Curral Velho

Along the south coast of Boavista lies the ghost town of Curral Velho. The old fishing village is deserted and you will only find ruins today. Curral Velho is the oldest settlement in Boavista and dates back to the 17th century. You can walk among the ruins of the old buildings and then enjoy the nearby beach (Curral Velho beach). This is a beautiful stretch of untouched beach.

Curral Velho was remote and the south coast was hard to reach. Besides, there was a lack of drinking water in the dry season. Besides the fact that the village lived from fishing, there was also a salt trade. There is a great salt plan near Curral Velho. Salt was traded to the other islands of Cape Verde and to the mainland. Curral Velho was abandoned around the 19th century. Due to the endless drought and pirate attacks, most of the inhabitants of the fishing village left to the biggest city of Boavista.

Curral Velho is located on the south coast of Boavista, about 15 kilometers from the nearest village. From the city of Sal Rei, with a jeep, you will be in Curral Velho within one hour (about 43 kilometers). To the south of the village of Rabil, you go towards Fundo das Figueras. From here, it is one hour by car through a unique landscape that looks like you are on the moon. Curral Velho is also accessible from the village of Povoação Velha and Cabeça dos Tarafes. Make sure you drive a 4×4 car, otherwise you can book the excursion below and specifically ask to visit the beach.

In 2022 the beach appeared in the movie Black Panther – Wakanda Forever.

curral velho salina salt boavista cape verde

EXCURSIONS THAT PASS HERE

TOUR SOUTH BY 4X4

4-8 hours

The tour starts with a walk on the dunes of Praia de Chaves that dive into the ocean. From here the track of land that, flanking the coast with a wonderful panorama, leads to Praia de Varandinha, destination for extreme kiters and birdwatchers. A couple of km away is the oldest village of Boavista, Povoaçao Velha, and some still intact houses built with hand-made earthen bricks and thatched roofs bear witness to this.

We continue towards Santa Monica, considered the most beautiful beach of the archipelago, 11 km of white desert sand. Here you can have lunch, sunbathe and swim in a lovely bar / restaurant or simply relax in the hammock. It is a tour dedicated to the most beautiful beaches on the island.

The excursion is also suitable for children. The private tour in pick-up takes up to 8 people (with 2 cars). Full day tour allows more time on the beach. No special technical knowledge is required, and the excursion ends where it started.

2 POSSIBLE DEPARTURES (every day)
From all hotels and Sal Rei:
Morning: 09:00 AM
Afternoon: 02:00 PM

RETURN: Expected after about 4h (half day) and 8h (full day)

TRANSPORT INCLUDED
Pick-up directly at the hotel or at your accommodation. Further details will be provided after booking.

EXCURSION PRICE (for the car)
1-4 people € 90; 5-8 people € 180 (half day)
1-4 people € 120; 5-8 people € 240 (full day)

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