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Sao Nicolau

If truly tropical scenery and traditional charm appeal, hop on a plane and you can be in Sao Nicolau in half an hour. Sitting to the west of Sal, this beautiful island of verdant valleys and glittering black beaches is the perfect place to soak up some of Mother Nature’s wonders. And after you’ve had your fill of lush landscapes and soft sands, why not enjoy a meal in the capital town of Ribeira Brava?
sao nicolau, cape verde

Tourism is in its infancy here so still retains a genuine unspoilt feel with stunning scenery. São Nicolau is excellent for walking and popular with birdwatchers; it is home to the endangered fairytale dragon tree. Ribeira Brava, the capital is small and clings to the fertile slopes of the mountainside.

Sao Nicolau is located between Sao Vicente and Sal. It has a population of about 13,500 mostly living in rural areas, and the land area is 388 km/sq. It is a mountainous island, mostly agricultural, as well as fishing and tourism to a lesser extent. The flat areas and hills dominate most of the coastline and the central area and a peninsula covers the eastern side. The highest point on the island is Monte Gordo rising to 1312 m.

Its main towns are Ribeira Brava and the ferry and the fishing port of Tarrafal. Many Cape Verdeans use Sao Nicolau as a weekend retreat as the island has an airport to the south between Vila da Ribeira Brava and Campo with flights from Sal and Sao Vicente.

There was a famine in the 1940s and 50s, so many inhabitants left, but a new urbanisation plan has recently been launched and the municipality is selling land to developers which is increasing investment. It is also renowned for its amazing Blue Marlin fishing.
sao nicolau, cape verde