From the far end of the windsurfers' bay, a rough path traces the cliffs to an 1890s lighthouse on the island's western point, where the channel opens and Santo Antão fills the horizon.
São Pedro is a fishing village on a long bay beside the airport, famous for the wind that makes it one of the best windsurfing spots in the islands. The same wind follows you out to the lighthouse.
The walk starts at the far end of São Pedro beach, beyond the last boats. A path climbs onto the low cliffs and follows the coast west, rough and stony in places, to the Dona Amélia lighthouse at Ponta Machado. Built in 1894 and named after Portugal's last queen, it marks the entrance to the channel between São Vicente and Santo Antão.
From the point you look straight across the channel to the cliffs and peaks of Santo Antão, often with the ferry crossing below. Allow about an hour each way, longer if you stop to watch the windsurfers on the return. Lunch in São Pedro afterwards.
Out and back on the same path, with the sea on your right on the way out.
Walk to the far end of the bay, past the fishing boats and the windsurf launch.
The path climbs onto the low cliffs. Keep well back from the edge in strong gusts.
The trail dips past small rocky coves where the swell booms in. It is rough underfoot here.
The lighthouse stands on the point, with Santo Antão across the channel and the open Atlantic to the west.
Return the same way for grilled fish in the village and a look at the windsurfers.
Taxi from Mindelo to São Pedro, or an aluguer heading to the airport; the village is just beyond it.
Strong and steady most of the year. Hold on to hats and keep back from cliff edges.
In August–October, avoid ribeiras when rain is forecast: dry valleys can flood suddenly.
São Vicente practical notes →Wikimedia Commons photographs are used under their licences.
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