Why Travelers Are Skipping Tenerife for São Vicente Instead

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In mid-April 2025, tens of thousands of Canary Islands hospitality workers launched strikes over tourism-linked issues. By May 18, protests had spread across all seven Canary Islands, as locals called for limits on short-term rentals, water usage, and mass arrivals.

But just across the Atlantic, on São Vicente, part of Cape Verde’s island chain, the story is different. This is a place where tourism still runs small-scale. Where guitars and sea breezes are more common than cruise ships. And where the rhythms of daily life haven’t been rewritten to fit a tourism calendar.

If you’re seeking a destination with space, warmth, and cultural character without the gridlock São Vicente might just be your next favorite island. It pairs naturally with other slower destinations like Aswan, Egypt, where the past and present drift together on the breeze.

What Makes São Vicente Stand Out?

Volcanic terrain, minus the sprawl

Black-rock beaches, rugged hills, and arid plateaus define São Vicente’s scenery—similar to Lanzarote, but untouched by tour buses. You’ll find space to hike, wander, and breathe.

A living music culture

Mindelo, the island’s capital, is where Cape Verde’s most famous singer, Cesária Évora, was born. Every August, the Baía das Gatas Music Festival lights up a beachside stage this year from August 13–17, 2025, aligning with the full moon. But most nights, the real music is in the streets: guitar chords drifting from porches, bars hosting Morna and Batuque jams.

Culture on island time

Mindelo is colorful, historic, and made for walking. Expect fresh tuna at the fish market, local art studios in side streets, and colonial balconies overlooking open squares. Nothing’s curated for the camera and that’s the charm.

Practical Travel Info

• Flights: Fly via Lisbon or Praia. São Vicente (VXE) is served by TAP Air Portugal, Cabo Verde Airlines, and Bestfly
• Visa: Visa-free for travelers from the EU, UK, US, and ECOWAS (30–90 days depending on passport)
• Stay Options: Boutique guesthouses from ~$45/night; ecolodges near the beach from ~$80
• Languages: Portuguese and Cape Verdean Creole are widely spoken; English is understood in many tourist-facing businesses
• Weather Tip: March to May delivers great conditions – warm, dry, and less crowded than peak winter months

Since 2023, São Vicente’s local authorities have taken steps to limit large-scale tourism developments in order to preserve the island’s cultural and ecological character.

What to Experience

Music in Mindelo

From venues like Casa da Morna to impromptu sidewalk sessions, music here is everywhere. It’s not a performance—it’s how the island breathes.

Hike to Monte Verde

At 750 meters, Monte Verde offers sweeping views and solitude. The trail winds through aromatic herbs and rocky ridges, finishing above the clouds.

Laginha Beach

Golden sand, calm surf, and no megaphones. This beach, walking distance from town, offers a refreshingly relaxed scene.

Explore Local Life

Visit the Centro Cultural do Mindelo, browse local markets, or sit with a pastel de atum by the Torre de Belém replica. The best way to explore is without a schedule.

Before You Go

• Money: Bring escudos or euros for small purchases – ATMs are available, but not everywhere
• Dress: Casual is fine, but modest clothing is appreciated in town areas
• Language Tip: A few Creole greetings go a long way in shops and taxis

Why Consider São Vicente?

While other islands debate how to handle rising visitor numbers, São Vicente has quietly kept things in balance. There are no high-rises here, no flashy resorts just volcanic coastlines, walkable towns, and an island that still feels like itself.

Looking for more character-rich, crowd-free destinations? Browse our full African destination guide.