Povoação Velha is a fascinating place rich in history located on the island of Boa Vista, Cape Verde. It’s situated at the foot of the mountain known as Rocha Estância. This small and peaceful town was once the capital of the island until 1810. It’s considered the birthplace of Boa Vista’s history and is the first inhabited place on the island. Landmarks include the Chapel of Santo António, built in 1800, and the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição. Povoação Velha is also home to an art workshop where genuine craftsmanship is the focus. Here, you can find straw hats, weaving, jewelry, basketry, and ceramics, made with local and recycled materials.

Santa Monica Beach is a stunning location on the island of Boa Vista, Cape Verde. It’s known for its brilliant colors and is considered one of the wonders of Cabo Verde. The beach is more than 11 km long and is located in the south-west area of the island. Despite being a popular tourist attraction, its vast size allows visitors to feel completely surrounded by unspoiled nature. At certain times of the year, it’s possible to see crabs or turtles on the sand. The beach is adjacent to the protected area Morro de Areia Nature Reserve, which is important for endemic birds and turtles. Despite the lack of vegetation, it’s always possible to see many types of birds that hunt where the water is lower and, during the whale season (spring), it’s sometimes possible to see humpback whales or puffs in the distance.

Located in the southwest of the island, this paradisiacal beach is divided by rocks and caves that outline its contour, creating a landscape of incredible beauty. A visit to Varandinha can begin with a walk on the dunes of Praia de Chaves, which dive into the ocean. The beach is a sought-after destination for extreme kitesurfing and birdwatching enthusiasts. It’s also a place where turtles lay their eggs at certain times of the year. The beach is adjacent to the protected area Morro de Areia Nature Reserve.

It takes its name from the hill Morro de Areia, which has an elevation of 167 meters. The natural reserve covers 21.31 km² of land area and stretches along the coast from Praia de Chaves in the north to Praia de Santa Monica in the south. The reserve also includes a 300-meter-wide marine protection zone, adding an additional 4.36 km² to the reserve. The reserve was established to protect the dynamics of the sand dunes and the endemic species of wildlife, including the red-billed tropicbird, the osprey, turtles, nurse sharks, and numerous invertebrates. The reserve is famous for its sand dunes that plunge into the ocean, creating a breathtaking landscape that is one of the most beautiful in Africa. Here you will be able to experience the thrill of sandboarding and marvel ate the beauty of nature and its creations.