and Musicians. São Vicente, Mindelo, Monte Cara, Porto Grande, Lighthouse, The Rock in the Middle of the Ocean...

Have the opportunity to Marvel at our beautiful contrasting coasts, take time for a swim. Experience life on the lived-in Villages of São Vicente. Visit the highest point on the Island and enjoy the views with a cup of coffee or tea at the Tea House Beaches, Villages and Monte Verde. Witness our Islands breathtaking arid landscapes, rugged mountains, oasis valleys, tranquil villages and stunning coastal beaches, it is a MUST SEE Island! It will be our pleasure to explore with you!

Hop on a quad bike in Mindelo for an unforgettable adventure! After a quick safety briefing, follow your guide along scenic coastal trails and dirt roads. Enjoy breathtaking views of the city, Monte Cara, and Praia da Laginha. Cruise through the fishing village of Salamansa, relax by the crystal-clear waters of Baía das Gatas, and explore Calhau’s unique rock formations and the Viana Volcano. On the way back, soak in the colorful colonial buildings and bustling fish market before wrapping up at Praia da Laginha.

São Vicente is typically dry and clay-like, however, Monte Verde is one of the greenest places to be found on the Island. Travel to Monte Verde by car, up the mountainside road. Along the way, you will find endemic plants, farmers, livestock, and old homes that have been abandoned. At the summit, we will stop at the Tea House to enjoy a cup of locally grown tea or coffee or taste the tea liquor while taking in the spectacular views of the Island.

Discover the beauty of Santo Antão with one of our flexible full-day excursions. Your local guide will take you on a full-day island tour, bringing the Island’s stories to life. You can choose from 4 different options to best suit your travel plans and activity level 2 Island Highlights by Car: * From São Vicente: Includes harbor transfers and roundtrip ferry tickets. * From Santo Antão (Porto Novo): Ideal if you’ve already booked ferry tickets or are staying on the island. 2 Trekking Options: * From São Vicente: Includes harbor transfers and roundtrip ferry tickets. * From Santo Antão (Porto Novo): Perfect for those already on the island or with ferry tickets booked.

Don't miss the opportunity to volunteer with animals during your trip to Cape Verde. You will see magnificent places and learn about aspects of the island that most tourists ignore. Not only will you do good to dogs and cats that Simabo has been dealing with for years, but you will fill your heart with pure emotions that you will carry with you forever.

Welcome to one of Cabo Verde’s most welcoming and beautiful islands! Discover Mindelo, a small, yet vibrant cosmopolitan city, alive with energy day and night. Learn about our rich history, culture, and way of life as you stroll among the city’s colorful colonial architecture and explore its lively markets—the Fish Market, African Market, and Municipal Market (note: closed on Sundays). From a scenic lookout, take in panoramic views of Mindelo, Monte Cara, and the golden sands of Laginha Beach. Then journey to the island’s highest peak, Monte Verde, a natural protected park with sweeping island views. We’ll visit charming fishing villages along the coast, swim in the crystal-clear lagoon of Baía das Gatas, and admire the dramatic shoreline of Norte Baia. In Calhau, a peaceful farming and fishing village, see one of the island’s last extinct volcanoes—Vulcão Viana. In the lush Calhau valley, observe traditional farming, local livestock, water wells, and windmills still in use today.

This half-day tour is the best introduction to São Vicente, Cultural Capital of Cabo Verde and the birthplace of Cesária Évora, our beloved “Barefoot Diva.” You'll explore Mindelo, a lively port city buzzing with music, art, colorful markets, cafés, and a rich cultural scene. Known for hosting the country's best Carnaval and festivals, Mindelo offers an authentic taste of island life. Venture beyond the city to take in breathtaking views from Monte Verde, the island’s highest point, and visit picturesque coastal villages where hospitality and local traditions thrive. Along the way, we’ll share stories, history, and glimpses into daily life, with plenty of stops for photos, exploring, and even a relaxing tea or coffee break. This is a fun, laid-back, and memorable day—a chance to soak up the true spirit of São Vicente, meet its friendly people, and enjoy the stunning mix of sea, mountains, and culture that make this island so special.

Pick up and drop off at Porto Grande Entrance gate (about 5 minute walk from ship) GUARANTEED to return to your ship on time!! Experience the Cultural Capital of Cabo Verde! São Vicente is a beautiful and vibrant Island; Mindelo, a small cosmopolitan city full of life! Bustling markets, delicious cuisine, cafés, live music, home of the best Carnaval, Festivals and Cesária Évora, our Famous Barefoot Diva . Visit our stunning beaches with crystal blue waters and lively coastal villages where you can find local friendly people. Experience it with us and you will surely get to know the best of São Vicente!

Drive to the highest point of our Island, Monte Verde, 774m or 2,539ft, have breathtaking panoramic views, enjoy a cup of tea (grown locally) or try the tea liquor at our Tea House. Visit our beautiful coastal beaches and villages: São Pedro, Calhau, Norte Baia, Baia das Gatas, Salamansa. Enjoy a swim or dive off of the trampolim into the clear blue lagoon at Baía das Gatas, or relax on the beach. Stop for lunch at best restaurant at fishing village near sea. Discover our Agricultural Oasis on the Island, and farm animals

Get outdoors in the evening for an adventurous refreshing walk along the mountainside path to our famous Lighthouse, Dona Amélia. The incredible views, and refreshing air, make this the most rewarding walk you will take on the Island;) Arriving to the picturesque lighthouse, Dona Amélia, take a moment to relax and watch the sun set into the endless Atlantic Ocean Enjoy a pick up at your accommodation in Mindelo and head out of the city for a fantastic evening hike. Drive on the coastal road to the Southwest of the Island, to Santo André where we will begin our ascend along the man made mountain path. In the clear blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean below, you may have the opportunity to witness Sealife such as, dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays and more. The sun sets in the West, needless to say, this is one of the best places to capture it in São Vicente. After a rewarding hike, return along the mountainside path to the beach; return to your accommodation in Mindelo.

Wake up in the morning to a refreshing walk, travel to the highest point of São Vicente, Monte Verde. This journey will take up the mountainside of Monte Verde, with its green ambiance, endemic plants, traditional farming houses, birdlife activity, and the best panoramic views of the Island! This hike is a great adventure! The length of excursion can vary depending on your pace of walking - typically one way up is up to 2 hours, then returning on the road can be up to an hour.

São Vicente and its volcanic lunar landscapes are magical. Hiking along the edge of the volcano is a must! The views inside the crater are mesmerizing!! This hike is great for all ages. If you want to have a cool adventure in Sao Vicente, this is it! Travel to the coastal village of Calhau, home to our extinct volcano Viana for an exciting hike.

If you want to visit the city of Mindelo on a short visit, this tour is ideal for you. It offers a perfect combination of historical places, culture, gastronomy, art and nature, urban centers and distant beaches.

Join our five-day tour and explore the beauty of Cape Verde´s islands, Sao Vicente and Santo Antao. Explore the vibrant city of Mindelo and get tendered by the rhythm of morna, traditional music of Sao Vicente. The sailing trip, relaxing bath and snorkel in the beaches of Santo Antao will take you to the pleasure of relaxation and little trek to Cave Volcano will fill your sight with spectacular panoramic views. This African vibe with European sway will tender your senses and leave a memorable moment for a lifetime.

For all art lovers we offer 2 different tours. 1. streetart tour 2. visit local artists tour 1. Discover the colorful street art scene of Mindelos on a 2-hour tour starting at Le Metalo restaurant. Together with a local guide, you will visit impressive works by local artists. Learn more about the stories behind the artworks, the messages of the artists and the cultural context of the different neighborhoods. You will also get exciting insights into the creation and financing of the works. 2. Discover Mindelo's diverse art scene on a guided tour. Visit studios and workshops of local artists and learn more about their work, history and everyday life. Along the way, you will learn about various art forms from painting, fashion and photography to ceramics, jewellery and crafts. If you are interested, you can buy artwork directly.

Get the know the wonders of São Vicente with your local experts! Passionate to share with you the hidden gems of the Islands:) Ready to make memories with you on your travels.

Enjoy a high-quality private transfer from Cesária Évora Airport to your accommodation in Baía das Gatas and/or Vice Versa, including free and unlimited waiting time. Our professional driver will take you from door to door with complete security.

Travel between the Islands of Santo Antão and São Vicente with ease, schedule your private harbor transfer with us. We will be there to pick you up on time! Whether you are going to the harbor, or returning to your hotel, you can count on us to get you there, professional and safe. Specializing on the Islands of São Vicente and Santo Antão, we are available to assist with your travel needs.

Enjoy a high-quality private transfer from Cesária Évora Airport to your accommodation in Lazareto and/or Vice Versa, including free and unlimited waiting time. Our professional driver will take you from door to door with complete security.

Enjoy a high-quality private transfer from Cesária Évora Airport to your accommodation in São pedro and/or Vice Versa, including free and unlimited waiting time. Our professional driver will take you from door to door with complete security.