Boa Vista brings together themes that can shape a trip in different ways: sandy landscapes and long beaches, marine habitats, crafts and history. When looking for accommodation, you can first decide whether natural and coastal features, water sports or cultural sites are your main focus. Examples range from the Viana Desert and Praia de Santa Mónica to the pottery school in Rabil and historic sites in Sal Rei. This keeps the focus on the island itself rather than narrowing your options to beach visits.
Landscapes and Coastal Features
The Viana Desert on Boa Vista is approximately one kilometre wide and around five kilometres long. Its pale sand is mixed with grains of black earth. These approximate measurements give you an idea of its extent. You can walk there freely and without difficulty; follow local guidance when visiting.
In the Morro de Areia Nature Reserve, sand dunes extend into the ocean. Praia de Santa Mónica is in the southwest of Boa Vista and is more than eleven kilometres long. The natural Bracona Cave at Praia de Varandinha faces the sea. These three places represent different coastal and sandy landscapes: dunes by the ocean, an extensive stretch of beach and a cave with sea views.
Water, Nature and Activities
Baía de Sal Rei is a popular area for windsurfing, kitesurfing and surfing; conditions can vary. The bay is also a habitat for turtles and seabirds. This brings together two distinct perspectives: activities on the water and a nature-related attraction.
At João Barrosa Beach, the Turtle Natural Reserve serves as a centre for scientific studies. Its work includes tagging and rescuing nesting female turtles and protecting their nests. Horse rides across the sand at Praia do Estoril and Praia de Chaves are also among the highlighted activities on Boa Vista. If you are planning a ride, check availability in advance.
Crafts and History
Monte de Santo António is 379 metres high and classified as a protected natural monument. It has historical and cultural significance for Boa Vista. Near its summit stands the old Santo António Chapel, dating from 1800 and serving as a local pilgrimage site. The mountain and chapel therefore bring together natural and cultural history at a named location.
The Boa Vista pottery school in Rabil was established in 1960. It preserves traditional clay-forming techniques developed by local artisans. Visitors can learn how clay is sourced there and observe the craftwork. If you plan to visit, check in advance whether visits are currently possible.
The Museu dos Naufragos opened in Sal Rei in November 2019. Its permanent exhibition includes relics from historic shipwrecks off the coast of Boa Vista, as well as objects from the era of pirate attacks and the slave trade to the Americas. Mosaics, stained glass, paintings and sculptures also tell the story of the Cape Verdean islands.
On the island of Djeu, opposite the Bay of Sal Rei, stands the Fort of the Duke of Bragança. The Portuguese built it during the colonial period to protect the bay from pirate attacks. The old fort can be visited on foot; cannons that were used to defend Boa Vista against pirate attacks can still be seen there. Check local conditions before visiting.
Santa Isabel Festivities
The Santa Isabel festivities in Sal Rei begin in late June and end on 4 July with a traditional procession and a communal meal. Activities take place in Sal Rei and the northern villages of Boa Vista; the festivities last just under a week in total. If you want to plan your trip around this event, check the dates and programme for your travel year.
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