Monte Verde: the one hike to do on São Vicente
If you only walk once during your stay, make it Monte Verde. At 744 m it is the highest point of São Vicente, and from the top the whole island lies at your feet: Mindelo and its bay, the beaches of the north coast, and on a clear day Santo Antão across the channel.
The climb follows a paved road all the way up. It is steep in places, but never technical, so good sneakers are enough. Near the top there is sometimes a small stall selling sweet couscous, the local speciality. If it is open, stop. If it is closed, you have a reason to come back.
Pick your day well. Go when it is not too hot, and choose a clear, cloudless day: the view over Mindelo is the whole point.
Practical
- Distance
- 10 km return from the foot of the mountain, 22 km return if you walk all the way from Mindelo
- Time
- about 2 hours up and down from the foot
- Getting there
- taxi from Mindelo to the start of the road, 1,000 CVE fixed price
- Bring
- plenty of water, sun cream, and a jumper from October to April: the wind at the top can feel cold
- Best time
- a clear day, early or late enough to avoid the midday heat
Ask Cristina at breakfast whether it is a Monte Verde day. She looks at the sky over the roofs and knows.
