The most popular islands in Cape Verde (Africa) are Boa Vista and Sal. These are already quite discovered by tourists and are islands where most people go on vacation. São Vicente is one of the somewhat lesser known islands. Often travelers combine a visit to this island with hiking on the neighboring island of Santo Antão.
The Cape Verdean island of Sao Vicente
Mindelo is the capital of São Vicente. This island is the cultural heart of the Cape Verde Islands. In Mindelo you will find most of the island’s life, but you can also rent a car and explore the surrounding area. From São Vicente, many people take the ferry to Santo Antão, which is the only way to get to that island. That crossing takes about an hour. São Vicente is not yet overrun with tourism. Which I think is a good thing. The locals welcome tourists with open arms, but more of the authentic culture remains when there is no mass tourism. I went to São Vicente when it was Carnival, which was no accident. This island is the best place among the Cape Verde islands to celebrate the party and I wanted to experience that once. You can find my experience with carnival in Mindelo here.
Nice workplaces in Mindelo
Mindelo is not yet a hotspot for digital nomads, but there are some nice places to find that have good wifi and a nice atmosphere to work.
- Kafe Djan Djan
This is my favorite. It’s a tiny joint, but tremendously atmospheric. The wifi there is indeed good and you will see relatively many people working on their laptops here. The food is also really delicious! My personal favorite was the waffle with banana and caramel, yummy! - Café Verde
Another really nice place to go for a while and order some goodies. It’s a bit hidden in the market hall, so it takes some searching. - Don Paco Hotel
I must confess to not having been here due to lack of time, but got this tip from a local as a fine place to work. It did look fine in the pictures as well.
Favorite restaurants in Mindelo
Tasty food is very important to Cape Verdeans. And so do I! I always really enjoy discovering tasty restaurants and trying local dishes. The dish of Cape Verde is cachupa (pronounced: katjoepa). A mix of vegetables, beans, potato and often fish, topped with a fried egg. Or in the form of a hearty soup. It depends on where and at what time of day you order it, as it is breakfast, lunch and dinner.
In the center of Mindelo you will find a number of restaurants where you will meet other travelers. I think most people find that a little ‘safer’ food than in the local joints that often look a bit primitive. Which by the way says nothing about the quality. Often you eat there even better.
- Metalo Restaurant
This is right away my favorite restaurant. This is because there is live music here every night. And it is very good, I can tell you. The food is delicious and very affordable. One evening we had an extensive dinner and wine for € 17.50 per person. - Kalimba Beach Club
On the city beach of Mindelo you have a beach bar. You don’t have to do it for the good service, but the atmosphere is nice and you can take a dip in the sea in between. - U Sabor
When a local sent us here I had my doubts about some kind of Italian restaurant, but they serve all kinds of things and the food is delicious. And it’s pretty cheap, we’re still Dutch after all. There is a mix of tourists and locals eating here. - Terra Lodge
I love rooftop bars and this one is very nice. You have a nice view of the city and you can have delicious cocktails. My mojito was €4. Only downside is that there are no umbrellas so it’s bloody hot during the day. With sunset is a better time.
Wondering how local transportation works on these islands? Then read this blog more about transportation. Would you like to combine a visit with the green island of Santo Antão? Then look here for more inspiration about Santo Antão.
