Sao Nicolau Island
This island reveals its very active volcanic past, visible in its mountainous and dry landscape, with 342 km2 and 13,600 inhabitants, is located in an almost central position in relation to the other islands of Cape Verde.
These can be seen as a whole, in a clear day, from the Monte Gordo, the highest point of the island with 1312 meters, with a Natural Park, propitious to tourism hiking and adventure, where two mountain ranges converge, one running from north to south and the other towards east to west direction, with some very rugged terrain with multiple hollows. The coastline is very rugged and steep. The town of Ribeira Brava, with more than 2,500 inhabitants, is the administrative center of the county. |
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It is a village of narrow streets and small houses and where, by its symbolism, stands the Main Church, built in the seventeenth century, and the old Seminary / School of Saint-Nicolau, opened in 1866, who distinguished himself as an important cultural center and has influenced several generation of Cape Verdean intellectuals.
Among them stands out the name of Baltasar Lopes da Silva "Nho Baltas," writer of the first Cape Verdean romance, the classic "Chiquinho". The "Forte" and the port of "Perguiça", where Pedro Álvares Cabral stoped on his journey that would result in the discovery of Brazil in 1500, the Port of Lapa, the ruins of the "Diocese" and the Orphanage "Caleijão", the mount "Cintinha" and the rock "Scribida", and also the beach "Baixo de Rocha", beautiful in its contrast between the basaltic rocks and white sandy beaches, attract us to this island, which is often overlooked in Some touristic itineraries, despite the diversity of its landscapes and stories. |
The island, with agricultural potential, began by having as main export coffee, that came to be substituted for cane sugar. This island has an extremely rich sea fish, with the "blue marlin" a special attraction. Fishing is important activity on the island and formed the basis for the installation of an industry of canned fish (tuna), in the village of Tarrafal the most populous of the island in the east end of São Nicolau, where its black sand beaches, they say possess therapeutic properties, especially for rheumatic diseases.
Beyond a sea of immense wealth in fish, other offers emerge. In Monte Gordo National Park, situated at the highest point of the island, you can enjoy an indescribable view and a pleasant climate, and observe plant species that exist only in Cape Verde, like the "Dragoeiro". For lovers of hiking there are several circuits for "trekking".
The local culinary specialty is the sauce "Modje Manel Antone", a broth of goat or lamb and vegetables, sprinkled with herbs, the "Cachupa braised with dried fried fish" and "Pau farinha" made with mandioca.
Festivities
São João (June 24), celebrated on all the islands of the archipelago.
Beyond a sea of immense wealth in fish, other offers emerge. In Monte Gordo National Park, situated at the highest point of the island, you can enjoy an indescribable view and a pleasant climate, and observe plant species that exist only in Cape Verde, like the "Dragoeiro". For lovers of hiking there are several circuits for "trekking".
The local culinary specialty is the sauce "Modje Manel Antone", a broth of goat or lamb and vegetables, sprinkled with herbs, the "Cachupa braised with dried fried fish" and "Pau farinha" made with mandioca.
Festivities
São João (June 24), celebrated on all the islands of the archipelago.