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Mindelo

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At a glance

Country
Cape Verde
Region
São Vicente
Population
70,000
Best time to go
November to June
Main airport
São Vicente Cesária Évora International (VXE)
Coordinates
16.89°N, 24.98°W

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Overview

Mindelo wraps around a deep, sheltered bay on the island of São Vicente, ringed by bare volcanic peaks. Once a coaling station for transatlantic ships, it has pastel colonial buildings, a lively waterfront and a reputation as Cape Verde's cultural heart.

This is the home town of the singer Cesária Évora, and music is everywhere, from small bars to the famous February Carnival. It is also the jumping-off point for the dramatic hiking island of Santo Antão.

Things to see

  • Rua de Lisboa and the old town
    Photo: Joehawkins, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Rua de Lisboa and the old town

    The main street and squares are lined with colourful colonial buildings, cafés and a covered market.

  • Torre de Belém
    Photo: Mariom-foto, CC BY-SA 3.0

    Torre de Belém

    A small replica of Lisbon's famous tower on the waterfront, a reminder of the city's Portuguese past.

  • Laginha beach
    Photo: VanSky Studio, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Laginha beach

    A pale sand beach right next to the city, popular for a swim and a sunset drink.

  • Monte Verde
    Photo: MariaCurista, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Monte Verde

    The island's highest point, with views over Mindelo's bay and across to Santo Antão on a clear day.

Things to do

Where to stay

  • City centre

    Close to the bars, restaurants and ferry port, with guesthouses in restored colonial houses.

    Hotels in City centre

  • Laginha

    Beside the beach and still walkable to the centre. Good for a mix of sea and city.

    Hotels in Laginha

  • São Pedro

    A quieter beach village near the airport, popular with windsurfers.

    Hotels in São Pedro

Getting around

The centre is easy to walk. Taxis and shared minibuses reach the beaches and other parts of the island.

The airport is a 15-minute taxi ride south-west of the city; ferries link Mindelo with Santo Antão.

When to go

Mindelo is dry and warm almost all year, with steady trade winds and little rain. Carnival in February and the Baía das Gatas festival in August are the liveliest times to visit.

Plan your trip to Mindelo

Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.

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