Cape Verde &Sao Nicolau 30 Apr 2007 05:18 am
São Nicolau (Cape Verde Islands)
São Nicolau (meaning Saint Nicholas) is located between the islands of São Vicente and Sal. It has a population of over 12,850 and covers an area of 388 km².
It’s the quietest of the Cape Verde islands with small, rural communities dotted around its coastline. It’s also considered to be the most beautiful, by many of the natives.
The two main towns on the island are the capital of Ribeira Brava, idyllically situated cascading down a mountainside, and the ferry and fishing port of Tarrafal.
Ribeira Brava is a haven of peace and tranquillity. The main town square has a catholic church on one side, old colonial administration buildings on the other and a delightful garden in the centre. It’s the perfect place to bask in the gentle climate and just watch the world go by…
This fascinating island with its beautiful landscape is in big demand with property investors and potential homeowners.
Along with an extremely varied landscape, São Nicolau has some truly breathtaking scenery. If you walk just ten minutes out of Ribeira Brava you’ll come to a huge gorge with lush plantations of maize, banana and papaya. On inland areas the fairytale dragon trees grow – an endangered species, native to São Nicolau. Driving through the agricultural centre of São Nicolau you’ll see some pretty local villages and busy farming communities.
As you head towards Tarrafal (the coast), the landscape flattens and becomes a lot drier, in stark contrast to the lush inland areas. The landscape here is volcanic and the climate is a lot hotter and drier.
Tarrafal has a beautiful black sandy beach. The bay here is rich in high quality fish and attracts fishing enthusiasts from all over, in search of the much sought after, Blue Marlin.
On many parts of the island you can see remnants of São Nicolau’s intense volcanic past, which has created the rugged features you see today. It’s become a paradise for walkers and trekkers or anyone wanting to get close to nature.
Things to do on São Nicolau
São Nicolau has the perfect landscape and terrain for hiking. It’s also a trekker’s paradise. There’s numerous hillside walks along the interior, all the way to village of Tarrafal. The clean fresh air and spectacular views are guaranteed to lift your spirits.
Tarrafal is the most popular fishing location on the island. From here, you can hitch a ride with the local fishermen and see a fantasctic variety of fish, including dolphins in late Autumn.
Bird watching enthusiasts should head to the small island of Raso. To get here you’ll have to take the local fishing boat from Tarrafal. Raso is home to the one of the rarest birds in the world – the Cape Verdian Lark.
The island has no facilities (bars, restaurants etc), so make sure you bring your own water and food.
Investing on São Nicolau
São Nicolau is attracting more and more tourists and property investors every year. It’s got the perfect climate, beautiful beaches and a stunning natural landscape – what looks like a sound investment opportunity.
Real Estate Agents
- Horizon Property Group Blog
- Montana Roja Blog
- Aip Property Group Blog
- Homes of Cape Verde
- Cape Verde Island Property
- Cape Verde 4 Sale
- Xclusive Properties
- Redmountain Property Blog
- Cape Verde Resort Invest Blog