Povoação Velha

Being part of a small list of moments and points of charm to visit on the island of the dunes, we find at the foot of the mountain, known as Rocha Estancia, the village of Old Povoação, which was once the capital of the island until 1810.

For the elders this is where the story of Boavista was born. The first locality to be settled. A small village, always quiet, where the neighbors get along very well.
Several tourists are attracted to this small town as it is close to one of the best and most beautiful beach of Cape Verde, Santa Monica beach.
We can visit Santo António’s Chapel dating from 1800 and the Nossa Senhora da Conceição Church. Despite gaining new constructions, traces of yesteryear still remain alive in the village.

Its proximity to the beaches of Varandinha and Santa Monica, the last considered one of the best and most beautiful in the country, is an invitation to the obligatory stop of tourists looking for deserted beaches, fabulous hot water, crystal clear.

The attractions and the privileged position invite an investment in rural tourism, that is, in the village the ruins of the past, its stories the friendliness of its people and the pleasant environment, culminated in the fresh produce of agriculture and livestock, represent some of the ingredients for an investment in rural tourism.

In order to increase tourism and have more resources for tourist attraction, the atelier of the arts was born in the village, where the production of genuine craftsmanship is the watchword, where you can find from straw hats, weaving, bijouterie basketry and pottery, made with materials local and recycled. With the creation of this project, it is expected that the sale of local handicrafts will increase compared to the sale of handicraft products from the African coast, which line up in all the streets of the locality.

EXCURSIONS THAT PASS HERE

QUAD SOUTH TOUR

4 hours

It starts from the small town of Sal-Rei, where a brief briefing is given. By quad, you take the dirt road that leads to the oldest town of Boavista, Povoação Velha, in which there is a small stop. After visiting the small village we leave to go to the beautiful beach of Santa Monica, driving inside paths surrounded by acacias, in a river bed, where the stop is about 30 minutes, just the time for a nice bath in Cape Verde’s longest beach.

After having cooled off, we set off again along the beach to the caves of Varandinha, another marvellous beach, to take some photos and explore the natural cavities of the east part of the island. The last stop is the promontory of Morro de Areia, one of the most beautiful beaches in Africa, where the dunes dive into the ocean.

The excursion is also suitable for children, from 7 years. No special technical knowledge is required, and the excursion ends where it started.

2 POSSIBLE DEPARTURES (every day):
– Iberostar: 08:15 / 13:20
– Riu Touareg: 08:00 / 13:30
– Royal Horizon – Sal Rei: 08:30 / 13:30
– Marine Club: 08:40 / 13:40
– Riu Karamboa, Palace, Chaves: 08:45 / 13:45

RETURN: Expected after about 5h.

TRANSPORT INCLUDED: Pick-up or bus directly at the hotel or in the city. Further details will be provided after booking.

EXCURSION PRICE:
€90 double motorbike (2 people)
€75 single motorbike (1 person)

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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)
Half day: 1-2 pax € 90; 3-4 pax € 120; 5-8 pax € 180
Full day: 1-2 pax € 120; 3-4 pax € 160; 5-8 pax € 240