In the northwest corner of the archipelago, 185 mi/295 km northwest of Praia, this slow-paced windward island is quite pleasant. Hiking to Monte Verde, the island's highest peak, is a must.
Its main port, Mindelo, is an agreeable town that offers some nice beaches and bays. It is considered the cultural capital of Cape Verde and its streets are full of live music and shows. It also has a tower that should look familiar if you've been to Lisbon—it's modeled after the Tower of Belem.
Visit the pink city hall and the lively produce and fish markets. On Sunday evenings drop by the square, Praca (pronounced PRAH-sah) Amilcar Cabral, to watch local residents promenade past the brightly painted colonial buildings.
The island has a music festival in August and a charming Carnival celebration in February (local children star in many of the parades)—both are great opportunities to hear local music.
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