Sao Vicente

Sao Vincente © www.caboverde.com
Voices and volcanic mountains characterise Sao Vicente, the most sophisticated island of the Cape Verde archipelago. It is the home of Cape Verde's most famous singer, Cesária Évora, renowned as the 'barefoot diva'.

The port city of Mindelo is the cultural capital of Cape Verde, and is home over 90% of the population of Santo Antao, as well as a number of interesting markets, a few beautiful colonial-style government buildings, and restaurants serving delicious local cuisine like catchupa stew. Mindelo has lively nightlife all year long, but truly comes alive each March for Carnaval, one of the biggest parties in Cape Verde.

The island boasts beautiful beaches, too, particularly the Baia das Gatas lagoon that has been formed by volcanic activity, and the long, sandy stretch of Sao Pedro beach, sought out by windsurfers.