Sao Vicente
The Island of Sao Vicente is the Cultural and Cosmopolitan capital of Cape Verde. The capital city, Mindelo, is located at the Heart of the Porto Grande Bay and is considered one of the most beautiful bays in the world.
Mindelo is rich in tradition and culture, it is home to many Artists, Intellectuals and the much loved international singer Cesaria Evora.
Mindelo has a population of about 75,000 inhabitants and it is known for having a special flair and a certain "Morabeza" (the easy and friendly way of accepting and integrating foreign people). This City is also known for its Carnival, and it's International Music Festival, "Festival de Baia das Gatas". The festival is held at the beautiful beach of Baia das Gatas during a 3 day weekend in the month of August and has a 25 year tradition.
Baia das Gatas is the safest beach of Sao Vicente. There is a natural lagoon surrounded by volcanic rock, which forms into two enormous natural swimming pools. There are great upcoming developments to this beach including a golf course resort designed by Ernie Els.
Other beautiful beaches with upcoming developments and resorts include the following: City Beach of Laginha (The stunning Copacabana and other beach apartments), The beautiful white sanded beach of Sao Pedro, rated as one of world's best for speed wind surfing (San Pedro Village and Baia de S. Pedro Resort), the undiscovered beach of Palha Carga (The Cesaria Resort and City), the lost Saragarça Beach (The Vila Verde Resort), The Salamança Sands (FM Developments), The Praia Grande Resort at the surfers paradise beach of Praia Grande in Calhau and finally Alto de Fortim, the home to the old prison of Sao Vicente and soon home to the Nikki Beach Village and Casino resort overlooking the romantic city of Mindelo.
S.Vicente is also going to be the Golf Destination of Cape Verde, with 5 international (27 holes) Courses planned, all to be PGA certified. In fact, S. Vicente has a centenary of golf tradition; the first international golf championship was played in1906 at Golf Club of S.Vicente. This club was founded in 1893 by the British and is now the oldest sports association in Cape Verde.
Yachtmen's paradise, Fishermen's heaven... are phrases heard regarding the newest Marina in the Bay of Porto Grande. Four other Marinas will follow, including the Aister Nautical Resort, with 500 berths and shipyard. Five star nautical hotel and shopping mall included at the bay of Porto Grande. Salamanca, Baia das Gatas and Palha Carga, will also have their own Marinas.
Should you ever tire of the intensive night life and live music in Mindelo, the imposing mountains of Santo Antão are only 45 minute ferry ride from the Porto Grande Bay. This beautiful island is graced with fresh mountain air from the lush African Black forest nestled high in the mountains.
