Things to do in Calhau
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Top 10 attractions in Calhau
São Vicente
São Vicente is located in the Atlantic Ocean off the west coast of Africa and is a volcanic island in the northern Windward Islands of Cape Verde. The island's terrain is relatively flat, with mountains weathered by wind over time. The climate is dry with little rain, yet the coastline is winding and expansive. The island's center is the capital, Mindelo. The large bay it embraces is actually a volcanic crater breached by the sea. The city rose to prominence in modern times as a coaling station for transoceanic ships and still retains clusters of colonial-era architecture and a cosmopolitan port atmosphere, making it one of Cape Verde's cultural hubs. For natural views, the high point of Monte Verde offers expansive vistas; reaching the summit allows you to overlook the entire island and the city of Mindelo, and on clear days, you can even see Santo Antao Island across the channel. Monte Cara, which faces Mindelo across the bay, is named for its mountain silhouette that resembles an upturned face and serves as the natural backdrop for this port city. On the northeast coast, Baía das Gatas is a natural swimming pool enclosed by volcanic rock. Reefs block the waves from the open sea, making it suitable for a quiet swim. Since the 1980s, a beach music festival has been held here every year on the weekend around the full moon in August, which has long since become a traditional event on the island. Music is the island's calling card: Morna and Coladeira, two representative Cape Verdean musical styles, took root here, and the legendary singer Cesária Évora, known as the "Barefoot Diva," was born in Mindelo. After nightfall, bars and streets in the city often feature live performances, and during the carnival, the whole city is filled with the sound of drums. Daily life on the island is almost entirely concentrated in Mindelo. You can experience its rhythm by strolling through markets and looking at the harbor during the day, and listening to music while dining in the evening. If you want to continue hiking in the valleys, you can also take a ferry directly from the Mindelo ferry terminal to the mountainous neighboring island of Santo Antao.Ermida · 12.1 km from Calhau
Monte Verde
Mindelo · 7.4 km from Calhau
Lighthouse Dona Maria Pia
Lighthouse Dona Maria Pia stands on the cliffs of Ponta Temerosa at the southern tip of Santiago Island, guarding the entrance to the port of Praia. Locals also call it the Ponta Temerosa Lighthouse or the Praia Lighthouse. The lighthouse was built in 1881 and named after the then-Queen of Portugal, Maria Pia. It was the first of many lighthouses to be lit across the Cape Verde islands, marking a significant milestone in the modern maritime history of Cape Verde. The white octagonal masonry tower stands over 20m tall, topped with a lantern room and gallery. The gray dome of the lantern room contrasts with the white walls, and it is attached to a single-story keeper's cottage. After a complete renovation, it remains in service today, flashing white light twice every few seconds at night to guide ships entering and leaving the port. Today, this lighthouse is a highly recognizable landmark in Praia, often referred to as the city's postcard. Visitors can walk along the cape to the foot of the lighthouse to overlook the Atlantic Ocean, the ships entering and leaving the harbor, and the city skyline. At dusk, the white tower set against the sunset glow on the sea is a popular photo opportunity.Cape Verde · Praia
Santa Maria Beach
Santa Maria Beach is located in the coastal town of Santa Maria on the southern tip of Sal, Cape Verde. With its fine, soft white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, the beach features warm temperatures year-round and gentle waves in the bay, making it a perfect spot for swimming. The steady sea breeze also makes this beach a hub for water sports like kitesurfing, windsurfing, and diving. Bars and restaurants line the beach, and the town center is just a short walk away. The old wooden pier, "Pontão," is a highly recognizable landmark of this beach. Originally built for loading salt, it has witnessed the town's transformation from a salt port into a resort town. Nowadays, in the late morning, small, colorful blue, red, and yellow fishing boats arrive one after another. Fishermen sell the day's catch, such as tuna, right by the pier, while pelicans wait nearby for fish scraps and local children dive into the sea from the pier—a lively scene of daily life in the town. If you want to watch, try visiting when the fishing boats return to port. In the evening, the Atlantic sunset framed with the pier and colorful fishing boats is a popular photo opportunity. This beach is seamlessly integrated with town life; whether watching fishing boats by day or the sunset in the evening, the pace is relaxed, making it worth setting aside half a day to spend here.Cape Verde · Santa Maria
Buracona - Blue Eye Cave
Buracona - Blue Eye Cave is a natural pool located on the west coast of Sal that reveals a stunning blue glow when sunlight hits the water, making it a beautiful spot for swimming and snorkeling.Cape Verde
Sao Pedro Beach
Sao Pedro · 21.7 km from Calhau
Prainha Beach
Amid the hustle and bustle of Cape Verde's capital, Prainha Beach serves as a hidden haven, adding a touch of tranquility and uniqueness to this Atlantic island nation. It is not your typical tropical beach with endless views and swaying coconut palms, but a small, exquisite urban bay that attracts travelers seeking an authentic experience with its distinctive character. Unlike many beaches, the sand here is relatively coarse, which adds a touch of rustic, wild charm. It is not only a great spot for weekend relaxation but also a perfect location for a morning stroll to soak up the sun and feel the Atlantic sea breeze. Due to the steep seabed, you may encounter deep, cliff-like drop-offs just tens of meters offshore. Combined with sometimes rough waves and deep-colored water, please exercise extra caution when entering the water. With its authentic and rustic demeanor, this place showcases the daily life and relaxed pace of Cape Verde.Cape Verde · Praia
Praia da Laginha
Mindelo · 14.3 km from Calhau
São Filipe Royal Fortress
São Filipe Royal Fortress is a historic defensive fortification. The fortress was built in the 16th century to protect local residents from pirates and other foreign invaders. The attraction sits on a strategic high point overlooking the surrounding area, offering an ideal defensive vantage point. The fortress' architectural style blends military function with colonial-era aesthetics, and its thick stone walls and sturdy construction demonstrate the advanced building techniques of its time. Today, São Filipe Royal Fortress is not only a historical site but also an attraction, drawing many history enthusiasts and visitors. Visitors can explore the interior of the fortress, see the gun emplacements and observation towers that were once used for defense, and learn about its important role in history. The fortress houses exhibits about its construction, its use, and its role in history.Cape Verde · Cidade Velha
Historic Centre of Ribeira Grande (Cidade Velha)
Historic Centre of Ribeira Grande (Cidade Velha) is located in the south of Santiago Island in the Republic of Cape Verde, off the west coast of Africa, approx. 15 km west of the capital city, Praia. The history of this town dates back to the late 15th century. In 1462, after Portuguese navigator António da Noli discovered the island, he named the place "Ribeira Grande" (Portuguese for "Big River"). It is one of the important early settlements established by Europeans in the tropics and one of the early towns built by Europeans in sub-Saharan Africa. At the end of the 18th century, Ribeira Grande was renamed "Cidade Velha" (Old City). The ancient city retains its early street layout. Major ruins include two 16th-century churches, the ruins of the Royal Fortress of São Filipe built to defend against pirates, and the Pillory Square, decorated with ornate 16th-century marble columns. Today, this World Heritage city has become an important historical and cultural tourism destination in Cape Verde, attracting many visitors to explore the imprints of the Age of Discovery.Cape Verde · Cidade Velha
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Free things to do in Calhau
São Vicente
Ermida · 12.1 km from CalhauMonte Verde
Mindelo · 7.4 km from CalhauLighthouse Dona Maria Pia
Cape Verde · PraiaSanta Maria Beach
Cape Verde · Santa MariaBuracona - Blue Eye Cave
Cape VerdeSao Pedro Beach
Sao Pedro · 21.7 km from CalhauPrainha Beach
Cape Verde · PraiaPraia da Laginha
Mindelo · 14.3 km from CalhauSão Filipe Royal Fortress
Cape Verde · Cidade VelhaHistoric Centre of Ribeira Grande (Cidade Velha)
Cape Verde · Cidade Velha
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What travelers say about Calhau
biubiudidi8 November 2024
3.0
This is an abandoned lighthouse, which was under repair when we went there. It is located on the Atlantic Ocean, and looks beautiful from a distance, but not so-so up close. When we approached, a black friend came out and asked us in English if we wanted to go inside. We saw that it was under construction and there was no one guarding the gate, so we thought it would be good to go in and take a look. But the other party wanted to charge 5 euros per person. We didn't have any cash and there was no electronic payment, so we didn't go in. We saw there were stairs, so we should be able to climb the tower.
Lighthouse Dona Maria Pia