Praia Grande

One of the famous beaches in São Vicente is Praia Grande! It's in the harbor between Bahia das Gatas and Calhau, on the island's east coast. The beach at Praia Grande is enormous, and when you go there, you are nearly alone! The views of the coast and the mountains of São Vicente turn this beach into a true Cape Verde paradise! The tides are quite strong here, and there were quite large waves when I went! So, rather of swimming, it's for playing in the waves!

After many hours of walking on the beach and playing in the waves, you can travel to Calhau (about a 15-minute drive) for lunch at one of the many seafood restaurants. Restaurant Hamburg (they cook their fish on the grill! ), Chez Loutcha, and Tony do Calhau are three places that you can try on. On Sundays, all of these restaurants are packed!

From Mindelo to Calhau, take an aluguer (collective cab) to Praia Grande. However, keep in mind that there are fewer aluguers (collective taxis) returning to Mindelo at night!

Location: São Vicente, Cape Verde