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 port, Porto Grande, is connected to Mindelo Bay, an underwater volcanic crater, and is used for cruise ships and is within walking distance (15 minutes) from town. Shuttles are 5$.
Mindelo is now the most popular cruise port of The Cape Verde archipelago. It contains a tourist shop and public toilets.
Printable map to take along.
Mindelo is Cape Verde's cultural capital and has, by far, the most attractive city center in the Cape Verde Islands. The charming colonial buildings, cobbled streets, numerous cafés and restaurants and great night-life make Mindelo a great place to visit.
Palácio do Governador (Governor's Palace) has a beautiful colonial architecture. It was constructed with two floors and is well preserved. It used the building style that is represented from India.
Centro Nacional de Artesanato is an exposition which features qualification from Cape Verdean craftsmen. It also serves prominence in workmanship in paintings, ceramics, fabrics of batique and wooden works.
Getting around
There is a small tourist kiosk near the harbor, just off Av Marginal.
For panoramic views of Mindelo and all of São Vicente as well as the neighboring islands Santo Antão and Santa Luzia, go to Mt Verde (750m). São Vicente’s highest peak. Take a taxi, as there are no buses. Around 12 Euro return.
Food and shopping
Fish lovers will be in heaven on Cape Verde. The grilled lobster is superb as are the fresh tuna, octopus and multitude of other delicacies.
There are 2 markets, one selling fresh produce and another, the ‘African’ market, clothing, carvings, jewelry. They are so-called because they were once the site of the ‘African’ slave markets. These markets are about 30 minutes walking distance from the cruise port. Various bars and cafes are accessible on this route, also.
Money
Cape Verde Escudo (1 Euro= 113 Escudos) Hotels and banks may charge slightly more.
Credit cards are accepted at an increasing number of up-market hotels, but not all of them. MasterCard and Visa are the most widely accepted so far.
Staying connected
Portuguese.
Nice little internet cafe/bar that you pass as you get off the ship before you exit gate.
Opening Hours and
Everything is closed on public holidays and on Sundays, and many shops also close early on Fridays. Opening hours tend to be Mediterranean - that is, Monday-Friday 08:00/08:30 - 12:00/12:30 and 14:00/14:30 - 18:00/18:30; Saturday 08:30 - 12:00. Banks are often shut in the afternoon. Restaurants operate from about 19:00 - 23:00. Nightclubs tend to open at midnight. Public holidays: 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 25 December Christmas Day Mardi Gras and Good Friday are also…