Boa Vista Island Cape Verde

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Boa Vista is the most eastern of all the Cape Verde islands, lying 445km from the West coast of Africa.

It was discovered in 1480, and was named St Cristovao (Saint Christopher), then later Boa Vista which means literally ‘Nice View'.

Map of Boa Vista Island Cape Verde

Geography and Climate of Boa Vista Island Cape Verde

It is the most sparsely populated of all the inhabited islands, with just 4,000 islanders claiming it as their home. It is a place of peace and tranquillity, where people lead a simple life, away from the pressures of the modern world.

It is located in the ‘Barlavento' or Windward group of the Cape Verde islands.

The island of Boa Vista measures 30km North to South and 29km East to West. Its surface area is around 620 square km. The highest peak on the island is Monte Estância, at 387 meters.

The rocky landscape is softened by miles and miles of sand dunes, white beaches and turquoise water. It has probably the most wonderful beaches of all Cape Verde. Boa Vista has an amazing 60-70 Km of untouched spectacular beaches.

In the middle of the island is a ‘Desert'. This literally is a large area of brilliant white sand that seems like it was just dumped there. There must be some geological reason for this, but we are yet to discover the answer. It is quite something to see from the air.

The Capital of Boa Vista Island is Sal Rei. To the North of Sal Rei is Cabral Beach and to the South is Estoril Beach which becomes Praia Da Chave further down.

The little town that is next to the airport is called Rabil and there are a few other very small villages.

Estoril beach is the main area for tourists and water sports enthusiasts. It is a protected bay that offers perfect conditions for sailing, wind surfing and kite surfing.

History of Boa Vista Island Cape Verde

During the 15th and 16th centuries, Boa Vista was used for grazing and breeding cattle and goats. It was not until the 17th century that actual settlements were founded here, when a group of British privateers began extracting salt on the island.

The local economy prospered with the salt extraction. Boa Vista became a hub of creative activity which included weaving and pottery.

Boa Vista was prosperous and cultured. But became victim of attacks by pirates, leading to the construction of the Duque de Bragança fort on Sal Rei.

In 1843, the Portuguese-British Commission for the Abolition of Slavery was founded on the island, to ensure full enforcement on transatlantic routes.

Infrastructure and Development on Boa Vista Island Cape Verde

The main port on Boa Vista is Sal Rei.

The new international airport has now opened and is receiving direct flights from the UK and Italy.

Boa Vista has been developing steadily over the past few years. It hasn't had the attention that Sal has, but now that the new airport is open the island is likely to move forward at a faster pace.

Boa Vista got its first tarmac road recently, as the extended runway of the new international airport went through the old cobbled main road from Rabil to Ral Rei.

Property Investment and Developments on Boa Vista Island Cape Verde

Property investment in Boa Vista has been steadily increasing over the last few years. Until recently there were only a handful of developers that operated on the island. Now there are many projects available and the property market has developed much further. The builders are generally local.

Development to date has been centred on Sal Rei and Praia Da Chave near the airport.

The town of Sal Rei has expanded significantly to the North on Cabral beach and to the South on Estoril beach. This has been principally residential developments although a few resort style developments are being built as well on the island.

Property development in Praia Da Chave is mainly for tourist villages and hotels.

There are still some remarkably cheap properties to be snapped up on the island. Prices will increase substantially in the next few years due to the development of the tourism industry driven by the new airport.

Economy and Agriculture on Boa Vista Island Cape Verde

Like several other islands in the archipelago of Cape Verde, Boa Vista's small economy grew around the extraction of salt. The limestone industry also enjoyed success.

It is best known for the production of ceramics according to African tradition (these are made with pozollana, a volcanic mineral). Shoe parts are also manufactured on the island.

Date palms are a feature of the island's landscape, as are the curious looking pineapple farms.

Some agriculture exists on Boa Vista but it is quite limited due to the lack of water.

Tourism on Boa Vista Island Cape Verde

Boa Vista really is at the initial stages of development, particularly in comparison to other Cape Verdean islands like Sal or Sao Vicente. Yet visitors to Cape Verde who leave it off their itinerary, risk missing out on one of the archipelago's hidden gems.

Boa Vista's coastline is simply stunning and possibly the best in Cape Verde. There is mile upon mile of empty, white sandy beaches, sheltered by sand dunes. The recommended beaches are: Santa Monica beach (the largest in Cape Verde) and Praia Da Chave beach.

Boa Vista offers the perfect conditions for water sports, such as sailing, scuba diving, surfing, kite surfing, wind surfing, fishing and swimming. It is one of the favourite islands in Cape Verde for these activities.

Away from the beach, there is little to do on Boa Vista, which is what makes it the perfect getaway. The number of restaurants and bars is increasing and there is much more now than ever before.

In order to appreciate the scenery of Boa Vista, visitors should arrange a trip around the island.

The island has some monuments of great historical interest, including the church of Sao Roque, and the Morro Negro lighthouse.

Culture and People of Boa Vista Island Cape Verde

Boa Vista is famous for being birthplace of the soulful 'Morna' (from the English ‘to mourn'), the traditional genre of Cape Verdean music, which can be heard at night.

Visitors to Boa Vista always come back talking about the local people. They are friendly and always ready to chat.

Nature and Wildlife on Boa Vista Island Cape Verde

Endangered loggerhead turtles, or Caretta caretta, come to the East coast of Boa Vista to nest. This is now under the watchful eyes of conservationists.

The island is also home to monkeys, lizards and exotic birds, as well as cattle and goats.

Important dates on Boa Vista Island Cape Verde