Sao Vicente Island Cape Verde

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It was discovered on Saint Vincent's day (January 22nd), hence its Portuguese name Sao Vicente.

It is best known for the city of Mindelo, the second largest city in Cape Verde and the country's cultural capital. Anyone that knows Cape Verde well loves Mindelo.

This island is unmistakably the ‘real Cape Verde' with great charm.

Map of Sao Vicente Island Cape Verde

Geography and Climate of Sao Vicente Island Cape Verde

Sao Vicente has an area of 227 square km, and is approximately 16 km long and 24 km wide.

The island is relatively hilly compared to other Cape Verdean islands like Maio and Sal, with its highest peak Monte Verde (or Green Mountain) at 774 metres.

The average yearly temperature is 24°C, with little rainfall.

Sao Vicente is one of the ‘Barlavento' or Windward islands.

History of Sao Vicente Island Cape Verde

Unlike most of the other islands of Cape Verde, Sao Vicente remained uninhabited throughout much of the transatlantic slave trade until 1833. A coal deposit was set-up on the island. This fed the demand from international ships stopping to refuel on their long journey across the Atlantic Ocean. An oil refinery was built on the island in the 1970's.

The town of Mindelo in Sao Vicente dates back to the colonial times under the Portuguese. It retains much of its old charm, with cobbled streets and colourful buildings.

In the past it was a place where seamen of many different nationalities converged and went ashore to enjoy themselves between voyages. Mindelo's nightlife remains the envy of all the other Cape Verdean islands.

Over the years Sao Vicente has seen a number of immigrants arriving from Santo Antao, most of whom created new settlements on hillsides surrounding Mindelo.

Infrastructure and Development on Sao Vicente Island Cape Verde

Sao Vicente has one of the country's deepest ports. The ability of very large ships to come into port has aided the development of the infrastructure and the economy.

Mindelo is the second largest city in Cape Verde, after Praia in Santiago. There are churches, post offices, banks, many shops, and a hospital on the island. There is an adequate supply of water and electricity.

Only 11% of Sao Vicente's inhabitants own a car, so travel is mostly achieved on foot or by bicycle. People in Cape Verde are generally friendly and it is customary in Sao Vicente to offer a lift to those that need it.

The island is connected by three main roads. They join the towns of Baia das Gatas, Sao Pedro, Calhau and Madeiral with Mindelo. More tarmac roads are being built every year to replace the cobbled streets.

We would suggest that the development of Sao Vicente is likely to be more rapid than many of the other Cape Verdean islands, due to its superior infrastructure.

The new international airport in Sao Pedro is build and finished. They are awaiting approval from the international aviation authorities. Flights should start from June 2008.

Property Investment and Developments on Sao Vicente Island Cape Verde

Sao Vicente has only recently been receiving the attention that it deserves. We believe that the island has a great deal more to offer and development will certainly accelerate in the coming years. The new international airport will have a huge impact on demand for property on the island.

Many of the early pioneer developers in Cape Verde who started in Sal, have moved their main operations to Sao Vicente. The high prices and lack of availability of land in Sal meant that other islands like Sao Vicente have become very attractive. The builders in Sao Vicente are generally local.

Property development is in many areas. Mindelo has obviously seen much of the investments so far. Development is not only in the centre of town but also in the area around Laginha beach.

An area on the opposite side of the Bay of Mindelo, called Lazaretto, is being developed. This is a totally new residential area on the seafront.

Sao Pedro, near the airport, is a small sleepy village and the area around it is being developed. The Foya Branca Hotel is already there.

Calhau on the South-Eastern side of the island is also a small sleepy village. The whole area is being developed as a new holiday resort. This is very exciting as something totally new is being created.

Baia Das Gatas is a village on the North-East of Sao Vicente. There are lots of developments planned here too. Residential property is to be built, as well as resort style complexes and hotels. Baia das Gatas is famous for its natural swimming pool; a lagoon separated from the sea by a volcanic formation.

A Dubai based development group is also planning a large development on the island of Sao Vicente.

Economy and Agriculture on Sao Vicente Island Cape Verde

Fishing and tourism are strong industries in Sao Vicente. Many people visit the island for the culture and the nightlife. It is also a transit point for those island hoppers that wish to visit Santo Antao.

The port in Mindelo has also been a substantial part of the economy for years. It is a sizable port and has become one of the main stop over points when crossing the Atlantic.

It's a natural harbour for ships from South America to Europe, or from Africa to the US and the Caribbean. Over the years many of the African countries have not provided safe havens due to political and civil unrest, so Cape Verde was the obvious answer.

There is much more agriculture on Sao Vicente than many of the other islands in Cape Verde, such as Sal, Boa Vista and Maio. Crops such as corn, potatoes and beans are grown.

Tourism on Sao Vicente Island Cape Verde

Sao Vicente is home to some spectacular unspoilt beaches. The southern coast is a haven for wind surfers. Surfers will also be impressed with the waves at Sao Pedro. The beach there is beautiful. It is considered one of the best in the world for speed windsurfing.

For those seeking calmer waters, Baia das Gatas is considered the safest beach of Sao Vicente.

Sao Vicente also offers some impressive scenery and trails for hiking, especially to the peak of Monte Verde (Green Mountain), the island's highest point. The coastal road offers splendid views, and also merits a long stroll.

The road to Porto de Calhau leads you past an extinct volcano and through two craters. The scenery is fascinating.

There is also cycling and horse riding on Sao Vicente.

The main attraction on this island is of course Mindelo with its nightlife and culture. It is a really friendly environment even if you are travelling on your own. You will make friends easily in Sao Vicente.

Culture and People of Sao Vicente Island Cape Verde

The population of Sao Vicente in the 2000 census was 67,163 of which 4,174 lived outside Mindelo. Since then, all reports suggest that the population has increased substantially. Many of the immigrants to the island are from Santo Antao, the nearest inhabited island.

Mindelo is the thriving cultural capital of Cape Verde. Cape Verdeans from all islands take great pride in Mindelo as a hub of cultural activity. It is home to the country's most prolific figures, including the world famous musician Cesaria Evora, the author Germano Almeida and the late Manuel Lopes, who founded the revolutionary literary Claridade movement.

Sao Vicente also hosts the yearly Baia das Gatas music festival, a highlight of the Cape Verdean calendar. It was apparently created by a group of Mindelese musicians who were inspired by Woodstock. For three days, the festival fills the bay with the sounds of African and Cape Verdean music, as well as jazz, salsa, fado and reggae.

The island is also the heart of Cape Verde's yearly carnival, held around Ash Wednesday, when the streets are filled from dusk till dawn.

The people of Sao Vicente speak Krioul or Crioulo de Sao Vicente, which is an African-Portuguese Creole particular to the ‘Barlavento' islands.

Important dates on Sao Vicente Island Cape Verde