Boa Vista Island is a sun-soaked oasis, where the sea and desert merge

The capital of Boa Vista, Sal-Rei, is most likely the first stop for any visitor to the island and instantly embraces everyone with the ‘morabeza’ that characterizes its people.

In the 18th century, salt was a vital commodity for the economy of the entire region, and it's from this heritage that the city got its name.

Today, several traces of salt pans stand as a testament to a history of economic success and development.

Quiet with minimal traffic, Sal-Rei is pure leisure and tourism, offering an immediate taste of morna music and the island's traditions.

Its people, who are gifted hosts, are its heart and soul. While the beaches are breathtaking, it's the people who truly capture the hearts of those who visit.

Here, life unfolds with utmost simplicity, centered around its harbor, tuna fishing, and lobster catching.

Source RTC

In the distance stands the islet of Sal-Rei, or Djeu, which holds memories of its history in the ruins of the former Fort of Duque de Bragança, built as a defense against pirate attacks.

A land of enchantment, Sal-Rei greets its visitors with the essence of Cape Verdean culture and hospitality, featuring colorful architecture, a museum that narrates the island's history and culture, and numerous water sports and activities available at its beaches.

The Shipwreck Museum deserves a special mention - Constructed from white limestone and volcanic rock, its interiors are adorned with mosaics, stained glass, paintings, and sculptures that narrate the history of the Cape Verde islands.

In this island of dunes, at the foot of Rocha Estância mountain, lies the birthplace of Boa Vista's history – a village named Povoação Velha.

Indeed, it's a place of significance, as it served as the island's capital until 1810. Being the first to be populated, today it's a quaint and serene village.

Nearby lies one of Cape Verde's finest beaches, the expansive Santa Mónica beach, home to the Chapel of Santo António and the Church of Our Lady of Conception.

Boa Vista's coast also pays tribute to its oldest fishing village.

Curral Velho, now a deserted village, stands with ruins hinting at a prosperous past in fishing and salt trade. One can still see hand-built stone houses and even gather medicinal salt from Curral Velho's salt pans.

Close by, Curral Velho beach emerges as a pristine oasis of untouched beauty, simply magnificent

Source Wikipédia
Saiba mais em Boavista Official
Saiba mais em Boavista Official

Located further inland on the island, in the central-west part of Boa Vista, we find Rabil, a village whose houses still retain their old structures.

In its vicinity, we have Boa Vista's Airport and Chaves Beach, where stands the chimney of what was once an important ceramics factory that exported to several countries in West Africa.

The art of clay molding is still preserved here at the Boa Vista pottery school, where you can learn how clay is extracted and observe the manual work.

Further inland, and crossing the North Valley, the contours of the landscape change dramatically to a more desert-like scene.

The northern villages, namely João Galego, Fundo das Figueiras, and Cabeça dos Tarafes, offer color, floral scents, and 'morabeza' to those passing through.

Near Cabeça dos Tarafes is one of the most beautiful natural lakes in the Archipelago, Odjo d'Mar.

Its clean, fresh waters become even more prominent after rainy days, making it an ideal spot for a picnic. Also near this village, we find Morro Negro with an elevation of 156m. Atop sits a lighthouse built in 1930, standing 12 meters tall with a range of 31 nautical miles.

Small in size, the parish of São João Batista, which includes the locality of João Galego, consists of only a main street (Rua D´reita).

Prominent on this street are mural paintings honoring Amílcar Cabral at the local cultural center.

Here, agriculture and livestock farming are the main local activities, resulting in trade throughout Boa Vista.

Cheese is also a highly traded product among the northern folks. A trademark of the João Galego locality.

Source DutchBudha
Boavista Official
Boavista Official

Tranquil, hospitable, and cheerful. That's how Boa Vista introduces itself!

Especially in the summer, with the arrival of the most popular holidays!

Independence Day, the feast of Santa Isabel, and the Cruz Beach Festival - events that create memories for thousands of people every year.

The Feast of Santa Isabel (patroness of Sal-Rei) offers a variety of activities, including Holy Mass, dances, horse races, regattas, and football tournaments, as well as traditional events like pegâ kéda, miron, and kortâ-góle-kabésa.

Source Inforpress

On the island of Boa Vista, there are unique beaches where the turquoise blue of the immense Atlantic Ocean stands out against undulating sands that resemble a desert.

The beaches of Boa Vista, untouched and perfect for activities like diving, kitesurfing, windsurfing, and snorkeling, are considered among the most beautiful in Africa.

Beaches of Boa Vista:

Praia Diante

Located near Sal Rei, this small and calm beach is where fishermen can be observed returning from their catch. It invites you to a magical sunset.

Praia de Santa Mónica

Surrounded by untouched nature and impactful waves, it's one of the wonders of Cape Verde. It spans over 11 km in the southwest of the island.

Morro de Areia

A natural reserve covering the island's southwest coast that offers coastal cliffs and kilometers of dunes diving into the ocean.

Praia de Varandinha

A paradise with a wild ambiance, it's marked by rocks among which stands a natural cave overlooking the sea, known as Bracona.

Praia do Lacacão

One of the most beautiful beaches of Boa Vista, where you can see endless stretches of sand and a fierce, rebellious sea.

Ervatão

An ideal beach for water sports enthusiasts, especially windsurfing and kitesurfing. Here, one can observe turtles nesting.

Cabo Santa Maria or Praia da Atalanta

This is where a Spanish cargo ship has been stuck in the sands for 50 years, now a symbol of Boa Vista and Cape Verde.