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Is Boa Vista Island Worth Visiting?

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Is Boa Vista Island Worth Visiting?

If you’re searching for a destination that’s completely off the beaten track yet has all the trappings of a great vacation spot, then the Boa Vista Island in Cape Verde may just be what you’re looking for. Located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of West Africa, Boa Vista Island boasts of unspoiled white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters full of marine life, and a laid-back atmosphere that’s conducive to rest and relaxation. However, before you pack your bags and book your flights, it’s important to answer one question: is Boa Vista Island worth visiting?

What Are the Pros of Visiting Boa Vista Island?

Boa Vista Island has a lot of unique things to offer visitors. Here are some of the best aspects of visiting Boa Vista Island:

Natural Beauty

Boa Vista Island is a windswept sandy paradise and one of the least inhabited islands in Cape Verde. This makes it the perfect destination to escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. If you’re looking for sun, sea, and sand, Boa Vista Island has miles of beautiful and secluded beaches, such as Santa Monica, Curralinho or Praia do Norte, that are perfect for relaxation, surfing, kitesurfing, and windsurfing. You can also take a tour to explore the island’s dramatic rock formations, view the unique sea and desert landscapes, and mingle with the islanders.

Rich Culture

Boa Vista Island is located in a unique cultural intersection, with influences from Africa, Portugal, and Brazil evident throughout the island. You can take a tour inside some of the island’s quaint villages like Povoação Velha, Rebeira das Hortalicas, or João Galego, and walk down its charming narrow streets, viewing brightly colored houses with intricate murals that celebrate the island’s African and Portuguese heritage.

Activities and Entertainment

Despite being an off-the-beaten-track destination, Boa Vista Island has a surprising range of activities and entertainment options. Visitors can take guided tours to various parts of the island, explore the Sal Rei Museum and Old Port or take a dip in the Biosfera beach natural pools. Additionally, visitors can enjoy various water sports such as diving, surfing, and boating. You may even see turtles nesting on the beaches when the season aligns. Boa Vista Island also has some excellent bars and restaurants, which offer a tasty blend of Cape Verdean and international cuisine.

What Are the Cons of Visiting Boa Vista Island?

Like any destination, Boa Vista Island may not be for everyone. Here are a few things to consider before booking a trip to the island:

Accessibility

Despite being a beautiful island, Boa Vista Island can be hard to reach. There are flights to the island’s international airport – Aristides Pereira International Airport – but they may not be regular and could be expensive.

Limited Nightlife

If you’re looking to party, Boa Vista Island may not be the best place for you. Although it boasts plenty of great bars and restaurants, the lack of a vibrant nightlife scene can be a limitation.

Expensive

While Boa Vista Island may offer a range of unique and fun vacation experiences, it’s worth keeping in mind that it can be more expensive than other destinations. This is mainly due to the fact that most of the goods and services are imported to the island, and that the cost of living on the island is high.

Conclusion

Boa Vista Island offers an unspoiled, authentic vacation experience that’s perfect for travelers seeking a peaceful getaway. However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of visiting this unique island before making a final decision. If you’re looking for a beautiful beach vacation with a mix of history and culture, Boa Vista Island is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you’re hoping for a wild nightlife experience, Boa Vista Island may not be for you. Ultimately, whether you should visit Boa Vista Island depends on what you’re looking for in a vacation. Whatever your decision, be sure to do your research and plan your trip well to have the best possible experience.

Boa Vista Island: An Insider’s Guide

Boa Vista Island, located in the eastern part of Cape Verde, is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque and fascinating places to visit. The island’s slow pace of life and its breathtaking desert landscapes make it an unforgettable destination. So to answer the question, yes, Boa Vista Island is definitely worth visiting!

Local Attractions

While the tourist spots on the island are worth seeing, there are some hidden gems that only locals know about. For instance, take a trip to the picturesque village of Povoação Velha, located on the west coast of Boa Vista. Here, you can experience the local way of life, taste delicacies like Grogue (Cape Verdean rum), and admire the village’s traditional architecture.

If you’re looking for adventure, then head to ‘Cabeco de Santa Marta,’ the highest point on the island, and be greeted by panoramic views of the island’s stunning landscape. For the beach lover, the ‘Blue Lagoon’ is a must-see. It is a natural pool of crystal-clear water perfect for swimming and soaking up the sun.

Dining Spots

Cape Verdean cuisine is a blend of Portuguese and African influences, and Boa Vista Island is no exception. The seafood here is a standout feature, and there’s no better place to try it than at the ‘LobStar’ restaurant in Sal Rei, the island’s capital. Be sure to try the ‘Lagosta grelhada,’ or grilled lobster, it’s a local favorite.

Cape Verde is famous for a musical style known as ‘morna,’ similar to Blues, which originated in Boa Vista. Along with great food, the ‘Morabeza Restaurant’ offers frequent ‘morna’ shows, so you can combine a traditional music experience with a wonderful culinary one.

Cultural Experiences

If you’re fortunate enough to visit in August or September, be sure to attend Boa Vista Island’s lively music festival. The ‘Beach Music Festival’ celebrates music, dance, and culture with artists from all over the world.

Another excellent cultural experience is a visit to ‘Igreja Santa Isabel,’ the island’s oldest church. The Baroque-style architecture and the saint’s statue decorated with local gems are fascinating relics.

Local History

The island’s history is tied to its slave trade past. An important and must-see site is ‘Touareg Houses,’ the slave market, factory, and fort. It has been preserved as a museum and serves as a poignant reminder of Boa Vista’s history.

Another exciting way to learn about the island’s past is to take a quad bike tour with a local guide. See the abandoned towns of Cabeça de Tarafes, where European sailors and traders resided in the 19th century.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

If you’re looking to explore off the beaten path, then an island-hopping trip to ‘Sal’ is an excellent idea. On Sal, you can try kite-surfing, take a salt-pan tour, and see the underwater shipwrecks.

For something more tranquil, head to ‘Deserto de Viana,’ a deserted expanse perfect for soaking up the natural beauty, stargazing at night, and enjoying the quiet.

In conclusion, Boa Vista Island is a captivating city worth visiting for its culture, history, beautiful landscapes, and, most importantly, its welcoming people. Book your tickets and embark on a memorable voyage to one of Cape Verde’s jewels.

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Is Boa Vista Island Worth Visiting?

Experience Adventure Like Never Before: Book Your Tour Today!