In Cabo Verde, São Nicolau Island is known for its unspoilt landscapes. With trails and a range of activities that can be enjoyed in the midst of nature, São Nicolau is the perfect travel destination for nature lovers. but also for those who enjoy sun and sea, thanks to its white and black sand beaches.
In this article, you will discover the 7 natural wonders of São Nicolau Island that reflect the generosity of our planet with this piece of land in the middle of the Atlantic.
Whether you are looking for something more active or more relaxed, this is one of the perfect islands for a great time in Cabo Verde!
Carbeirinho
Find out what your holidays in Cabo Verde can be like by discovering the natural wonders that São Nicolau Island has to offer!
Holidays in Cabo Verde on São Nicolau Island
São Nicolau Island is a fascinating destination, as it offers a unique combination of mountains and lush valleys.
The island is perfect for nature lovers and adventurers looking to explore its natural wonders.
But if you're looking for rest and relaxation, this is also your destination: the cliffs and beaches of white and black sand are a delight for the senses.
Juncalinho natural pools
Culture is also present in a very special way. It was here that the incredible morna “Sôdade” was born, by Armando Zeferino Soares, immortalized by the voice of the diva Cesária Évora.
São Nicolau Island is also home to ancient species, the Dragon Trees, which have withstood the passage of time.
In addition to its fertile land, which is reflected in the cultivation of various crops, São Nicolau Island is also known for the production of high-quality tinned tuna.
Canning Factory
The historic centre of Ribeira Brava
The historic centre of Ribeira Brava, São Nicolau's main town, is an excellent starting point for exploring the island's nooks and crannies.
With colonial architecture and picturesque streets, the city offers a charming glimpse into Cape Verdean life, which translates into a unique morabeza, marked by a slow pace that contrasts with the rush of the big cities.
Ribeira Brava
Near Ribeira Brava, you will find the Vale da Fajã and Queimadas, where the famous grogue de terra, a sugar cane brandy, and ponches, a drink with various flavors derived from grogue, are produced.
Adventure and Nature
São Nicolau Island is known for its hiking trails through impressive landscapes and also for its beaches which, in addition to relaxation, provide health for those suffering from joints and bones, especially in Tarrafal, where natural thalassotherapy is carried out on the black sand beaches.
The 7 natural wonders of São Nicolau Island, which you will discover below, are a testament to the beauty and ecological diversity of this incredible destination.
#1 Wonder of São Nicolau Island: Ribeira Prata Valley Mountains
In the municipality of Tarrafal, you will find the Ribeira Prata Valley Mountains, known for their stunning landscapes and unique biodiversity. This valley offers trails that pass through impressive rock formations and lush vegetation.
Exploring the Ribeira Prata Valley is an unforgettable experience. The trails provide spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Visitors can capture the beauty of the place through photographs and enjoy challenging but always very rewarding hikes.
Ribeira Prata Valley
Nature lovers will find the Ribeira Prata Valley a true paradise.
The diversity of plants and animals is remarkable, and the tranquility of the place offers a perfect retreat for those seeking peace and quiet in the middle of nature.
If you continue climbing, you will see Fragata and Topo Matinho, the second highest point on the island, as well as Ladeira do Mancebo, with its 48 turns to reach the summit.
Rocha Scribida
It is here, in this region, that you will find the famous Rocha Scribida, a natural monument with characters that have not been deciphered to this day and which, for this very reason, serve as inspiration for many stories and legends.
#2 Wonder of São Nicolau Island: Monte Cintinha
Monte Cintinha is a natural monument of rare beauty, located in the heart of São Nicolau Island.
It is home to several endemic plants and serves as a nesting site for various species of birds, making it a point of interest for nature lovers. Although reaching the top is practically impossible, visitors can explore the old water galleries that once supplied the population of Cachaço.
These historic structures offer a unique insight into the region's water management practices.
#3 Wonder of São Nicolau Island: Carbeirinho
Located in Tarrafal, this is not only a wonder of São Nicolau Island, but also of the entire archipelago of Cabo Verde. Carbeirinho is an impressive rock formation located on the west coast of the island. The cliffs sculpted by the wind and the sea create a surprising landscape with unique colors.
For those who visit Carbeirinho, it is easy to forget that they are in an African archipelago. The feeling is that they have landed on another planet or even the moon.
Exploring Carbeirinho is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is worth including on your travel bucket list.
Admiring the magnificent action of nature, while gazing at the ocean, listening to the sound of the waves crashing against the multi-colored cliffs, adds a touch of serenity to the visit, which sharpens the senses even more.
In addition to being a nesting point for turtles, this area is known for the presence of dolphins, which adds a surprise factor to the experience whenever these docile animals decide to appear.
It is one of the most Instagrammable places on São Nicolau Island and no matter how you frame it, the hashtag #maravilhasdecaverde will never convey how special this place is.
Carbeirinho
#4 Wonder of São Nicolau Island: São Jorge Bay
Near the town of Preguiça, a fishing village in Ribeira Brava, São Jorge Bay seduces visitors with crystal-clear waters and a picturesque landscape, home to whales, dolphins and sea turtles.
Whether you are looking to relax or do some water sports, this is a place to visit.
Visiting São Jorge Bay is like discovering a peaceful retreat.
The clear waters invite you to go diving or snorkeling to observe the vibrant marine life, while the beach offers a serene place to relax and enjoy the view.
Here you will find the Forte do Príncipe Real, which Pedro Álvares Cabral passed through on his journey to discover Brazil.
#5 Wonder of São Nicolau Island: Barril Beach
In Tarrafal, Barril Beach, part of the bay of the same name, is a secluded and serene beach, with calm waters and black sands, with medicinal properties (just like Praia da Luz, nearby).
In addition to the wellness component, this is the perfect place on São Nicolau Island for sport fishing especially for blue marlin, and other water sports such as surfing and windsurfing.
Barril Beach is a peaceful experience in a serene and relaxing environment. It is the perfect place for contemplation and reconnection, and it is possible to .
#6 Wonder of São Nicolau Island: Dunas de Baixo de Rocha
A few kilometers from Tarrafal, the Dunas de Baixo de Rocha are an impressive formation of dunes located on the coast of the island.
Exploring the Dunas de Baixo de Rocha is a fascinating experience, starting from a privileged natural spectacle.
The desert landscape and the dune formations create a perfect setting for hiking and photography. The undulating dunes contrasting with the blue of the sea create a scene that will remain in the memory of visitors.
Baixo Rocha Beach
Take advantage of the proximity to Tarrafal, the main seaport, to watch the fishermen at work and visit the Fishing Museum, which celebrates artisanal fishing on the Island of São Nicolau and preserves part of the collection of the SUCLA Canning Factory - Sociedade Ultramarina de Conservas, which has since been replaced by newer and more modern equipment.
#7 Wonder of the Island of São Nicolau: Monte Gordo Natural Park
Monte Gordo Natural Park is also one of the 7 wonders of Cabo Verde. It is a protected area that is home to an impressive diversity of flora and fauna, with several endemic species, such as the Zabelinha, Toutinegra, Gongon, Corvo and Pardal da Terra birds. It is the most representative sample of humid mountain ecosystems on the island of S. Nicolau and one of the most important agricultural ecosystems in Cabo Verde. Of the species inventoried in the area, 28 are endemic, especially the Macela-do-Gordo. It is one of the symbols of the park, as it is a species that can only be found in the Monte Gordo Natural Park.
The park offers well-marked and maintained trails that allow visitors to explore the natural beauty of São Nicolau Island. Here, you can hike to the top and be rewarded by incredible landscapes that change at every turn, culminating in a 360-degree view that takes in the whole island and the surrounding Atlantic.
Visiting the Monte Gordo Natural Park is an opportunity to observe and celebrate the diverse species of birds, as well as explore the lush vegetation. And the panoramic views are perfect for being eternalised through photography.
Monte Gordo
Discover São Nicolau Island on your next holiday in Cape Verde!
São Nicolau Island is an unmissable holiday destination in Cabo Verde, revealing the bounty of nature in every corner, offering adventure and tranquility.
Each offers a unique experience, from challenging trails to relaxing beaches and stunning landscapes.
Sources:
Catálogo do Património Natural Territorial de Cabo Verde.
