Compagnie Du Ponant Cape Verde: 7 nights from Mindelo with Le Ponant
Nov 1, 2025

Mindelo

Mindelo is a lively port city located on the island of São Vicente in Cape Verde, an archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa. Cultural vibrancy, historical importance and natural beauty blend perfectly making Mindelo a unique and fascinating destination for tourists. The city is known as the cultural capital of Cape Verde.

It has a rich musical tradition, in particular morna and coladeira are the traditional musical genres of Cape Verde. The city is associated with the famous singer Cesária Évora. Cesária Évora was a Cape Verdean singer and probably the most famous morna singer in the world. Her nickname was “barefoot diva” because of her habit of performing barefoot. Mindelo hosts one of the most lively carnivals in the region, often compared to those in Brazil.

The event is a great attraction for tourists and locals, with parades, music, dances and elaborate costumes. Mindelo has a thriving art scene, with numerous galleries and markets where local artists and artisans exhibit their works. The Mindelo Art Center is a notable venue for unique exhibitions and shows. The city's nightlife is lively, with numerous bars, restaurants and clubs that offer live music and entertainment, especially in the historic center around Praça Estrela and Rua Lisboa.

Sao Nicolau

Sal Rei

Praia

Praia is the capital of the Republic of Cape Verde, located on the island of Santiago, the largest of the archipelago, west of Senegal. The country is divided into charming little unofficial districts, the most important are Plateau (centre), Achada, Varzea, Safende and Sucupira (bazaar area). At the Sucupira market, you can buy exotic souvenirs, such as Panu or Babosa land, as well as a variety of handicrafts. Its great strength is the port, which, in addition to its development and the fishing industry, allows the export of coffee, sugar cane and tropical fruit. Thanks to its pleasent climate, It is possible to visit the city all year round. Even during the so-called rainy season (from mid-August to mid-October), it can happen that there is no rainfall for weeks. Thanks to ocean currents, Cape Verde has the lowest temperatures of all West African countries. Cape Verdeans are very fond of music, especially zouk, Funana and local HipHop. They are able to dance energetically throughout the night and one can easily join in. The city has several colonial-era buildings. The main attractions in the city center include Albuquerque Square, the old town hall built in 1920, the presidential palace, built at the end of the 19th century, the Monument of Diogo Gomes, the Portuguese navigator who discovered the island of Santiago in 1460. Apart from those mentioned, its beautiful beaches and good nightlife make this place an idyllic destination.

Praia is the capital of the Republic of Cape Verde, located on the island of Santiago, the largest in the archipelago, west of Senegal.
This country is divided into charming unofficial small districts, the most important of which are the Plateau (center), Achada, Varzea, Safende, and Sucupira (bazaar area).
At the Sucupira market, among local and culinary products, you can buy exotic souvenirs, such as the earth of Panu or that of Babosa, as well as a variety of handicrafts. Its great strength is the port, which, in addition to the development and fishing industry, allows the export of coffee, sugar cane, and tropical fruits.
In this locality, it is possible to think of visiting it at any time, although the climate is pleasant all year round. Even during the so-called rainy season (from mid-August to mid-October), it can happen that there is no precipitation for weeks. Thanks to the ocean currents, Cape Verde has the lowest temperatures of all the countries in West Africa.
The Cape Verdeans love music very much, in particular, the zouk, the Funana, and the local HipHop. They are able to dance with energy all night and you can easily join in.
The city has several colonial-era buildings. The main attractions in the city center include Albuquerque Square, the old town hall built in 1920, the presidential palace, built at the end of the 19th century, the Monument to Diogo Gomes, the Portuguese navigator who discovered the island of Santiago in 1460.
In addition to those named, it does not have any particular important places to visit, but it is thanks to the beautiful beaches and the beautiful nightlife that makes this place an idyllic destination.

Maio

Located 25 km east of Santiago, the island of Maio is considered a haven of peace where you can spend days of total relaxation.

This is a little-known and unspoiled island. Despite the great aridity of the soil, the island has the largest forest park in Cape Verde. The north coast is influenced by strong north-easterly winds and rough seas. Furthermore, it is surrounded by long beaches of white and fine sand, in contrast to the warm turquoise waters and full of coconut palms. Depending on the season, it is very common to see sea turtles laying their eggs on these magnificent beaches. Known as Vila do Porto Inglês (English Port city), the small town of Maio extends along one of the largest white sand beaches in the archipelago. The main urban center of the island is the city characterized by beautiful colorful houses and adorned with flowers in addition to the music that accompanies the lifestyle of the inhabitants of Maio. Many activities are available to visitors, in particular, diving to discover the countless treasures of the island's marine fauna. Don't forget to visit the Castelo de Maio, the main monument that has marked the history of the place, a fortress built in the 18th century to protect the island from pirates and other invaders and the flagship of São José. The village of Calheta, the center of ceramics and the small and quiet town of Cascabulho, known for its handicrafts.

Fogo

Mindelo

Mindelo is a lively port city located on the island of São Vicente in Cape Verde, an archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa. Cultural vibrancy, historical importance and natural beauty blend perfectly making Mindelo a unique and fascinating destination for tourists. The city is known as the cultural capital of Cape Verde.

It has a rich musical tradition, in particular morna and coladeira are the traditional musical genres of Cape Verde. The city is associated with the famous singer Cesária Évora. Cesária Évora was a Cape Verdean singer and probably the most famous morna singer in the world. Her nickname was “barefoot diva” because of her habit of performing barefoot. Mindelo hosts one of the most lively carnivals in the region, often compared to those in Brazil.

The event is a great attraction for tourists and locals, with parades, music, dances and elaborate costumes. Mindelo has a thriving art scene, with numerous galleries and markets where local artists and artisans exhibit their works. The Mindelo Art Center is a notable venue for unique exhibitions and shows. The city's nightlife is lively, with numerous bars, restaurants and clubs that offer live music and entertainment, especially in the historic center around Praça Estrela and Rua Lisboa.