---
title: São Nicolau Forgotten moonscapes and diverse, pure nature
url: "https://www.vista-verde.com/en/fascinating-islands/sao-nicolau/"
description: São Nicolau is also the island of poets and intellectuals, It is said that Cape Verdean culture originated in São Nicolau.
date: 2019-01-24
modified: 2020-10-15
lastUpdated: 2020-10-15
keywords:
  - "Cape Verdean culture 
Purity and originality
intellectuals
poets
Sodade
Armando Zeferino Soares
Cabecalhinha"
---

# São Nicolau Forgotten moonscapes and diverse, pure nature

1. [vista verde tours - Cape Verde with the expert](https://www.vista-verde.com/en/)
2. [Fascinating Islands](https://www.vista-verde.com/en/fascinating-islands/)
3. São Nicolau

  Forgotten moonscapes and diverse, pure nature
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  ![special encounters on São Nicolau](https://www.vista-verde.com/fileadmin/_processed_/4/f/csm_saonicolau-esel-vistaverdetours_54fc02bdb6.jpg "special encounters on São Nicolau")

 ![São Nicolau: diverse, pure nature](https://www.vista-verde.com/fileadmin/_processed_/8/f/csm_sao-nicolau-vulkanisch-zerkluefftet-unberuehrt_30122456a5.jpg "São Nicolau: diverse, pure nature")

 ![ São Nicolau: tiny and cosy church Juncalinho ](https://www.vista-verde.com/fileadmin/_processed_/3/8/csm_sao-nicolau-kirche-juncalinho_f4eeb499fa.jpg " São Nicolau: tiny and cosy church Juncalinho ")

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 **PARAGLIDING ON SÃO NICOLAU**

##### You should be free of giddiness: Bird`s eye view of São Nicolau – amazing pictures await you in this video

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 **São Nicolau** is located in the middle of the northern group of islands and owes its name to its discovery in the middle of the 15th century on the 6th of December. On a clear day all the islands of the archipelago can be seen from the top of **Monte Gordo**.

 The volcanic origins can clearly be seen on the rugged surfaces and the many narrow valleys that run through the interior of the island. The hospitable population makes its living mostly from agriculture and tuna processing. **Purity and originality** characterize this small island and its beaches are supposed to have healing powers.

 It is said that **Cape Verdean culture originated in São Nicolau**. During the 19th/20th century the seminary Seminário de São José in the capital Vila da Ribeira Brava was key to this cultural development. In 1780 Ribeira Brava was declared a seat of the Bishop.
 Today, pastel-coloured houses, beautiful squares and gardens, narrow streets and winding paths provide a pleasant atmosphere.

“Criado por Deus, descoberto pelos homens” (created by god, discovered by human beings) – this is how the local people from São Nicolau describe this unique coastal part of **Carberinho** with its fascinating sandstone formations in the western part of the island; one of the seven wonders of Cape Verde.

Although the east and south of the island are rather dry there are still many opportunities for **hiking**, e.g. through bizarre mountain landscapes around Cachaço and Cabecalhinha.

 The ride from **Cidade da Ribeira Brava** to the coastal town of **Tarrafal** (en: "tamarind grove") is considered as one of the most beautiful routes on São Nicolau. In Tarrafal you will find not only the harbour, but also some **beautiful beaches**.

One local celebrity is the musician **Armando Zeferino Soares.** Originally from Praia Branca it is he who wrote the lyrics for Cesária Évora's most famous song **"Sodade”.**

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