Making the most of Mindelo Sao Vicente
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Mindelo's deep-water Porto Grande connects with Mindelo Bay, an underwater volcanic crater. Cruise ships use the port, which is within a 15-minute walk of town, while shuttles cost 5$.
Mindelo is now the Cape Verde archipelago's most popular cruise port and provides a visitor shop and public toilets.
Bring the printable map ashore.
As Cape Verde's cultural capital, Mindelo has by far the most appealing city centre in the Cape Verde Islands. Attractive colonial buildings, cobbled roads, plentiful cafés and restaurants and excellent nightlife make it a rewarding place to visit.
Palácio do Governador, or Governor's Palace, displays beautiful colonial architecture. This well-preserved, two-storey building uses a style represented in India.
Centro Nacional de Artesanato is an exhibition showcasing the skills of Cape Verdean craftspeople. Its work includes paintings, ceramics, batik fabrics and wooden pieces.
Getting around
A small tourist kiosk stands near the harbour, just beyond Av Marginal.
For sweeping views across Mindelo, São Vicente and the neighbouring islands of Santo Antão and Santa Luzia, visit Mt Verde (750m), São Vicente's highest summit. With no buses available, take a taxi for around 12 Euro return.
Food and shopping
Fish enthusiasts will find much to enjoy in Cape Verde, from superb grilled lobster and fresh tuna to octopus and numerous other delicacies.
There are 2 markets: one specialises in fresh produce, while the ‘African’ market sells clothing, carvings and jewellery. Their name reflects the fact that they once occupied the site of the ‘African’ slave markets. Both are approximately 30 minutes on foot from the cruise port, with several cafés and bars along the route.
Money
Cape Verde uses the Escudo, at 1 Euro= 113 Escudos. Hotels and banks may apply a slightly higher rate.
A growing number of upmarket hotels take credit cards, although some still do not. Visa and MasterCard currently have the broadest acceptance.
Staying connected
Portuguese is spoken.
A pleasant little internet café and bar lies on the route from the ship, before the exit gate.
Opening Hours and
Everything closes on Sundays and public holidays, and many shops shut early on Fridays. Mediterranean-style hours are Monday-Friday 08:00/08:30 - 12:00/12:30 and 14:00/14:30 - 18:00/18:30, with Saturday trading from 08:30 - 12:00. Banks frequently close in the afternoon. Restaurants generally operate 19:00 - 23:00, while nightclubs tend to open at midnight. Public holidays are 1 January, New Year; 20 January, National Heroes Day; 1 May, Labour Day; 5 July, Independence Day; 15 August, Nossa Senhora da Graça [Our Lady of Grace]; 12 September, Nationality Day; 1 November, All Saints Day; and 25 December, Christmas Day. Mardi Gras and Good Friday are also observed...