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Full Day Island Tour, São Vicente, Mindelo, Highlights, Cape Verde

Cape Verde

Discover São Vicente Explore the vibrant, cosmopolitan city of Mindelo and the island’s striking mix of arid landscapes, rugged mountains, peaceful villages, and beautiful coastal beaches. Culture, scenery, and local life—São Vicente is a MUST SEE!

Cancellation policy

Review the supplier policy below before booking.

Duration 6 hours

Duration supplied by the experience provider.

Languages

German, Portuguese, English, French, Spanish, Dutch

Group size

1–50 travelers

Full description

Explore the Best of São Vicente
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.

Let us show you the true beauty and spirit of São Vicente!

Itinerary

Mindelo. Get picked up from your accommodation for a day of exploring and learning about São Vicente

Fortim del Rey. Have a overview of the city of Mindelo with fantastic views of the cityscape; learn about the history of the Island.

Cultural Center. An active center with displays of the current art exhibition, hosting many events on the Island

Belem Tower. Passing by the replica of the Belem Tower, inside is the Ocean Museum (entrance is not included)

Fish Market. Witness the daily lifestyle of life on the Island of São Vicente with a visit to the local markets

African Market. Witness the daily lifestyle of life on the Island of São Vicente with a visit to the local markets

Municipal Market. Witness the daily lifestyle of life on the Island of São Vicente with a visit to the local markets

Monte Verde. Take a scenic drive to Monte Verde, 774m or 2,539ft, the highest peak in Sao Vicente, here you will observe the greenest and most fertile place on the island, as most of it is claylike, on a clear day you will have the opportunity to take wonderful pictures of the breathtaking panoramic views of the city and beaches that outline the outskirts. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee at the Tea house 

Salamansa, Fishing Village. Fishing village of Salamansa is an active village with a different lifestyle than in Mindelo. Here you can also find water sports such as Kite and Wind surfing 

Baia das Gatas. Visit one of the most popular beaches, Baia das Gatas Here you may take a swim in the clear blue lagoon, dive into the ocean from the pier. 

Coastal Road Baia, Norte Baia to Calhau. Drive on the most beautiful coastal road of North Baia,  marvel at the contrasting long beach coastline with it black volcanic mountains, sweeping white sandiness, and crystal blue ocean. 

Calhau, Fishing Village & Agricultural Valley. Visit Calhau, an oasis! A charming small farming and fishing village also home of Vulcao Viana, one of the of last extinct volcanos on the Island. In the valley of Calhau we will see traditional farming by hand, animals, water wells, and windmills.

Mindelo. Return to your accommodation after a fantastic day exploring the Island and learning.

What’s included

Included

  • Guide
  • Pick up and drop off at accommodation in Mindelo
  • Private transportation
  • Professional Tour Guide (English, French, Portuguese and Spanish)
  • Tea or coffee at Tea house, Monte Verde (depends on availability, closed Sundays)
  • Liability insurance

Not included

  • Entrance fee per person (€2 for Ocean Museum & Centro Nacional de Artesanato €3); Passing by.
  • Lunch
  • Personal expenses
  • Gratuities

Important information

Meeting point

Cape Verde

Don’t forget

Most of the tour will be by vehicle, with some time to explore on foot in the city. Please note that we’ll be traveling up to the summit of Monte Verde, which reaches a higher altitude (cooler, bring weather or jacket).For open group tours, your guide may speak more than one language to accommodate all participants.On Sundays and public holidays, the Markets, Cultural Center, and Tea House are closed. On these days, we’ll still pass by these spots and share insights into local life and culture on the island. If you'd like to swim at Baía das Gatas, wear your swimsuit underneath your clothes and bring a towel—there are no changing facilities at the beach.Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes. Don’t forget sun protection, and bring a sweater or light jacket for the cooler air at Monte Verde.Bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated.We'll stop for lunch between 12:30–13:30. The restaurant accepts euros, escudos (local currency), and Visa cards. Expect to spend between €11–€20.Please let us know in advance about any dietary restrictions, allergies, or special needs.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation if cancelled more than 24 hours before start. 100% charge if cancelled within 24 hours of start.

Your host

VE

Verified Local Host

With GetExperience since 2026

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