Povoação Velha

Povoação Velha, located at the foot of the mountain known as Rocha Estancia, is a fascinating place rich in history on the island of Boavista, Cape Verde. Once the capital of the island until 1810, this small and peaceful town is where, according to the elders, the history of Boavista was born. It is the first inhabited place, always a quiet village, where neighbors get along very well.

Many tourists are attracted to this small town, thanks to its proximity to one of the most beautiful and famous beaches in Cape Verde, Santa Monica Beach. Here, you can visit the Chapel of Santo António, dating back to 1800, and the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição. Despite the new constructions, traces of the past remain alive in the village.

The proximity to the beaches of Varandinha and Santa Monica, the latter considered one of the best and most beautiful in the country, is an invitation to a mandatory stop for tourists looking for deserted beaches, fabulous and warm, crystal-clear waters. The attractions and privileged location invite investment in rural tourism. In the village, the ruins of the past, the stories, the friendliness of the people, and the pleasant environment culminate in fresh agricultural and livestock products, representing some of the ingredients for an investment in rural tourism.

To increase tourism and have more resources for tourist attraction, the art workshop was born in the village, where the production of genuine craftsmanship is the watchword. Here, you can find straw hats, weaving, jewelry, basketry, and ceramics, made with local and recycled materials. With the creation of this project, it is expected that the sale of local handicraft products will increase compared to the sale of handicraft products from the African coast, which line the streets of the town.

In summary, Povoação Velha is a place where time seems to have stopped, offering visitors a unique and authentic experience, a dive into the history and culture of Boavista, immersed in a breathtaking natural landscape. Its strategic location near some of the most beautiful beaches on the island and its cultural and historical heritage make it a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Boavista.

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EXCURSIONS THAT PASS THROUGH 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):
– Bravo Praia Chave: 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