Guided Island Tour in São Vicente from Mindelo
Discover São Vicente in one day: Mindelo, local markets, fishing villages, the summit of Monte Verde and a swim in the lagoon of Baía das Gatas.
Practical information
Spend a full day discovering São Vicente from its lively city and cultural landmarks to natural landscapes and a swim in a volcanic lagoon. This 6 hour guided tour covers the island’s must-see highlights, perfect for a first taste of Cape Verde.
- Pick-up from your accommodation in Mindelo or meeting point at the Cultural Centre
- Mindelo (approx. 1 hour on site)
- Stop at Fortim del Rey, a scenic viewpoint overlooking the city, with a short historical introduction
- Visit the Cultural Centre (outdoor visit – local art exhibitions)
- Pass by the Belem Tower replica (Ocean Museum not included)
- Explore the local markets: fish market, African market and municipal market (depending on opening days)
- Enjoy a panoramic view over Monte Cara and Laginha Bay
- Drive to Monte Verde (20 min drive / 30 min stop)
- Reach the island’s highest point (774 m) for stunning views
- Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee at the Monte Verde Tea House
- Salamansa (15 min drive / 15–20 min stop)
- Discover this traditional fishing village, with a lively local atmosphere and board sports culture
- Baía das Gatas (10 min drive / 40 min stop)
- Swim in a calm volcanic lagoon, or relax on the beach or jetty
- Scenic drive along the Norte Baía coast (approx. 30 min)
- A breathtaking road through volcanic peaks, white sands and turquoise water
- Calhau (30–40 min stop)
- Visit this quiet agricultural valley at the foot of the Viana volcano, with local farms, windmills and animals
- Return to Mindelo (20 min drive)
You must be comfortable spending a day in a vehicle, with several scenic drives and stops between sites.
If you would like to swim at Baía das Gatas, please bring your own swimsuit and towel.
Please bring €10–20 in cash for lunch, as restaurants do not accept card payments.
Please inform us in advance if you have any allergies or specific dietary restrictions.
The markets and the Cultural Centre are closed on Sundays and public holidays. We will pass by these locations without stopping.
This activity includes a drive up to the summit of Monte Verde (774 m). Please avoid booking if you have been scuba diving within 24 hours.
The guide may speak several languages depending on the group (English, French, Portuguese, Spanish).
Pick-up is available from the following locations in Mindelo:
Oasis Porto Grande, Luna Boutique Hotel, Prassa 3 Boutique Hotel, Santa Cruz Boutique Hotel, Solar Windelo, Casa Café Mindelo, Casa Da Djedja, Mansa Marina Hotel, Ouril Hotel Mindelo, The Casamarel, Laginha Beach Guest House, LaginhaApart Cabo Verde Mindelo, Casa Laginha, Residencial Laginha, Mindelo Residencial, Basic Hotel, Simpatico Serviced Apartments Mindelo, Morabeza Deluxe, Casa Bom Dia Mindelo, Casa Comba, Residencial Senador Vera-Cruz, Residencial Maravilha, THe Don Paco Hotel, Mindel Hotel, Residencial Alto Fortim, Residential Jenny, Residencial Beleza Lda, Casa Branca Hotel, Aparthotel Avenida, Bar Gare Marítima, or any other accommodation in the city centre.
- Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation in Mindelo
- Private transportation for the day
- Professional multilingual guide (English, French, Portuguese, Spanish)
- Tea or coffee at the summit of Monte Verde
- Lunch (allow €10–20 in cash)
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities
- Entry fees: Ocean Museum (€2), Craft Centre (€3)
- Swimsuit and towel (if you want to swim at Baía das Gatas)
- Comfortable clothing and walking shoes
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Cash for lunch and optional entry fees
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Practical information
Explore São Vicente on a full-day guided tour by vehicle, combining iconic cultural sites, coastal villages and contrasting natural landscapes.
Starting from Mindelo, dive into the city’s vibrant atmosphere: lively markets, historic centre, colonial architecture and the home of Cesária Évora. From a scenic viewpoint, take in the views over Monte Cara and Laginha beach before heading up to the summit of Monte Verde for a panoramic drink stop at 774 m altitude.
Your visit to São Vicente continues through fishing villages like Salamansa, then on to Baía das Gatas, a volcanic blue lagoon where you can swim if you wish. The tour then follows the wild coastline of Norte Baía to reach Calhau, a peaceful agricultural oasis at the foot of Viana volcano, where you’ll discover traditional farming, windmills and scenes of local rural life.
This accessible excursion is ideal for a first-time visit to São Vicente. It offers a great balance of culture, nature and local encounters, with a passionate guide and regular stops to explore, chat, or simply enjoy the island’s unique landscapes.