Mindelo: things to see and do
In Cape Verde, the city of Mindelo lies in the north of São Vicente island. Monte Cara is among the low mountains that encircle the city.
Things to do in Mindelo
The city centre retains many colonial buildings dating from the 19th and early 20th centuries. The municipal market dates from the late 19th century. On the waterfront stands a replica of Lisbon’s Belém Tower, built around 1920. The former fortress of Fortim d’El Rei was built in the early 1850s.
The Palácio do Povo was completed in 1874, and a second floor was added between 1928 and 1934. Mindelo’s Cultural Centre is housed in the old Customs House.
Mindelo in Cape Verde
The first permanent settlement at Mindelo was founded in the 1790s. By 1838, Mindelo was storing coal for vessels belonging to the British East India Company. Submarine telegraph cables, laid from the 1880s, made Mindelo a communications hub. Ships from various countries used Porto Grande as a stop on Atlantic crossings.
Mindelo became a city in 1879. The port’s significance for transatlantic shipping declined from the late 19th century. Business, fishing, shipping, boating and tourism form the main foundations of Mindelo’s economy.
Mindelo’s carnival is noted for its colour and lively celebrations. It is held in the days before Lent. Mindelo was the birthplace of Cesária Évora on 27 August 1941. Her repertoire included morna, a musical genre originating in Cape Verde. Performing frequently without shoes earned her the nickname Barefoot Diva. Morna is widely regarded as Cape Verde’s national music.
São Vicente and Mindelo
São Vicente covers about 227 square kilometres. Volcanic in origin, the island has relatively flat terrain. Monte Verde, the island’s highest point, rises to about 750 metres.
The volcano hiking tour on São Vicente in Cape Verde lasts 3 hours, with a local guide throughout the hike, a visit to the Valley of Calhau and a guided climb of Volcano Viana included.
The guided São Vicente tour of beaches, villages and Monte Verde lasts 5 hours and 30 minutes and includes a local guide who speaks English, vehicle transport throughout, a visit to the summit of Monte Verde, tea at its Tea House, and stops at São Pedro, Baía das Gatas, North Baia and Calhau.
A trip from Mindelo
The Santo Antao day trip by car and ferry from Mindelo lasts 11 hours and includes a guided island tour by vehicle, a local guide who speaks English, a traditional Cape Verdean lunch at a local restaurant, and a grogue distillery visit with tasting.
Climate and airport
The island’s climate is classified as hot desert. Mindelo’s average temperature is about 24 °C. Annual precipitation in the city is around 100 mm, reflecting its very dry conditions. Cesária Évora Airport, near São Pedro, serves São Vicente.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Mindelo?
In Cape Verde, the city of Mindelo lies in the north of São Vicente island.
When was Mindelo’s municipal market built?
The municipal market dates from the late 19th century.
What is Mindelo’s connection with Cesária Évora?
Mindelo was the birthplace of Cesária Évora on 27 August 1941.
How high is Monte Verde?
Monte Verde, the island’s highest point, rises to about 750 metres.
Which airport serves São Vicente?
Cesária Évora Airport, near São Pedro, serves São Vicente.
