Located in Matiota, in the city of Mindelo (capital of São Vicente island, in the north of Cape Verde), Praia da Laginha is an urban beach stretching approximately 800 meters. Its proximity to the city center and ferry terminal make it one of the most frequented beaches in the archipelago, particularly on Sundays, when locals come to spend the day.

Why visit Laginha Beach

Praia da Laginha combines several rare assets for a city-center beach: light sand, calm waters perfect for swimming, and an open view over Mindelo Bay. In the late afternoon, the sun sets behind Santo Antão island or behind Monte Cara, the volcanic mountain that dominates the bay, depending on the time of year.

The beach is supervised by lifeguards and lined with bars and restaurants. This accessibility, combined with its natural setting, explains why it remains a central meeting point in Mindelo's everyday life.

History and development

Praia da Laginha as it appears today is largely the result of renovation work. With tourism gradually developing on São Vicente, the beach was reshaped in width: tons of sand were added to expand the usable area. This widening also served a municipal objective—the ability to host events and festivals throughout the year.

Following these works, several restaurants and bars opened along the beachfront, helping to structure the urban waterfront.

What to do at Praia da Laginha

Swimming and bathing

The bay protects the waters from open ocean swells: the sea remains generally calm and suitable for swimming. The presence of lifeguards during the day reassures families and casual swimmers.

Enjoying the setting

Loungers are available for rent from nearby establishments. The view overlooks the bay, surrounding landscape, and Santo Antão island in the background. The atmosphere changes throughout the week: fairly quiet on weekdays, very lively on Sundays, when local crowds are strong.

Tasting local cuisine and grogue

Beachfront restaurants serve seafood (lobster, squid, grilled fish). For drinks, grogue, a cane sugar spirit and Cape Verde's national drink, is served in most bars. Its alcohol content is high: consume in moderation.

Walking, running, playing

With its 800-meter length, the beach is suited for morning jogging and family ball games. At sunset, you regularly spot local athletes training.

Practical information

The beach is open and free to access. Services (loungers, bars, restaurants) operate at moderate prices by Cape Verdean standards. Bring water, sun protection, and a hat: natural shade is limited. Pickpockets remain rare but, as in any busy urban area, keep an eye on your belongings.

Plan half a day to fully enjoy the site, a full day if you want to combine swimming, lunch, and sunset.

When to go

São Vicente benefits from a dry tropical climate, with very low rainfall throughout the year. The dry season, running from November to July, offers the most stable conditions for enjoying the beach. August to October may see occasional rainy episodes, usually short-lived. To see the sunset behind Monte Cara or Santo Antão, arrive about an hour before dusk.

How to get there

Praia da Laginha is located just a few minutes' walk from Mindelo's city center and ferry terminal. To reach Mindelo from elsewhere:

• By air: Cesária Évora Airport in São Pedro serves São Vicente from other Cape Verde islands and some European cities (often with a stopover).
• By ferry: Connections exist from Santo Antão (the most frequent, approximately one hour crossing), São Nicolau, Santiago, and Sal.
• On site: taxis, aluguers (shared taxis), and walking allow you to reach the beach easily from any point in the center.

Nearby sites

Several sites are within short distance of the beach:

• The Belém Tower of Mindelo, a scaled-down replica of the Lisbon landmark, housing a small maritime museum.
• The fish market, bustling in the morning, to observe the daily life of fishermen.
• The colonial city center of Mindelo, with its Portuguese buildings, squares, and music scene.

To further explore the archipelago, consider an excursion to the Cova crater on Santo Antão, a hike to the Topo de Coroa volcano, a stop at the fishing village of Monte Trigo, or Tarrafal beach on Santiago island.

Frequently asked questions

Planning your Cape Verde trip

Praia da Laginha fits into a broader itinerary across the Cape Verde islands. To build a tailor-made trip combining São Vicente, Santo Antão, Santiago, or Sal, consult our Cape Verde travel suggestions.