Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SÃO VICENTE
POP 76,107
Small, stark and undulating, São Vicente on its own would be fairly forgettable were it not
for the beautiful Mediterranean town of Mindelo, Cape Verde's prettiest city and home to
one of Africa's most raucous festivals.
If you do need a break from the city, Mt Verde (750m), the island's highest peak and
only touch of green, is an easy day's hike. There are also some windy but fine beaches at
Baía das Gatas, Calhau and Salamansa.
Getting There & Away
AIR
TACV
( 2321524;
www.flytacv.com
)
has one to two flights daily to and from Praia, one daily to
bon. Taxis to and from the Cesária Évora Airport cost CVE900.
BOAT
Ferries connect Mindelo with daily boats to neighbouring Santo Antão. For service to other
islands, including Praia, Sal and São Nicolau, check at the ferry port, a short walk from
downtown; note that departures are sporadic and crossings long.
Getting Around
The most convenient way around the island is by taxi from Mindelo, including trips to
Monte Verde (CVE1100), Calhau (CVE1000), Baía das Gatas (CVE900) and Salamansa
(CVE850). Alternatively, there are
aluguers
to Baía das Gatas and Calhau that leave from
near Praça Estrela in Mindelo. Both cost around CVE150 each way. Note that service is ir-
regular on weekdays and can involve long waits.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Mindelo
Set around a moon-shaped port and ringed by barren mountains, Mindelo is Cape Verde's
answer to the Riviera, complete with cobblestone streets, candy-coloured colonial buildings
and yachts bobbing in a peaceful harbour. Around a bend is the country's deepest industrial
