Mindelo is known as the cultural capital of Cape Verdes. The country’s most important painters, authors and musicians come from this seaport. Formerly a notorious hideout for pirates, since the 19th century Porto Grande has become the country’s most important harbour.

 

A stroll through the picturesque streets in the harbour area, with its colourful colonial houses, to immerse oneself in the jostle at the fish market, where the loud and resolute fish vendors offer their tuna, Garoupa and Serra, and drink a bica in the Café Lisboa on the lively main street – in Mindelo, the special mix of Portuguese colonial influences and African joie de vivre is particularly manifest.

In the evenings, one can listen to the soft tones of the Mornas and Coladeiras in the pubs at the harbour, which have been made famous all around the world by Ceseria Evora.

One can easily go for long strolls along the white sand beaches of the island. The comfortable resort hotel Foya Branca at the lonesome beach of Sao Pedro is the perfect place to relax.