Boa Vista: Travel Instructions

I LOVE BOAVISTA and its staff offer you the warmest welcome to the island, simply the most beautiful in Cape Verde.

Boa Vista and Sal Rei: General Information

Boa Vista is one of the ten islands of the Cape Verde archipelago, nine of which are inhabited. All of volcanic origin, the islands are divided into two groups: the Barlavento (windward) and the Sotavento (leeward). Boa Vista, in the Windward group, is the closest to the African coast. Its landscapes alternate between deserts, white and golden beaches, and clear blue waters.

Size of the island and inhabitants

620 km² of space and freedom, and around 15 thousand inhabitants, concentrated mainly in the capital Sal Rei (about 9000 thousand).

What does Boa Vista offer? It is a microcosm where “nothing” is everything, where you can relax and live unique experiences and adventures. From excursions round the island, to water sports (such as kite surfing, wind surfing, hydro foil, for which the island is famous throughout the world), to events and moments to experience the local culture and the famous Cape Verdean morabeza, that so special way of welcoming.

Climate: Dry and windy for most of the year, with stronger winds between February and March and possible rains in September/October, that turn the landscape a bright green.

An authentic island: the first impact

Boa Vista surprises with its simplicity, but it is a mosaic of landscapes and nature: deserts of sand and rock, white roads, volcanic stones and simple houses. This seemingly bare scenery is actually an invitation to discover unique places, where every element tells a story.

Roads and buildings

Few are the paved roads, many of them recently built. The “historical” ones are made of porphyry, some still from the Portuguese colonial era, like the one towards the villages of the Norte, the so-called Route 66. Currently the cobblestones were reused to resurface the square, for some streets in the city center and in some villages. Outside the inhabited areas and to reach the famous beaches, only tracks and dirt roads. Many houses are under construction and others inhabited but not finished: this is due to the rapid urban growth. There are few historic buildings, unfortunately, but they tell us about the colonial past.

Fauna and animals of the island

The island is an open-air zoo; don't expect the big five though! But it is the second place in the Atlantic for the arrival and laying of Caretta-caretta turtles; from February to May there is the passage of humpback whales; in the wetlands and on the islets rare birds can be seen, the seabed is rich in life and wrecks and the ocean has been considered among the wildest and most unspoiled on the planet. There are no dangerous animals or insects.

Dogs, cats, donkeys and horses live in harmony with the inhabitants and the landscape.

·         Free but cared-for dogs and cats: here the animals are an integral part of the community, often cuddled by the locals.

·         Donkeys, goats and wild horses: curious and gentle, they are a fascinating presence, especially in the more internal areas. It is not uncommon to meet donkeys even in the city streets in search of food and water. Goats, free to graze.

Discovering Sal Rei

The capital of the island, Sal Rei, has seen significant building development in just a few years thanks to tourism. The main square, currently being renovated, will once again become the most important meeting point, with the church, shops and clubs.

The historic districts can be identified as:

Centro Vila: the city centre as mentioned, the heart of the island, with banks, clubs, shops, the health structure and private clinics.

Santa Barbara and Chandinho, from the pier towards the fish market, the central area of Riba d'Olte and Bom Sossego with typical houses, shops, bars and restaurants.

Cabràl on one side and Estoril on the other, are the residential seaside areas.

Relatively new is the area called Boas Compras, from the first island’s supermarket.

Rapid development has led to the birth of more external neighbourhoods of public housing, such as Bairro Boa Esperança, and those jokingly called by locals “Morocco” and “Dubai” (because are the furthest away).

Food and Drink: A Journey into Local Flavours

Boa Vista's cuisine mixes Creole and Portuguese traditions, with local ingredients and authentic flavors:

·         Typical dishes:

o    Cachupa: the national dish, symbol of Cape Verdean culture. A soup of legumes, vegetables, fish and/or meat

o    Fresh fish such as amberjack, tuna and lobster (the breeding season for lobsters, langosta, is from June to the end of September, and it is advisable not to consume them during this period)

o    Pastel with devil inside: spicy tuna parcels

o    Rissois and croquete – fish and meat parcels and spicy tuna croquettes

o    Don't miss the moreia frita (fried moray eel) as an aperitif

o    Pincios (skewers) and grilled chicken wings-legs, to try as local street food.

·         Recommended drinks:

o    Grogue: Local rum, made from sugar cane, is found aged and white.

o    Pontche: grogue to which sugar cane molasses is added or flavored with various exotic fruits such as calabaceira (the baobab fruit), tamarind; Stemperot or cortado (in the other islands) is pontche and grogue mixed.

o    Cape Verdean beer, Strela, Kriola and Classica and the new Dnos, the Portuguese Super Bock is also very popular

o    The tropical fruit juices, even the fresh ones, are good, thirst-quenching and tonic, like the Bisap (of Senegalese origin, it is hibiscus) or the drink with baobab powder.

o    Vinho, the Fogo island wine: the Cha, red, rosé or white; the Sodade, red, white and rosé and the Vinha Maria Chaves – two reds, rosé and white - produced by the Capuchin Friars of Fossano (IT) under the volcano.

NB: Normally there are no problems for the consumption of vegetables and raw fish, all tourist spots and most restaurants use sanitizing products and use blast chillers. The water coming from the water supply is desalinated and considered drinkable. However, it is preferable to drink bottled water, while no problems for cooking. Ice is also prepared with aqueduct water, so it does not present any risks.

Tip: for lunch, almost all restaurants offer prato do dia, the dish of the day, that is certainly fresh, inexpensive and ready to eat. And sometimes it is also the opportunity to try a typical dish that is difficult to find on the menu. Then there are the fixed proposals such as cachupa on Fridays or arroz marisco (rice with seafood). Ask us, we will tell you the best choice according to your tastes.

Internet and telephony

Good 4G coverage and Wi-Fi connections up to 60 Mb/s. Be careful with your telephone operator's data roaming: both incoming and outgoing calls are very expensive (about 5 euros per minute). However, you just need to buy a local SIM for 5 or 10 euros to be able to make internal calls or use WhatsApp with the world. Wi-Fi is widespread almost everywhere in the establishments. SIM cards can also be purchased upon arrival at the airport, in the city, or you can ask our staff who will be able to help you.

Currency exchange, credit and debit cards

Many establishments, restaurants and supermarkets accept major Visa and Mastercard credit cards, and generally charge a small fee for the transaction. If your ATM is enabled for foreign use, you can withdraw money from banks in local currency (escudos). Warning: prefer the local currency option. Withdrawal fees vary depending on the agreement with your bank, but are not excessive. The official exchange rate in euros is 110.265 ECV for 1 euro (the Cape Verdean Escudo is not convertible). You can pay in euros almost everywhere; but remember that the exchange rate is normally 1 euro for 100 escudos.

Health

The island has a public health center, private clinics and a fairly well-stocked pharmacy. It is advisable to bring basic medicines and personal use. As always when traveling, it is best to take out health insurance for any emergencies.

Food intolerances: there are no ready-made dishes and products for celiacs, but there are various types of gluten-free cereal and legume flours. For dairy intolerances, there are vegetable and lactose-free drinks and cheeses available, as well as fresh or slightly aged local goat cheese, which is very good.

Safety

Boa Vista is a safe and quiet place both day and night. There are no problems in freely wandering alone in the capital and in the villages. It is advisable, however, to adopt normal travel behaviour and precautions. Pay due attention if you independently rent a car or quad to inform about the itineraries you intend to take, because telephone coverage outside of residential areas is often lacking.

Electricity: 220 volts, if you need a grounded socket, three-pin in and two-pin out, for example for a computer, bring adapters.

Religion: 90% Catholic Christian; the rest Protestant Christians and a small fraction of Buddhists and Muslims. Interesting singing masses with gospel choirs (church in Riba d'Olte of Sal Rei, Boa Vista).

Clothing: summer year-round, sporty, sneakers or hiking shoes, windbreaker and/or sweatshirt for hiking and in the evening when it's cooler. In the winter months, January and February (we're in the same hemisphere!), for the coldest of us, even a jacket can be useful. Swimsuits and sarongs, of course. Beach towels can be found in hotel or apartments. For the evening, always informal, but there are several festive occasions to show off cute clothes. NB: parties are almost all on the beach, better to leave the 12 cm heels at home.

What to bring with you: personal medicines and supplements, it is good to bring lactic ferments (as mentioned, there is a fairly well-stocked pharmacy), sunscreen at least 30, better 50 (we are in the tropics!), mosquito repellent and stoves, hat, scarf or foulard. A good book and a great desire to go. In the shops you can find almost everything, but if you have special needs stock up before leaving.

Beaches and activities

Boa Vista offers wonderful beaches and activities for every need.

The beaches around Sal Rei are the most comfortable and enjoyable place for those who love sunbathing and swimming. Here are the main ones.

Praia d'Estoril is a natural bay, with Ilheu de Sal Rei in front, where you can walk pleasantly to Praia de Chaves (and beyond). In Praia d'Estoril there are usually calm waters and the shallow seabed allows for safe swimming. Most of the beach clubs are located here.

Praia Cabral, long and scenic, many turtles nest there in summer, with dunes and natural pools.

Praia da Cruz, on the edge of Cabral is a good place to swim (the music festival is held here in August). Continuing on foot you can reach Praia David, a delightful and quiet little cove below the small church of Fátima.

Praia Diante, is the town's beach, from the pier the boys dive into the sea with real and sometimes daring evolutions. It's nice to watch the sunset sitting at the table of the pier bar.

·         Must-see beaches:

o    Santa Monica: One of the most beautiful beaches on the island.

o    Praia de Chaves: Ideal for long walks.

o    Ervatão and João Barrosa Praia – where so many turtles nest

o    Praia Varandinha – natural cave and exciting waves

o    Curral Velho, the salt flats, the palm trees and the ocean: a dream

o    Praia Atalanta: with the legendary wreck

o    Porto Ferreira and Baia das Gatas – untouched and with beautiful coves

·         Recommended activities:

o    Pick up or quad excursions.

o    Snorkeling and diving.

o    Personalized tours to discover the island’s secrets.

o    And much more: ask our staff

Note: To best enjoy the island's quietness, prefer private tours on weekdays.

Our beach club: Bahia the Beach

On Estoril beach, just beyond the dunes, is the Bahia Beach Club, “our beach”. ILB clients will find here a special welcome with the Fan card. Shuttle service from your hotel on call (00238 9837429).

Getting around Sal Rei and its surroundings 

Taxi: to get around the city or just outside, the best solution are taxis (blue and yellow). A ride from the city center to the nearby beaches costs from 200 to 500 escudos (corresponding to 2 or 5 euros). You can find taxis near the White Hotel and towards the square, you can stop them on the street, or call. Ask our staff for numbers.

In front of the Ocean Bar there is the Hiace stop, the collective buses with which you can go for example to Rabil or Bofareira, and live a very local adventure. 

Nights in Sal Rei

Every evening, Boa Vista offers entertainment and leisure opportunities to relax and immerse yourself in local and international music.

Here is an overview of the weekly events that normally take place:

·         Monday: Reggae Night at Morabeza – 12am – 4am. The right rhythm to start the week.

·         Tuesday: Live Music at Sodade – Let yourself be transported by live music while you dine in a very charming place.

·         Wednesday: Live Music at Cremositos – A vibrant and welcoming evening.

·         Thursday: Live Music at the Churrasqueira – Casual and authentic atmosphere.

·         Friday:

o    Live Music at Cremositos.

o    Live Music at Sodade.

o    Live Music at the Museo dos Naufragos – For a unique cultural experience.

·         Saturday: Party DJ set at Morabeza – from 9 pm Let loose under the stars.

·         Sunday:

o    Brunch at Morabeza from 1pm

o    Live Music at Cremositos.

o    Live Music at Sodade.

Monday, Wednesday and Saturday – African Drums – at Morabeza from 7 pm. African rhythms with engaging drums

Nightclubs

Queens, Bom Sossego area, in the centre of Sal Rei: weekly events and themed evenings for anniversaries or dedicated to women, etc.

There are then the parties organised in various venues by “La familia”, local DJs who offer effervescent evenings.

For sports and fitness lovers

Gyms

There are two gyms with very flexible hours open from early morning to late evening where tourists can also sign up with a weekly pass (between 10 and 15 euros per week approximately)

Monster – Hospital area | Fitness point Club – Estoril near the Ouril hotel.

Sunday morning group Pilates sessions at Por do Sol and individual sessions on request.

For water sports: Boa Vista is paradise, Kite surfing, Wind surfing, Wing Foil, Kayak, surfing, snorkeling, sailing; fishing, big game, deep sea fishing, shore fishing, quad & fishing… you ask, we organize.

Excursions and Experiences

With over 55 kilometres of almost uncontaminated beaches and its wild and deserted interior, Boa Vista opens like a treasure chest that it has jealously guarded over time and now reveals to the most attentive and aware visitors.

ILB proposes itself as an ambassador, in harmony with the most sensitive local tourism operators, for the development of sustainable and responsible tourism. Together we can do a lot to protect and preserve the island and its identity.

For this reason, we suggest some behaviours to adopt:

· Water is a precious commodity, here more: great attention to its consumption.

· Use energy sparingly

· Respect the surrounding environment, do not abandon waste, do not collect plants and shells either on the seabed or on the beaches.

· Be virtuous: “bring your plastic home”, empty cosmetic and sunscreen bottles, put them back in your suitcase. There is no separate collection here yet, and consequently no recycling.

· Get in touch with the locals and their culture and traditions, you will take home indelible memories.

· Ask permission first to photograph people. Avoid photographing children, unless they are in a group.

· Consume and purchase local products and crafts.

· Remember that the local language is Kriol, learn a few words. The official language is Portuguese. English is quite widespread. Bem-vindo!

Small Kriol glossary:

Greetings – Bom dia (until noon), Boa tarde (after), and at nightfall, Boa Noite

When you meet someone – Tud dret?, Oi Manera tud dret?, Tud fish?

Thank you – Obrigado, Obrigada

Excuse me – Com licensa

Dish of the day – Prato do dia

I would like some bread – Pode traze pão?

I would like a glass of water, red or white wine – Pode traze um cop de agua? de vinho tinto o brancu.

For kids – Do you want to play with me? – Bo kre brinca ma mi?

A phrase you hear often – ka tem problema, (there is no problem).

How much does it cost? - Is Keli dumb?

I have to go to Praia …, to the beach (too).– mim um ta bai pa Praia… praia.       

I leave tomorrow – um ta viaja manha

By consulting our web page www.iloveboavista.com/amici-ilb you can find information on restaurants, bars and clubs, craft shops that we recommend.

Many are already affiliated with our Boa Vista Fan card which will allow you to take advantage of special treatment and discounts.

Our staff will update you upon your arrival.

A final tip: follow our blog and social channels for further information and news.

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