Mindelo on Foot

on foot

Mindelo is situated on the north coast of the island of Sao Vicente at Porto Grande Bay, which features a large natural harbour. The town is surrounded by low mountains – the Monte Cara and the Morro Branco to the west, and Monte Verde to the east. Mindelo is a town with an interesting history and several colonial buildings.

Your guided walk will start from the port. Following your guide, your walk will take you along the waterfront to your first stop at the old customs house for a visit to the Cultural Centre. The centre features ever-changing exhibitions of local arts and culture along with a small shop selling crafts, music and books.

Continuing your walk along the waterfront, you will pass the Eagle Monument and the statue of Portuguese explorer Diego Afonso before arriving at Mindelo’s most noticeable landmark, the ‘Torre de Belem’. Jutting out into the harbour, the Belem Tower was designed to reflect the 15th century tower that guards the entrance to Lisbon’s port.

Next, you will pass the covered area which houses the Fish Market before heading to the town’s historical quarter, where you will pass notable buildings such as the Vegetable Market, the African Market, the Roman Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Light, and the Town Hall.

Having introduced you to the sights and history of Cape Verde’s cultural capital, your guide will lead you from Mindelo back to the port.