Discover 8 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in São Vicente (Cape Verde). Don't miss out on these must-see attractions: Viana, Dona Amélia Lighthouse, and Monte Cara. Also, be sure to include Monte Verde in your itinerary.
Below, you can find the list of the most amazing places you should visit in São Vicente (São Vicente).
Table of Contents
Viana
Volcano in Cape Verde. Viana is a low volcano in the southeastern part of the island of São Vicente, Cape Verde. Its elevation is 163 metres. It is situated 3 kilometres south of Calhau and 14 kilometres southeast of the island capital Mindelo.[1]
Dona Amélia Lighthouse
Also known as: Farol de D. Amélia
Lighthouse. Farol de D. Amélia is a lighthouse in the southwestern point of the island of São Vicente in northwestern Cape Verde. It lies 3 km west of the village of São Pedro. The lighthouse is a white square tower with a lantern and a gallery, 14 m high. The lighthouse was completed in 1894.[2]
Monte Cara
Mountain in Cape Verde. Monte Cara is a mountain in western part of the island of São Vicente, Cape Verde. Its elevation is 490 m. It resembles a human face looking at the sky, hence its name, which means "face mountain". It is a landmark of the city of Mindelo, from which it can be seen across Porto Grande Bay.
The album Voz d'Amor (2003) by Cesária Évora contains the song Monte Cara.[3]
Monte Verde
Highest island peak with aerial views. Monte Verde is a mountain in the eastern part of the island of São Vicente, Cape Verde. At 744 m elevation, it is the island's highest point. The mountain is located 6 km east of the city centre of Mindelo.[4]
Avenida Marginal
Avenida Marginal is an important street in Mindelo, São Vicente island, Cape Verde. It runs along the coast of the Porto Grande Bay, connecting the city centre with the northwestern outskirts. Its southern end is the intersection with Rua Libertadores de África and Rua da Praia, that continues south along the coast. Avenida Marginal runs along the port of Mindelo, below Fortim d'El-Rei and along Praia da Laginha in Matiota.
Notable structures along the avenue:
- the former customs house (1858-1861), current Centro Cultural do Mindelo
- Parque Nhô Roque, named after writer António Aurélio Gonçalves
- the former British consulate (1853)
Avenida Marginal lent its name to an album of singer Bana and a song of singer Cesária Évora in her 2006 album Rogamar.[5]
Don Luis Lighthouse
Also known as: Farol de D. Luís
Farol de D. Luis is a lighthouse on the islet of Ilhéu dos Pássaros, 1.3 km off the coast of the island of São Vicente, Cape Verde. It lies at the entrance to the Porto Grande Bay from the Canal de São Vicente, the strait between São Vicente and Santo Antão. The lighthouse sits atop the highest point of the islet, and is connected to the keepers house halfway down the slope by a stairway. The lighthouse was built around 1882, and was named after king Luís I of Portugal. It is a white hexagonal tower with a small lantern, total height five metres. Its focal height is 86 metres, and its range is 14 nmi.[6]
Ribeira Julião
Also known as: Ribeira de Julião
Village. Ribeira Julião is a village in the central part of the island of Sao Vicente, Cape Verde. In 2010 its population was 611. It is situated in the valley of the stream Ribeira de Julião, south of the island capital Mindelo, 3.5 km from the city centre. An adjacent neighbourhood of Mindelo is named Ribeira de Julião.[7]
Fateixa
Mountain. Fateixa is an uninhabited mountain valley near the west coast of the island of São Vicente in Cape Verde. It is 7 km west from the city of Mindelo and 4 km north of São Pedro. It is accessed by the mountain pass Selada de Fateixa. It is surrounded by 300–400 m high mountains, including Cabeça de Gato and Monte de Carrachiça.[8]