Things to do in Mindelo

Mindelo is the port town of São Vicente, and most tours in Mindelo start on its waterfront. Portuguese settlers founded it in 1793, on a wide natural bay. Cesária Évora was born here in 1941.

Mindelo on foot

The centre is small and flat, and the bay is never out of sight.

• Avenida Marginal. The waterfront road, with a replica of Lisbon's Belém Tower along it.
• Fortim d'El Rei. A small hilltop fort with a wide view over the town, Monte Cara and Laginha beach.
• The markets. The fish, African and Municipal markets are all on the walking route. The Municipal Market is closed on Sundays.
• Rua de Lisboa. The main street, with a Walk of Fame for the country's artists, musicians and writers.
• Cesária Évora's Mindelo. Two of her homes, one now a museum, plus Café Royal, Café Lisboa and her grave at the Monte Sossego cemetery.

Out on the island

São Vicente is dry and rocky, and the drives are short. Guides run half-day and full-day loops from the town.

• Monte Verde. At 774 metres it is the island's high point, with a tea house at the top that closes on Sundays and holidays.
• Viana volcano. An extinct crater above the village of Calhau, walked in about two hours.
• São Pedro. A fishing village where a boat takes snorkellers out to swim with sea turtles.
• Baía das Gatas. A natural lagoon for swimming, with no changing rooms on the beach.
• Dona Amélia lighthouse. A two-hour walk above the western coast, timed for sunset.

The Santo Antão day

The ferry to Porto Novo takes about an hour, and the crossing passes the lighthouse on the islet of Ilhéu dos Pássaros. Guides meet the boat and drive the island. Two-day versions pair it with a full São Vicente day.

Cruise passengers meet their guides at the Porto Grande gate, about five minutes from the ship.

Practical

• Weather. February highs are 24C and lows 20C; September highs reach 30C and lows 25C. Rain is scarce, about 84 mm a year, and September is the wettest month.
• Sundays. The Municipal Market, the cultural centre and the Monte Verde tea house are all shut.
• Passports. The ferry needs passport details sent ahead, and children need theirs too.
• Lunch. A set lunch is served on island tours, and small places may take cash only.
• Carnival. The town's big week falls before Lent, in February or March.
• From the airport. The airport is at São Pedro, about 9 km from town.