Hotel Foya Branca

If you prefer a bit more solitude then the beachfront Hotel Foya Branca provides one of the islands’ few alternatives.

Very handy for the airport on Sao Vicente, there are many options for on-site activities as well as relaxation, either around the swimming pools or on what is arguably the island’s best beach.

The 68 en-suite rooms include suites, triple rooms and doubles. All have A/C conditioning, safe, TV, telephone, minibar, hairdryer, Wifi and balconies. The newer part of the hotel offers bigger rooms all with sea views. There are also six ‘villas’.

The resort is set in spacious gardens and is characterised by bright, white walls. It has three freshwater swimming pools (including one children’s pool) and also features a gym and tennis court. Other activities which can be arranged are windsurfing, fishing and boat hire. The hotel has its own dive centre and mountain bikes are available for rental.

The hotel restaurant has a good reputation and caters for vegetarians. There are also three bars, and a snack bar.

A regular free shuttle bus can take you to and from Mindelo. At weekends the hotel becomes noticeably busier, as locals arrive to enjoy their leisure time by the beach.