Sao Vicente & Mindelo Highlights

by bus & on foot

Departing from the port by bus, your journey will start with a short transfer into the town of Mindelo.

You will first visit the old customs house, now the town’s Cultural Centre, which features an ever-changing exhibition of local arts and culture.

Follow your guide on a walk through the town, passing 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 for 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.

Rejoining your bus, you will head east away from Mindelo where your journey takes you up the winding roads on the slopes of Monte Verde, the highest peak on the island. Here you will enjoy views of Baia das Gatas and the black lava mountains, as well as of Mindelo and Porto Grande where your ship is docked. On a clear day, you may also catch a glimpse of neighbouring islands such as Santo Antao and Santa Luzia.

Having taken in the views, your journey will continue to the northeast coast for a photo stop at Baia das Gatas or ‘Bay of the Cats’, referring to the catfish that once swam in the bay.

Following this, you will return to Mindelo and the port.