Mindelo - St Vincent, Cape Verde cruise holidays
The Cape Verde islands are about as far off the beaten track as you’ll get. But when you reach the distant shores of Mindelo, you’ll discover a cultural oasis. A port city on the northwest coast of the island of São Vicente, Mindelo is considered the beating heart of Cape Verde. It’s a place where vibrant street art and candy-hued, colonial-era buildings bring colour to daily life; where traditional morna music fills the air; and where African, Portuguese and Brazilian influences combine to create a warm, welcoming and vibrant destination.
Outside the city you’ll find natural wonders that are just as enticing. Ascend the Viana volcano for views down into the crater, or climb even higher at Monte Verde, the loftiest peak on São Vicente, for incredible sea and city panoramas. Beaches such as Baía das Gatas and Laginha offer soft sands and great swimming, while the sheltered bay in the village of São Pedro is the perfect spot for windsurfing and snorkelling.
Frequently asked questions about Mindelo, Cape Verde
| JAN | 21.4°C |
| FEB | 21.0°C |
| MAR | 21.3°C |
| APR | 21.8°C |
| MAY | 22.2°C |
| JUN | 23.6°C |
| JUL | 24.7°C |
| AUG | 25.2°C |
| SEP | 25.1°C |
| OCT | 24.6°C |
| NOV | 24.2°C |
| DEC | 22.8°C |
The official language in Mindelo is Portuguese
The currency in Mindelo is the Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE)
1.5ltr bottle of water = 60.00 Esc (approx. £0.45)
Coffee (from a restaurant) = 95.00 Esc (approx. £0.75)
0.5ltr Domestic Beer from Draught = 400.00 Esc (approx. £3.05)
Three course meal for 2 people in a mid-range restaurant = 2,300.00 Esc (approx. £17.50)
It's best to add 10-15% to the total bill here, but you can use either local currency or euro.
Good morning - Bom Dia "Bom dee-ah"
Good afternoon - Boa Tarde "Bo-ah tar-jeh"
Good night - Boa Noite "Bo-ah noyt"
Hello - Ola "Oh-lah"
Where is - Onde esta "Ond-jeh ehs-ta"
Please - Por Favor "Poor fah-vohr"
Thank you - Obrigado "Oh-bree-gah-doh"
Excuse me - Com Licença "Kohn lih-sen-sah"
I dont understand - Não estou entendendo "Nown es-tou entendendo"
Coffee
There are several great places to get your caffeine fix in Mindelo while enjoying a tasty treat on the side.
Lunch
Delicious local and European cuisine can easily be found in Mindelo, with particularly exceptional seafood on offer.
Drinks
Mindelo is known for its bar scene, where you can enjoy the local rum while listening to the melodious sounds of 'morna'.
Shopping
A buzzing, traditional market and charming local gift shops are some of the shopping options in Mindelo.
Culture
Mindelo is the cultural hub of Cape Verde, with interesting art exhibitions, a fantastic music scene and the Torre de Belem.
Outdoor
It's not hard to enjoy the outdoors on St Vincent, with its white-sand beaches and perfect weather.