Island guide
Baía das Gatas
Blue water, silence and a natural swimming pool protected by rocks. The place on São Vicente to slow down completely.
A quiet bay in the northeast
Baía das Gatas is a small village in the northeast of São Vicente, with some of the most beautiful houses on the island. Many are owned by families from Mindelo or by foreigners who spend their holidays here.
What makes it so popular? Baía das Gatas breathes serenity: the blue water, the quiet and the total atmosphere of relaxation. Travellers looking for rest, with the chance to swim and snorkel, will love it here.
A natural swimming pool
The name means "Catfish Bay". The bay is a natural pool surrounded by rocks, without waves, and in most places the water reaches no higher than your waist. That makes it a favourite with families. Crowded? Not at all. Some local families come at the weekend, but on most days you have the place almost to yourself.
Every August, around the full moon, the bay also hosts the Baía das Gatas music festival, one of the best known festivals of Cabo Verde.
Getting there and around
Baía das Gatas is a 15 minute drive from Mindelo, and a good base for other spots such as Salamansa (about 5 minutes) and Calhau (about 10 minutes). The surroundings are great for hiking, with walks from about one to four hours that show you the real beauty of São Vicente.
Stay in Baía das Gatas or in Mindelo?
Why not both? Baía das Gatas has everything for a relaxing stay: swimming, walking, snorkeling, a game of football, a book on the beach in peace. What it does not have is a supermarket. For a pharmacy, supermarket or anything else you go to Mindelo. That is part of the charm, and getting there is easy by car, taxi or aluguer.
Our suggestion: spend a few days in Mindelo to get to know the city and its flavours, then move to Baía das Gatas for a few days of pure holiday. And if you dream of an almost deserted place to read, recharge and be yourself again, stay in Baía das Gatas and visit the city for the day. In our experience that is the best way to enjoy São Vicente.
Kitesurfing in Baía das Gatas
The flat, shallow water also attracts kitesurfers, mostly in the morning when the tide allows. With rocks and limited space it is a spot for intermediate and advanced riders only. Read more in our kite spot guide.
Find your place by the sea
Villas and apartments in Baía das Gatas, or a combination with a few nights in Mindelo. Tell us what you are looking for.
