Mindelo city tour with Monte Verde and Salamansa beach

From the market stalls of Mindelo to the highest point on the island in one morning

This tour of Mindelo combines the city center, the highest viewpoint on São Vicente island at Monte Verde, and a small fishing village on Salamansa beach. A local guide leads the route in English, Portuguese, French or German. Pickup from your accommodation and an air-conditioned vehicle are included. The tour runs four hours and suits all fitness levels, though it is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or cardiovascular concerns.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Mindelo and nearby villages

• Visit Mindelo cultural center
• Explore local fruit and vegetable market
• Enjoy panoramic views at Monte Verde
• Stroll on Salamansa beach
• Relax or swim at Baía das Gatas

The experience

You start in the Mindelo cultural center, where you move through galleries of historical and contemporary island art and have time to pick up souvenirs. From there the route heads to the market: a working hub of vendors selling fruits, vegetables and local herbs that draws both residents and visitors. The energy and color of the stalls give a real sense of daily life in the city before the tour moves inland.

Monte Verde, at 750 meters, is the highest point on the island and the reason many travelers book this route. The climb takes you to a spot where a 360-degree panoramic view opens across the entire landscape. From there you descend to Salamansa, a small fishing village on the outskirts where you walk barefoot on white sand and watch waves break on the beach. The tour also includes time at Baía das Gatas, a small tourist beach village where you can swim or stroll along the shore if you want to linger.

The four-hour route moves at a steady pace in an air-conditioned vehicle with a native-speaking guide who knows the island. Pickup and drop-off from your accommodation are included, so you do not arrange transport separately. Children from age three are welcome on the tour.

What’s included

• Native-speaking local guide in English, Portuguese, French or German.
• pickup and drop-off from your accommodation.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• liability insurance.

Options for this experience

2 options

Small groupGuide in English, French or Portuguese · 09:00 and 10:00Includes pickup

Private TripGuide in English, French or Portuguese · 09:00Pickup is included in the private transportation

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 10:00

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish, French, German and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 9 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Kapverden Tours

Is this one for you?Choose the private trip if you want the route on your own schedule and the flexibility to spend extra time at any stop. The small-group option keeps costs lower and pairs you with other travelers following the same itinerary.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French, German and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

How high is Monte Verde, and what can you see from the top?

Monte Verde stands at 750 meters, the highest point on São Vicente. From the summit you get a 360-degree panoramic view across the entire island and its natural landscape.

Can I swim at Salamansa beach, or is it just a walk?

Salamansa is a small fishing village where you walk barefoot on the white sand beach and watch the waves. The tour also includes time at Baía das Gatas, a separate beach village where swimming is an option if you want to go in the water.

Is pickup from my hotel included in the price?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from your accommodation are included in both the private and small-group options.