Mindelo is a port city located in the northern part of the island of São Vicente, in the north of the Cape Verde archipelago. Considered the cultural capital of the country, it is also its second most populated locality.

Mindelo, a Vibrant City

The island of São Vicente shines throughout Cape Verde thanks to its capital, Mindelo. This city, birthplace of the famous folk singer Cesária Évora, is an ideal place to discover Cape Verdean culture. The country's musical styles, particularly the famous "morna," resonate in its bars and nightclubs. The dishes that have made the archipelago renowned, such as "cachupa," are common on restaurant menus. A historic city that came close to becoming the country's capital in the 19th century due to its prosperity, it hosts various monuments dating from its golden age that will surely delight history enthusiasts and architecture lovers. Founded facing a bay bordered by white, fine sand, Mindelo is also an excellent beach destination thanks to its magnificent shoreline. Its annual carnival, comparable to Rio's and bringing together inhabitants from all 10 islands of Cape Verde, is also one of its strongest draws to persuade tourists to visit.

Mindelo welcomed a Portuguese colony in 1793. It was initially known as Nossa Senhora da Luz, then renamed Leopoldina around 1820. Its current name dates from 1838 and refers to the Mindelo landing, an episode from the Portuguese Civil War.

A coal depot for ships of the British East India Company was established there the same year, followed by one for the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company 12 years later. Numerous ships called at its port during the second half of the 19th century to replenish coal supplies. Sailors of different nationalities frequented its bars and cafés. It was during this period that the city experienced its heyday.

Mindelo lost importance from the early 19th century onward, due to the transition from coal to diesel as fuel for ships. The expansion of competing ports (Dakar or the Canary Islands) and lack of investment in port infrastructure also contributed to its decline.

The city was the site of several strikes between 1910 and 1940. Unemployment and poverty led to riots in its streets on June 7, 1934. Cape Verde suffered from famine between 1940 and 1958. Thousands of people then emigrated. Mindelo welcomed immigrants, particularly from the neighboring island of Santo Antão. Between 2002 and 2003, the city was the capital of the Lusophone world.

Today

The population of São Vicente island is concentrated in Mindelo. It has 72,300 inhabitants who live mainly from commerce, services, and fishing. Tourism, which has recently developed, also plays an important role in its economy. There are several hotels, restaurants, and tour agencies.

What to See and Do in Mindelo?

Relax on Laginha Beach

Laginha beach will captivate you with its stunningly bright turquoise waters of incredible beauty. The waters are crystal clear and relatively calm. This spot has restaurants and offers loungers on which you can relax while enjoying a superb view of the sea, the mountain that overlooks it, and the neighboring island of Santo Antão. The drinks and grilled squid served by the restaurant are excellent. The beach attracts locals on weekends. It is therefore advisable to visit on other weekdays if you wish to enjoy the calm. Visit it also in the morning or early afternoon to admire the brilliant color of its waters. Finally, the beach also reserves for you a magnificent sunset.

Visit Historical Monuments

Mindelo's city center preserves its historical monuments, dating from the era of its peak. The Palácio do Povo (Palace of the People) was built in 1874, when authorities had planned to transfer Cape Verde's capital to the city. It is its finest colonial building. The Carnival Museum is housed there.

The Cultural Center, meanwhile, occupies a building constructed in 1858, which was intended for customs services. The monument currently serves as a library, exhibition halls, auditorium, etc. The Belém Tower was erected between 1918 and 1921. It is a replica, but in more modest size, of the one located in Lisbon. There is a small museum there, and its summit offers a view of Mindelo's fish market.

Taste Cape Verdean Culinary Specialties

The emblematic dish of Cape Verde that you can enjoy in Mindelo's restaurants is "cachupa." It is a delicious stew, with corn as a main ingredient, along with beans, vegetables, and fish or meat. Also try "caldo de peixe," a healthy and nutritious fish broth.

Discover Cape Verdean Musical Genres

The city has been an important cultural center since the second part of the 19th century and continues to be so. Cape Verde's music styles, such as "coladeira" and "sodade," or the one that made the Country famous, "morna," are often played or heard in its bars and restaurants as well as in nightclubs.

Attend Mindelo Carnival

Mindelo's carnival is one of the most important events in Cape Verde and a celebration its population holds dear. It lasts 4 days, from February 22 to 26. Inhabitants from across the archipelago gather in the city for parades, dancing, and festivities together. The celebrations present similarities with those in Brazil. Indeed, they share the same origin, the Portuguese Entrudo celebration. This was introduced to these colonies in the early 18th century.

Stroll Through the City's Markets

Mindelo has 3 markets: the fish market, the Old Market, and the Praça Estrela Market. The first is the most popular with tourists. It is located near the Belém Tower, by the sea. Its particularity is that it allows you to fully immerse yourself in the daily life of Cape Verdeans.

Practical Information

When to Go?

With its dry tropical climate, Mindelo is pleasant to visit at any time of the year. However, we recommend visiting during the dry season (November to July), although rainfall is minimal during the rainy period (August to October).

By Air

Mindelo is accessible by air from Praia, Cape Verde's capital, or from the islands of Cape Verde. TAP Portugal and Air France, departing from Paris-Orly or Charles de Gaulle, also serve it with a stopover in Lisbon. Similarly, Iberia and Royal Air Maroc operate flights to this city from Paris, but including two stopovers in the route.

By Ferry

If you are already in Cape Verde's territories, you can reach Mindelo by ferry from Santo Antão, São Nicolau, Santiago, and Sal.

The "alugueres" ply Mindelo's streets. But for easier travel, take a taxi.