In the northwest corner of the archipelago, this slow-paced windward island is quite pleasant. Its main port, Mindelo, is an agreeable town that offers some very nice beaches and bays. It also has a tower that should look familiar if you've been to Lisbon—it's modeled after the Tower of Belem. We suggest seeing the pink city hall and the lively produce and fish markets. On Sunday evenings drop by the square, Praca (pronounced PRAH-sah) Amilcar Cabral, to watch local residents promenade past the brightly painted colonial buildings. The island has a music festival in August and a charming Carnival celebration in February (local children star in many of the parades)—both are great opportunities to hear local music. 185 mi/295 km northwest of Praia.
