Mindelo

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A collection of fishing boats beached on Mabota Beach in Mindelo with more luxurious sailboats in the background

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Overview

Set around a moon-shaped port and ringed by barren mountains, Mindelo is Cabo Verde's answer to the Riviera, complete with cobblestone streets, candy-coloured colonial buildings and yachts bobbing in a peaceful harbour. Around a bend is the country's deepest industrial port, which in the late 19th century was a key coaling station for British ships and remains the source of the city's relative prosperity.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Fish Market

Mindelo

The city's photogenic fish market lies just beyond Torre de Belém, with a jetty right behind it where fishermen unload their daily catch.

Museu do Mar

Mindelo

Inside the Torre de Belém, Mindelo's most intriguing museum gives an overview of São Vicente's history, from the island's role in the triangular trade to…

Palácio do Povo

Mindelo

This cheery pink colonial confection and former government building today hosts changing exhibitions. Currently, its rooms are given over to a long…

Pont d'Agua

Mindelo

With its modern glass and concrete constructions, this swank new complex looks and feels more like the south of France than Cabo Verde. Dotted with palm…

Centro Cultural do Mindelo

Mindelo

Inside the old customs house, the cultural centre houses changing exhibitions of local arts and culture and has a tiny shop selling local crafts, music…