Excursions São Vicente
Take some time to discover the hidden spots on São Vicente and learn more about Mindelos culture. Hike trough craters, along the desert coast and swim in the cristal blue ocean.
Hiking tours
Along the coast from Mindelo to Salamansa
- Hike 2-3 hours
- 6,5 km
- Moderate
On a moderate hike, you will walk from the living area Cruz in Mindelo, along the coast to the fishing village of Salamasa. After a short ascent, you will be rewarded with a view of the sea. Salamansa became a famous windsurfing spot over the last few years, not only by tourists, but mostly by the locals. Relax and enjoy the view, or eat a fresh meal by the bar at the beach.
Natural swimming pools of Fateja
- Hike 4 hours
- 10,5 km
- Challenging
This tour is without question a very demanding one, but probably one of the most impressive. The natural swimming pools of Fateja are protected by high mountains and sharp rocks. It can only be reached by hiking and climbing. Keep your eyes always open during the excursion, as you may see turtles!
Viana Crater - Saragarca beach - Calhau
- Hike 3-4 hours
- 15 km
- Challenging
The excursion starts in Calhau and leads over a sandy path to the top of the Viana Crater. Together with your guide you will walk into the Crater and up again, where you will have a breathtakig view over the coast line and many beaches. On clear days so you can also see the neighbour islands Santa Luzia and São Nicolau. The hike continues to the beach Saragarça, from where on you will walk along the coast back to Calhau.
City, Culture & Landscapes
Ribeira Bote City Tour
How does Mindelo look behind the touristic city center?
- 2 hours
Our local guide in Mindelo will show you on a 2-hours tour the neighborhood Ribeira Bote. There is a lot to see in the former red light district of Mindelo, nowadays known as the artists district. On the tour you will visit the local market, a family house, artists and social projects, where you can get in contact with the locals and get a sense for Mindelos culture and its history.
Island tour by car
Visit the must-see spots in one day on a tour around the island , with local guide and driver
- 6-7 hours
First stop: Monte Verde, the green mountain. With an attitude of 744m it is the highest point of São Vicente and it offers its visitors a great view over the island. The tour continues to the villages of Baía das Gatas, Salamansa, Praia Grande and Calhau, where you will enjoy your lunch. In Calhau you will have the possibility to visit a local cheese factory, before driving back to Mindelo.
Special Experiences
Katxupa Cooking Class
- 5-6 hours
Cooking with locals in a family house in Mindelo
* minimum of 2 people
It used to be the dish of the poor ones. Today, Katxupa is an integral part of everyday Cape Verde cuisine. With our local guide you will stroll through the charming city of Mindelo and buy the necessary groceries for the dish. Cooking takes place in a local family house.
While the rich stew of beans, corn and vegetables is cooking, you will drive to São Pedro. Don't forget your snorkeling equipment, because here you can watch the native turtles! After the beach excursion, a delicious lunch awaits you.
Beach clean-up
- 4-6 hours
A passionated project that runs under the name Simili that has set itself the task of transforming rubbish washed up on the beaches of São Vicente into art
The tour starts in Mindelo. You drive to the coast to Norte de Baía and stop on the way at the viewpoint of the highest mountain on São Vicente: Monte Verde. Once you get to the coastal road you will do a short walk to the Praia Grande beach. Here you will receive a large bag and gloves to start with the beach clean up. You will collect various materials, such as plastic and fishing nets.
After the bags are filled, you will drive to Salamansa. Here you visit the Simili studio and look over the shoulders of the women as the nets are transformed into bags by traditional handwork. A local guide will then lead you through the streets of Salamansa. Here you experience the village life up close and enjoy a well deserved-lunch.