Things to do in São Nicolau Island

Get picked up from your accommodation in Mindelo and head out of the city for an exciting day of exploring more of São Vicente! Let’s go sightseeing to our stunning coastal beaches, learn about our culture and daily lifestyle on the Villages of São Vicente. Take a scenic drive to the southwestern part of our Island, visit our busy fishing village and stretched out coastal beach of São Pedro / Santo André; see the village in action! Departing to Calhau, you will drive on the old cobblestone road; visit the agricultural Valley of Calhau where you will see and smell our Islands Traditional Farming activities, vegetation, animals, water wells, and old iron windmills, also home of Vulcao Viana. We will make a stop for lunch at the best restaurant on the Island. After lunch, we head on along the majestic coastal road of Praia Grande / Norte Baia, the coastline here is sweeping of majestic white sand dunes and black volcanic mountains, with gorgeous changing blue waters. At our famous beach of Baia das Gatas, enjoy a swim or dive off of the trampolim into the clear blue lagoon. Head to the town of Salamansa, this is a charming, lively fishing village; people are busy here with the day to day lifestyle, and always happy to welcome guests! Also at Salamansa you will find our windsurfing, and kitesurfing activities, along with charming local places to stop for a refreshing beverage on the beach. Last, but not least, Monte Verde, 774m or 2,539ft, the highest point of Sao Vicente, at the summit we will enjoy a cup of locally grown tea or coffee at the Tea House, while taking in the spectacular views of the Island; On a clear day you will see the Islands of Santo Antão, São Nicolau, Santa Luzia, Ilhéu Raso and Branco - Mindelo and the Coastal beaches are stunning from the top! Return to Mindelo after a fantastic day of exploring the best of São Vicente!

Get picked up from your accommodation for an exciting day of exploring and learning more about São Vicente’s history, culture and daily lifestyle! Depart to our Islands Old Fort, Fortim del Rei where you will have phenomenal views of the Bay City of Mindelo and our popular city Beach, Laginha. Take a walk through the city where you will visit the Cultural Center to observe the current talent on display, walk through the bustling markets of Mindelo; Fish, Municipal (vegetable / fruits) and African* (Closed on Sundays). Departing the city we will pass by the home of our famous Barefoot Diva, Cesária Évora, taking a scenic drive through the mountains to Monte Verde, 774m or 2,539ft, the highest point of Sao Vicente, at the summit we will enjoy a cup of locally grown tea or coffee at the Tea House, while taking in the spectacular views of the Island; On a clear day you will see the Islands of Santo Antão, São Nicolau, Santa Luzia, Ilhéu Raso and Branco - Mindelo and the Coastal beaches are stunning from the top! Head to the town of Salamansa, this is a charming, lively fishing village; people are busy here, with the village lifestyle, and always happy to welcome guests! Also, at Salamansa you will find our windsurfing, and kitesurfing activities with local places to stop for a refreshing beverage on the beach. At our famous beach of Baia das Gatas, enjoy a swim or dive off of the trampolim into the clear blue lagoon. Return to Mindelo after a fantastic day of exploring the Best of São Vicente!

São Vicente is typically dry and clay like, however, Monte Verde is one of the greenest places to be found on the Island. Travel to the base of Monte Verde by car and take a hike up the mountain side footpath. Along the way you will find endemic plants, farmers, livestock, old homes which have been abandoned. At the summit we will stop at the Tea House to enjoy a cup of locally grown tea or coffee, or taste the tea liquor, while taking in the spectacular views of the Island: Mindelo and the Coastal beaches are stunning from the top! On a clear day you will see the Islands of Santo Antão, São Nicolau, Santa Luzia, Ilhéu Raso and Branco. Hike is typically up to 2 hours one way, we may return on the road down, then be picked up and return to accommodation.

Get pick up from your accommodation in Mindelo. Take a scenic drive out of town through the valley of Calhau, to one of São Vicente's extinct volcanoes! Viana volcano, 14 kilometers southeast of the capital of the island Mindelo altitude 163 meters, located 3 kilometers south of Calhau. Walk along the desert landscape to Viana, you will climb along the path of volcanic rocks to the crater! What a breathtaking view inside and around the crater, overlooking the village as well as the island of Santo Antão, Santa Luzia, São Nicolau and the branco and raso islets.

Experience the beauty and culture of São Vicente with a visit to the summit of Monte Verde and the Tea House with Green Line Tours. Our exciting drive will take you to the highest peak of the island where you can explore, sightsee, and learn about the island's history and daily lifestyle. At the summit, enjoy a cup of locally grown tea or coffee at the Tea House or try the local tea liquor while taking in the spectacular views. On a clear day you will see the Islands of Santo Antão, São Nicolau, Santa Luzia, Ilhéu Raso and Branco - Mindelo and the Coastal beaches are stunning from the top! Let us pick you up from your accommodation and take you on a journey you won't forget with Green Line Tours.