Hidden gems in Boa Vista

Hidden Gems of Boa Vista

Boa Vista’s landscape is defined by its industrial ruins, natural anomalies, and maritime history. This collection features the Santa Maria shipwreck, a 1968 Spanish cargo vessel grounded on the northern coast, and the Saharan sand dunes of Deserto de Viana. Historical sites include the 19th-century Duque de Bragança fort ruins and the abandoned Fábrica da Chave brick factory. Natural points of interest like the Odjo d’Mar freshwater spring and the Rocha de Retondo rock formation offer a look at the island's geological diversity away from the main tourist hubs.

Hidden Gems of Boa Vista — Map

A

Santa Maria

The remains of a Spanish cargo ship that ran aground in 1968 on Praia de Atalanta. The oxidizing iron hull is a landmark of the island's northern coastline.

B

Deserto de Viana

A desert landscape formed by Saharan sand carried across the Atlantic by trade winds, featuring shifting white dunes and volcanic rock outcroppings in the island's interior.

C

Duque de Bragança

Ruins of a 19th-century fort situated on the Ilhéu de Sal Rei. It was originally constructed to defend the island against pirate attacks during the height of the salt trade.

D

Fábrica da Chave

Dilapidated remains of a 20th-century brick and tile factory located near the coast. The site provides a look at the island’s former industrial architecture.

E

Odjo d’Mar

A natural freshwater spring and pool located near the eastern coast, serving as a rare permanent water source in Boa Vista's arid environment.

F

Ilhéu de Sal Rei

Ilhéu de Sal Rei is an uninhabited islet near the coast of Boa Vista Island, Cape Verde.

G

Rocha de Retondo

A prominent rock formation on the northeastern side of the island, offering views across the rugged volcanic coastline and the Atlantic Ocean.

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