São Vicente

São Vicente is known as the 'pearl of West Africa' - and for good reason.

This beguiling and unspoilt tropical gem glistens in the Atlantic waters off the coast of West Africa, offering a bountiful basket of treats for visitors and islanders alike to enjoy.

Indeed, it's no wonder that this tantalising island is the carnival capital of Africa; with year round average temperatures of 25° C (June to October are the warmest months, averaging temperatures into the late 20s° C), translucent turquoise waters, classic local cuisine and the cultural capital of these archipelagos - what else would you do but celebrate?

'No stress' is the Cape Verdean catch-line and when enveloped by such heavenly natural landscape and weather, you really would want to kick off your sandals and dance!

Think sandy beaches, calm tropical waters, year round sunshine, mouth-watering local foods, the carnival spirit of the islanders and you will probably get the picture of the effortless way of life on Sao Vicente.

Discovered on St. Vincent's Day, January 22nd, 1462 - hence Sao Vicente (Portuguese for St. Vincent) - this stunning island of 70,000 people measures just 24km by 16km and remains very much the perfect tropical paradise.

Sao Vicente is the economic jewel in the crown of the northern islands of the archipelago. While discovered in the 15th century by the Portuguese, it remained largely uninhabited until the middle of the 19th century when the British identified the potential of its natural deep water port, Porto Grande and developed a harbour there for transhipment of coal on Atlantic routes. It was from there that the island began to populate and Porto Grande, to this day, remains Cape Verde's most significant port.

Although mostly flat, the dormant volcanic mountains, including the highest peak, Monte Verde - a national park - standing at 774 m and Monte Cara, which spectacularly resembles a human face, provide a stunning backdrop to the alluring ocean waters around this heavenly island. Hikers and non-hikers alike can also experience the stunning topography of the island of dormant volcano island Santo Antao, just an hour by ferry from the port of Mindelo.

Once you have finished soaking up the sun on the sandy beaches, swam in the calm ocean waters, or taken a hike up volcanic mountains, in Sao Vicente you will be able to while away the night watching the effervescent islanders celebrate in their inimitable, joyful style.

Music is the heartbeat of the Cape Verdean culture and Sao Vicente is the premier stage for it on the islands. The year round celebration of the native music, song and dance reaches a peak in an explosion of colour for the annual Brazilian style carnival, usually held in late February in the streets of the city of Mindelo. New Year's is celebrated in carnival style as well, while there is also the unique Baia das Gatas Music Festival to savour, when over 50,000 people flock to the stunning lagoon beach ten minutes drive from Mindelo over a weekend in August for a three day celebration of mostly African but also international music. The island's theatre festival, 'MindleAct' is also rated one of the finest in Africa.

Mindelo is also the home of the internationally acclaimed and renowned Cesario Evaro, referred to affectionately as the 'barefoot diva'. Cesario is the premier exponent of 'Morna', the traditional Cape Verdean genre that is similar in style to the Portuguese 'Fado'.

The island boasts beautiful beaches, too. Aside from the stunning Bai das Gatas lagoon, which was formed by volcanic activity, there is also the spectacular sandy stretch of Praia Grande which is set against the stunning old volcano where white sands collide with black rock. There are several other beaches to visit and enjoy, even in the city, like Laginha beach in Mindelo itself.

As a natural tourist destination, it has few peers and its stock is set to rise dramatically as an exclusive destination thanks to a massive investment that will be anchored by the development of a world-class Ernie Els designed, ocean-side golf course that will host the PGA National Academy. Nikki Beach is bringing its exclusive brand to the stunning resort in the shape of a Nikki Beach residential scheme and five-star hotel on the Ernie Els designed golf resort and a second five star hotel in the capital, Mindelo as well as the conversion of the former fort, which overlooks the town on its high hill, into a casino.

There is already an array of exclusive restaurants to enjoy on the island, particularly the Tradission & Morabeza, Take Away Atlanta, Caravela and Restaurante Nelas. The local bars, too, are certainly not to be missed as they pulsate with the great island spirit of 'carnaval'. Among them are Café del Mar, May O'Leary's, Club Clube Naútico and Cafe Musique.

Take a visit and you will instantly recognise why Sao Vicente and the Cape Verde islands in general are among the emerging stars of world travel.

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