Cabo Verde · São Vicente
São Vicente travel guide
Mindelo's music, carnival and colonial streets
Mindelo on São Vicente. Photo: Francisco Santos, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
São Vicente is Cape Verde's cultural island. Mindelo, its port city, has pastel colonial buildings, lively bars and the music of morna, made famous by Cesária Évora.
Its carnival in February is the country's biggest, and the ferry to Santo Antão leaves from here.
What São Vicente is known for
- Morna
Live music every night.
- Carnival
Mindelo in February.
- Colonial Mindelo
Pastel streets.
- Monte Verde
Views over the island.
Top things to do in São Vicente
Where to stay in São Vicente
Best time to visit São Vicente
Best value: Jun–Jul, Oct. November to June; February for the carnival.
- Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
- PeakBusiest, highest prices
- QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
Getting there and around
About 6h from London to VXE, and flights from most UK airports. How long is the flight from your airport?
Walk Mindelo. Taxis and aluguers go round the island.
Good to know
- Book Santo Antão ferries a day ahead.
- Evening music starts late.
- Carnival accommodation sells out early.
São Vicente FAQ
Is Mindelo worth visiting?
Yes, for music and culture.
How do I get there?
Fly from Sal or Praia.
More places in Cabo Verde
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