Understanding São Vicente
São Vicente is a small, dry island with a landscape of red surfaces, mountains and desert-like valleys. Almost everyone on the island lives in Mindelo, the capital and main town, which is also home to Cape Verde's principal port. For a visitor, this means that getting around São Vicente is largely about getting around Mindelo, with a handful of excursions to the island's natural sights.
The island's international gateway is Cesária Évora Airport (VXE), which also handles domestic flights to and from Sal and Santiago. Because the island is compact, no journey on it takes very long, and you can rely on a simple mix of buses, shared transport, taxis and, if you want more freedom, a rental car.
Getting from the airport into Mindelo
The airport sits a short drive from Mindelo, so transfers are quick and uncomplicated. The straightforward option is a taxi, which takes roughly twenty minutes to reach the town and costs in the region of €10. This is the simplest choice if you are arriving with luggage or late in the day.
If you prefer to keep costs down, ask locally about bus or shared-transport connections into Mindelo, since the town's bus network and aluguers serve most places in the city. For anyone staying outside Mindelo — in São Pedro or Calhau, for example — a taxi from the airport is the most practical way to reach your accommodation, as amenities are sparse in those areas.
Buses and shared transport
Within Mindelo, city buses serve most places for a small price, making them a cheap and easy way to move around town. Alongside them run aluguers, the local shared buses that are a fixture of Cape Verdean transport. These are a good option for short hops around the city and for reaching nearby spots, and they are inexpensive.
Note that the source material describes São Vicente's public transport in terms of buses and aluguers only — there is no rail, metro or tram network on the island, so you should not expect to find one. Your choices on land come down to buses, shared transport, taxis and rental cars.
Taxis and ride-hailing
Taxis are widely used and affordable: a trip within Mindelo costs just a few euros, and a taxi from the airport to town runs about €10. They are the most convenient option for door-to-door travel, for reaching the airport with luggage, and for getting to places the buses do not conveniently serve.
For travel further afield — such as up to Monte Verde, which is reachable by car — a taxi or a rental car is the practical choice, since walking up Monte Verde takes at least an hour.
Car rental
Several car rental companies operate on the island, giving you the flexibility to explore at your own pace. A car is particularly useful for reaching the island's outlying sights: Monte Verde, the extinct volcano crater at Calhau with its fishing village and popular surfing beach, and the fishing village and sheltered lagoon at Baía das Gatas on the east side. If your plans centre on Mindelo, however, you can comfortably manage without one.
Walking
Mindelo itself is a walkable town for everyday needs, and several of the island's attractions are best experienced on foot once you arrive. The crater at Calhau is easily climbed, and Monte Verde can be walked up, though it takes at least an hour. Given the island's dry, sunny climate with little rain and only small temperature variation, walking is pleasant for much of the year — but plan around the stronger winds in the winter months.
Ferries and onward connections
São Vicente's port at Mindelo is the main port of Cape Verde, and ferries frequently connect the island with Santo Antão and São Nicolau. The crossing to Santo Antão runs several times daily and takes about an hour; tickets are bought at the harbour counter. Be aware that ferry travel time is relatively long for the distance, and departures are not always certain, so build some flexibility into your plans.
On arrival at the Santo Antão port, buses and taxis are available for travel across that island. Mindelo Marina, a modern harbour, offers fuel, water, docking and boat repair facilities — among the best in the archipelago — while the bay of São Pedro is an alternative mooring, though it has more treacherous wind and no amenities.
Practical tips
- Base yourself in Mindelo for the widest choice of accommodation across all budgets; São Pedro and Calhau have places to stay but few amenities nearby.
- The best travel time is November to June. February, during Carnival — Cape Verde's largest — and August, during the Baía das Gatas festival, are peak periods, so book accommodation early.
- Carry small change for buses, aluguers and short taxi rides, which cost only a few euros.
- If you plan to take a ferry, buy your ticket at the harbour counter and allow for possible schedule changes.