Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
5.30-9pm Sun)
Phones, printing, scanning and internet (CVE100 for one hour, CVE40 for 15
minutes).
Mon-Sat, 10am-3pm Sun)
This kiosk near the harbour offers comprehensive info on attractions
on São Vicente and beyond, and books a variety of activities, excursions and tours. You
can also book accommodation, cars and ferry tickets and store luggage (CVE200 per
piece).
Getting Around
Official taxis are generally safe and easy to find in Mindelo. In the city centre, expect to
pay CVE150 for a ride; it's CVE170 to suburbs. After 8pm, the fare goes up by CVE30.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Around Mindelo
Few people venture beyond Mindelo's city streets, but there are a couple of worthwhile
sites on the island. For panoramic views of Mindelo, all of São Vicente as well as Santo
Antão and Santa Luzia, head to
Mount Verde
(750m), São Vicente's highest peak, and hope
for a clear day.
Some of the island's best beaches are at
Calhau
, a weekend getaway 18km southeast of
Mindelo. It's all but deserted during the week but comes alive on weekends, when locals
storm the restaurant for lunchtime meals and beach time. Try the buffet with live music
run by Chez Loutcha (
Click here
) at its beachfront resto (CVE1600 with transfer) or the
less touristy
Hamburg
(
9am-9pm)
, with a colourful patio set be-
2329309; mains CVE800;
hind the beach.
Calhau is also the best gateway for boat trips to the uninhabited island of
Santa Luzia
across the way, with its blissfully empty beaches. A
boat trip
with one of the local fisher-
men, which takes about 1½ hours each way, typically costs CVE15,000 round-trip (for up
to four people). The man to look for among the fishermen is Alcides, who speaks a little
English and can make arrangements. It's also possible to camp overnight, arranging for
