5 Things you must do in São Vicente

The Laginha neighborhood, also known as Matiota, is the beach area of the city of Mindelo, the main urban area of Sao Vicente Island. This is where Laginha beach is located, an urban beach with a vast stretch of sand and excellent conditions for swimming in the calm bay waters, located one and a half kilometers from the historic city center.

For the people of Mindelo, it is a privileged place to enjoy the weekend or a relaxing afternoon. For tourists, it is a must-see stop – not only for the sea, but also for its cafes and terraces. If you don't know where to go after exploring the narrow streets of the city center and one or two museums, a dip in Laginha beach could be the solution.

The National Center for Art, Crafts and Design, better known as CNAD, immediately draws attention due to the architecture of the building where it is hosted. Covered in vibrant and colorful circles reminiscent of barrel lids, it strongly marks the landscape around Praça Nova.

Inside, I found a painting exhibition that, in all honesty, didn't tell me much. But art is art—and tastes are subjective—so it’s worth visiting (because the exhibitions change). The rest of the space, stage for other exhibitions, was closed for some “technical reason” that I was unable to unravel – which is why I was unable to see the entire collection. Still, I believe that CNAD is very much worthwhile!

I am, in fact, certain that, for those looking for more than sun and grog, the CNAD – National Center of Art, Crafts and Design has to be included in the trip itinerary to São Vicente.

Dating back to 1874, the Mindelo Municipal Market building is beautiful and worth a recommendation on its own. But it is also an excellent place to get to know Cape Verdean products and chat with sellers of basketwork, fresh produce and medicinal herbs.

The Centro de Turismo e Economia Solidária store is also located inside the Municipal Market, and organizes tours to explore the island of São Vicente.

All in all, I believe that the Mindelo Municipal Market—like the Fish Market—is one of those places worth visiting in Mindelo. At least for all those who like markets.

With its 747 meters of altitude, Monte Verde is the highest point in São Vicente. It is part of the so-called Monte Verde Natural Park, the only protected area on the Cape Verdean island.

For me, visiting Monte Verde allowed me to discover another side of São Vicente. A greener side. It is even possible to observe terraced farming, a method used to overcome the slope of the terrain, as seen in the Portuguese Douro Valley region.

Also etched in my memory is the moment when I crossed paths with a herd of goats and their young shepherd, on my way back from the top of Monte Verde, and passing by Mr. Miguel's iconic Tea House.

Inaugurated in October, 2019, at a time when morna was still trying to be proclaimed Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, the Mural de Cesária Évora is a work by the Portuguese urban artist Alexandre Farto, better known as Vhils. It is a tribute to the “Barefoot Diva”, the greatest ambassador of Cape Verdean music, installed in Praça Dom Luís – a noble space in the historic center of Mindelo and one of the best areas where to stay in São Vicente. For all lovers of Vhils' work, this is another must-see stop when passing by São Vicente.