Getting Around São Vicente island

Getting Around São Vicente: Taxis, Alugueres, Scooters & Ferries

How to travel around Mindelo and São Vicente, get from the airport, and cross to Santo Antão.

São Vicente is one of the easiest islands in Cape Verde to get around. It's small, most visitors stay in Mindelo, and the city centre is compact enough to explore on foot. For beaches and viewpoints further afield, you have a choice of cheap shared minibuses, inexpensive taxis, or a rented scooter or car. And the ferry to Santo Antão leaves from the middle of town.

At a Glance: Quick Overview

Island Size: Around 227 km², with most of the population in Mindelo.

In Mindelo: Walk. The centre, waterfront, and Laginha beach are all within easy reach on foot.

Around the Island: Alugueres (shared minibuses), taxis, scooters, or a rental car.

From the Airport: Taxi, around 10–15 minutes to central Mindelo, or an aluguer from the road outside.

To Santo Antão: Ferry from Mindelo to Porto Novo, around an hour.

Payment: Cash for taxis and alugueres, in Escudos or Euros.

Section 1: Arriving at the Airport

Cesária Évora International Airport lies near São Pedro, on the southwest coast.

By Taxi. Taxis wait outside the terminal. The ride to central Mindelo takes around 10–15 minutes and typically costs roughly 1,000–2,000 CVE (about €9–€18), depending on your destination and the time of day. It's the easy option with luggage. Agree the fare before setting off.

By Aluguer. For a fraction of the price, walk out to the main road by the roundabout outside the terminal and flag down one of the white minibuses heading to Mindelo, for around 120 CVE. It works well if you're travelling light and arriving in daylight, but don't count on it late at night.

Section 2: Getting Around Mindelo

The city is made for walking.

On Foot. Mindelo's historic centre, known locally as Morada, the waterfront along Avenida Marginal, the markets, and Laginha beach are all within walking distance of each other. Walking is the best way to enjoy the city's squares and streets.

Taxis. Easy to find along the main streets and waterfront, and inexpensive for short trips within town, typically around 200 CVE. They're the sensible choice at night, especially if you're returning from a bar or restaurant outside the centre.

City Buses. Local buses connect Mindelo's neighbourhoods and are mainly used by residents. They're handy if you're staying outside the centre for a longer period.

Road Safety. Some of Mindelo's main roads carry fast traffic. Take care when crossing, especially at night, and use pedestrian crossings where they exist.

Section 3: Around the Island by Aluguer

The cheapest way to reach the beaches and villages.

How They Work. Like everywhere in Cape Verde, alugueres are white minibuses, usually Toyota Hiaces, that run without fixed timetables and leave when they're full. You can flag them down along the road and ask to be let off where you need.

Where They Leave From. In Mindelo, alugueres for the rest of the island leave from around Praça Estrela in the city centre. Ask locally for the van to your destination.

Common Routes. Minibuses run from Mindelo to São Pedro, Baía das Gatas, Salamansa, and Calhau, typically costing around 100–200 CVE.

Getting Back. Services to the smaller villages and beaches can be infrequent, especially later in the day and at weekends. Ask the driver when the last van returns, and consider arranging a taxi back if you're staying for sunset.

Section 4: Scooter & Car Rental

The most freedom, for exploring at your own pace.

Scooters. Rental shops in Mindelo offer scooters for roughly €20–€35 a day. A scooter is ideal for reaching viewpoints and beaches around the island on your own schedule. Be careful: the trade winds can be strong on exposed coastal roads, cobblestones are slippery when wet, and some roads are steep. Wear a helmet.

Cars. Car rental costs roughly €50–€60 a day. A car suits families and anyone visiting Monte Verde or exploring beyond the main roads. You'll need your driving licence and a credit card for the deposit, and an International Driving Permit is recommended alongside your national licence.

The Road to Monte Verde. The route up to the island's highest point is steep and winding, and cloud can reduce visibility near the top. Take it slowly, and avoid driving it after dark.

Parking. Parking in central Mindelo can be tight, and paid parking applies on some central streets. Look for signs or ask your accommodation.

Section 5: Private Drivers & Island Tours

The easy option for seeing the island in a day.

Many taxi drivers offer island tours, usually taking in Monte Verde, Baía das Gatas, Calhau, Salamansa, and São Pedro in a half or full day. Agree the price, the stops, and the timing before you set off. It's an efficient way to see a lot in a short time, and good value when shared.

Section 6: Ferries & Domestic Flights

Getting off the island.

The Ferry to Santo Antão. Ferries run from the terminal in Mindelo's harbour to Porto Novo on Santo Antão, a crossing of around an hour. The route is served daily and is the busiest in the country for visitors. Fares are modest, roughly €8–€15 each way depending on the fare type, and non-resident fares are higher than resident fares. Buy tickets in advance at busy times, arrive early, and take seasickness tablets if you're prone, as the channel can be rough. Our guide to Mindelo to Santo Antão covers the crossing and the day trip in detail.

Domestic Flights. São Vicente's airport has domestic connections to Praia on Santiago and to Sal. Schedules can change and delays and cancellations happen, so avoid tight connections with international flights and build in a buffer day.

For all inter-island options, see our guide to inter-island travel in Cape Verde.

Section 7: Money & Practical Tips

A few things that save money and hassle.

Pay in Cash. Taxi drivers and minibus operators don't take cards. Carry small notes in Escudos, or Euros if you must.

Pay in Escudos If You Can. The official rate is €1 = 110.265 CVE, but many taxi drivers and small businesses use a rounded rate of €1 = 100 CVE when you pay in Euros, which costs you around 10%. Change from Euro payments usually comes back in Escudos.

Agree Fares First. Always settle the price before a taxi ride or a private tour.

Plan Returns. For remote beaches and villages, know how you're getting back before you go.

Section 8: Which Transport Should You Use?

The short version.

Walking: For everything in central Mindelo and Laginha beach.

Taxis: For airport transfers, evenings, and quick trips around the island.

Alugueres: For cheap trips to São Pedro, Baía das Gatas, Salamansa, and Calhau.

Scooter or Car: For Monte Verde and exploring the island at your own pace.

Private Driver: For seeing the whole island in a single day.

Ferry: For Santo Antão.

Continue Planning Your Trip

For the city itself, read our Mindelo City Guide. For the crossing to the island next door, see Mindelo to Santo Antão: Ferry & Day Trip Guide. And for your first visit, our First-Timer's Guide to São Vicente covers the essentials.