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The main urban center of the island is Ribeira Brava, a village with narrow streets and traces of colonial architecture that reveal the people’s remote identity, as evident in the Church of Matriz, the S. José Seminary-Lyceum, and the old Cathedral.
To the west, with Ribeira Brava still in sight, stretches the green mantle of the village of Cachaço, known for its dense fogs, but from where it is possible, on clear days, to contemplate the entire Ribeira Brava.
Still in Cachaço, at the top of Monte Gordo, the highest point of the island, at 1,312 meters, it is possible to observe the entire archipelago.
For that, however, you need the luck of no fog.
Heading to Porto da Preguiça, you find the Forte do Príncipe Real which, besides fulfilling its function of protecting the island, is also a tribute to Pedro Álvares Cabral who, on his way to Brazil, passed through here.
In the northwest lies Fajã, the birthplace of writer Baltazar Lopes da Silva and a place distinguished by extensive agricultural productions and dragon trees, classified as an endangered species.
Environmental awareness is also quite evident in this place as there is a real effort to preserve this rare tree.
The Village of Tarrafal, a land known for its beaches with sands rich in iodine and titanium, believed to have medicinal properties, is located to the southwest.
Those suffering from joint and bone issues find in Tarrafal a sought-after center of natural thalassotherapy.
Also in Tarrafal is the canning industry center, where, after being caught, the tuna is processed.
On the way to Ribeira da Prata, we have Barril Beach and Praia Branca.
It is here that, in June, there are parades, bonfire jumps, and drums fill the air while celebrating St. John.
At that time, the heat rises with the sensual beats of the “coladera,” the dance that suggests courtship between pairs.
Drenched in grogue, cachupa is served to all present.
On the way to Ribeira Brava, you find the drawings of Rotcha Scibida – created by the action of sediments on the rocks – which deepen the mysticism of the traditions.
But you also find a grand landscape and a population that carries the warmth of morabeza in their smiles.
Immortalized in the music of Cesária Évora, São Nicolau tells stories of nostalgia and longing and takes those who visit on a journey towards marked cultural heritages, dotted with dragon trees and unique landscapes.
In São Nicolau, Armando Zeferino Soares was born, the famous composer of the song that took Cape Verde to the world, in the voice of Cesária Évora, “Sodade”.
Music is spread throughout the island and is part of its identity, it is a way of life.
It is an expression of morabeza, manifested in the gentle sway of hips to the hypnotic rhythms of morna and coladeira.
São Nicolau is the home of morna, a romantic and bucolic musical style, but beyond traditional Creole sounds, you also hear the mazurka, originating from Europe, which is played to the sound of the violin.
Many local musicians can be found playing in bars, nightclubs, and all over the island, providing the opportunity to experience the lively rhythms and soulful melodies that are such a fundamental part of Cape Verdean culture.
Drenched in grogue, cachupa is served to all present.
On the way to Ribeira Brava, you find the drawings of Rotcha Scibida – created by the action of sediments on the rocks – which deepen the mysticism of the traditions.
But you also find a grand landscape and a population that carries the warmth of morabeza in their smiles.