What to do on São Nicolau Island?

The island that leaves “saudade” in those who visit it

The morna that has become one of Cape Verde’s anthems, through the voice of Cesária Évora, speaks of the immigrants’ longing for São Nicolau. Find out what to visit on Cape Verde’s São Nicolau Island.

Island of San Nicolau

Beach, Natural Pools and Canyons

São Nicolau has beauty all over the island, and this is even carved into the rock. Its landscapes are wonderful, and it has a natural park with an almost extinct species of trees in the wild. With wonderful trails.

How to get to São Nicolau Island?

The island of São Nicolau is located near the island of São Vicente, in the north of the archipelago. The ways to get to São Nicolau are by plane (internal flight within Cape Verde, since the island does not have an international airport) or by ferry boat. However, travel options are not available that often.

How to obtain your visa for Cape Verde?

Depending on the country of origin, you may not even need a visa if your stay is short. Learn more at https://travel.gov.cv/.

How to get around São Nicolau Island?

For short distances there are taxis that can take you where you want to go. There are also 9-seat vans, commonly called hiaces, which are community cabs. (how to move around in Cape Verde)

What money do I need on the island of São Nicolau?

Santo Antão is a less touristy place, so you should have the local currency – Cape Verde Escudos (CVE)

What to bring to São Nicolau Island?

Sunblock
Beachwear
Warm-weather clothing – but bring some more sweaters for the evenings and colder days.
Comfortable shoes
Camera
Smartphone with GPS Map
Cape Verdean Escudos
Water to stay hydrated in the heat

What to visit in São Nicolau Island?

The Monte Gordo

One of the main places of interest when visiting São Nicolau Island is Monte Gordo and its natural park. Home to several species of flora (and fauna), climbing up to Monte Gordo holds another wonderful surprise: the possibility of seeing the entire archipelago, all around you, on clear days. It is the only place from where you can observe all the islands of Cape Verde, given its centrality, including the island of Brava, although smaller and more distant. The view is better than from Fire Island.

Carberinho

Beautiful canyons, with brightly colored rocks and undulating features, culminating in beautiful pools of natural water. This is Carbeirinho, in the Tarrafal area. “Created by God and discovered by men”, as the locals say, is one of the wonders and a postcard-worthy landscape of both the island of São Nicolau and Cape Verde. Not to be missed.

Main Church

The main church is one of the references of the village of Ribeira Brava, in São Nicolau. The old Cape Verdean Cathedral, this church, with more than two centuries of existence, has undergone works that allow it to have the aspect that it has today.

The center of Ribeira Brava Village

The center of the town of Ribeira Brava is a colorful place with colorful houses, as is typical of Cape Verde’s villages. In addition, there are several colonial-style houses that you can see.

Ribeira Funda

Ribeira Funda is a place with unique characteristics on the island of São Nicolau. Situated near a fantastic bay, the area, which once had several settlements, is now practically abandoned. These ghost towns, with ruined houses in places where access requires walking for hours along winding, zigzagging paths through the middle of the mountain, can be an interesting experience for those who want to get to know the area. If you do, take a local guide to avoid the risk of getting lost on the mountain.

The Dragon Trees of Fajã

The Fajã area, in the Monte Gordo Natural Park, has wonderful examples of Dragoeiros, a tree that has almost become extinct in the wild.
Thus, it is possible to observe the beauty of these trees, which reach up to 10 meters in height and live for several years.
If you are a botanist and flora lover, take the opportunity to discover the Monte Gordo Natural Park and these fantastic “rare” trees that are part of it.

Príncipe Real Fort – Sloth

The Príncipe Real Fort, also known as the Preguiça Fort, the place that gives it its name, was built on the hill to defend a strategic position at the time of the discoveries.
Now in ruins, it is a site of historical importance, where you can still see some of the centuries old artillery used to protect the fort.
In the same place can be found a tribute to Portuguese navigator Pedro Alvares Cabral, who passed the island on his expedition to what would later become Brazil.

Tip when visiting São Nicolau Island

On the island of São Nicolau, enjoy each place, and explore the different aspects that this island has to offer.

Beaches on São Nicolau Island

Although not known for its beaches, São Nicolau also has its little secrets. See the reference beaches in São NIcolau.

Lower Rock

Every Cape Verdean island has its reference beaches and São Nicolau is no exception. Baixo Rocha is a beautiful beach with crystal clear water, ideal for relaxing, resting and spending good moments with family, although the access to this beach is not easy .
An excellent place for those who love the beach, and good moments of tranquility.