Sao Nicolau Island Tarrafal, Cape Verde
Cape Verde

16 Cruises availables At departure or passage at this port

Ponant (16 Cruises)


Frequently Asked Questions

Off Tarrafal, a fishing port on the west coast backed by arid slopes. Ships calling here are usually small: São Nicolau remains one of the archipelago's quietest islands, still off the main circuits.
The boats coming in. The whole village converges on the shore: tuna and mahi-mahi are sorted right on the black sand, prices are argued, laughter is loud. It is the island's first image and often the one that stays.
The village on foot, the small fishing museum, a swim off the dark sand, and if time allows the mountain road to Ribeira Brava. The town needs no itinerary: one main street, coloured houses, cafes where time stretches out.
It is the island's small capital, tucked into a steep-sided valley, with its church, lanes and market. The road winds between spectacular ridges before dropping into it. Get there by aluguer, the local shared vehicle, or on an organized excursion.
Yes. The dark-sand beaches flanking the village are fine for swimming, and the surrounding waters draw divers and free-divers. Kayaks and boat trips are arranged on the spot, and surfers are beginning to find these still-uncrowded waves.
A park whose summit tops 1,300 metres, its slopes covered in protected endemic plants. The trails open huge views over cultivated valleys and the ocean. Without climbing to the peak, a roadside stop is enough to take in the island's rugged relief.
On the map, yes; on the road, no. The terrain decides otherwise and every trip is earned bend by bend. That is no bad thing, since the road is part of the appeal, but allow generous travel times.
The Cape Verdean escudo, pegged to the euro. Bring cash: few businesses on the island take cards. Portuguese is official, Crioulo is the everyday language, and a few words learned on deck open plenty of conversations.
November through June, the dry and windy season, when the mountain roads are at their best. Late in the day, whatever the season, the low light turns the brown slopes copper, which alone is worth staying out for.
Anyone who likes to observe. São Nicolau offers no shopping and no paid attractions: it offers its daily life, a plate of fish caught that morning and schoolchildren heading home in uniform. Travellers in a hurry will come away unimpressed.