Discover Boa Vista: Desert, Beaches and History
Accommodation in Boa Vista
Boa Vista brings together vast sandy landscapes, long beaches, nature and island history. Experiences range from windsurfing in Sal Rei Bay to historic sites and traditional pottery. The ones that interest you most can help guide your choice of holiday apartment.
Landscapes Between Sand and Coast
The Deserto de Viana is one of Boa Vista’s notable sights. The desert is about one kilometre wide and around five kilometres long. There, light-coloured sand is mixed with grains of black earth. The Morro de Areia Nature Reserve offers a different coastal scene, where sand dunes stretch all the way to the ocean.
The beaches also vary in character: Praia de Santa Mónica lies in the southwest of Boa Vista and is more than eleven kilometres long. At Praia de Varandinha, the natural Bracona Cave overlooks the sea. At Monte de Santo António, a natural landmark and history come together: the mountain is 379 metres high and classified as a protected natural monument. Near the summit stands the old Santo António Chapel, dating from 1800, a local pilgrimage site.
Water, Wildlife and Activities
Sal Rei Bay is a popular spot for windsurfing, kitesurfing and surfing; conditions can vary. The bay is also a habitat for turtles and seabirds. At João Barrosa Beach, the Turtle Natural Reserve supports scientific studies, the tagging and rescue of nesting female turtles, and the protection of their nests. Alongside its watersports, the protected area gives the coast significance for species conservation.
Activities on Boa Vista include horseback rides across the sands of Praia do Estoril and Praia de Chaves. Check whether these are currently available before making plans. A seasonal four-hour boat trip in Sal Rei Bay includes swimming in the bay’s calm waters; here too, it is advisable to check availability for your travel dates.
Crafts, History and Festivities
In Rabil, the pottery school, established in 1960, preserves traditional clay-shaping techniques developed by local craftspeople. Visitors can learn how clay is sourced and watch the craftwork. Check whether visits are possible before making plans.
The Shipwreck Museum opened in Sal Rei in November 2019. Its exhibition topics include the history of the Cape Verde islands, historic shipwrecks off the coast of Boa Vista, the era of pirate attacks, and the slave trade to the Americas. The exhibits include mosaics, stained glass, paintings and sculptures.
On the island of Djeu, opposite Sal Rei Bay, stands the Fort of the Duke of Bragança. It was intended to protect the bay from pirate attacks during the Portuguese colonial era; cannons used to defend Boa Vista can still be seen there today. It is possible to visit on foot. Check tour availability and conditions locally.
The Santa Isabel celebrations begin at the end of June and conclude on 4 July with a traditional procession and a communal meal. They last just under a week; activities take place in Sal Rei and in Boa Vista’s northern villages. Check the programme for the year of your trip.
When choosing your holiday apartment, it helps to have a clear focus: do you mainly want to plan for the coast and watersports, or are you more interested in landscapes, nature and culture?
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