Chez Sandro

Santo Antão


The last lodging option up the valley from Vila das Pombas is Chez Sandro, a hostel-like guesthouse run by a Frenchman and his Cabo Verdean wife. It has computer use (for a fee), hot water in the mornings and free laundry after three days. Downstairs is a cosy bar-restaurant with 25 different kinds of local liqueur, homemade ice cream and good food (mains CVE560 to CVE800).

Look for the big red building that says 'Sandro'.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Santo Antão attractions

1. Trapiche Ildo Benrós

3.19 MILES

At Trapiche Ildo Benrós, grogue is made using the 400-year-old trapiche (a machine for juicing sugarcane). Sample drinks such as passion-fruit caipirinha…

2. Centro Cultural do Mindelo

16.51 MILES

Inside the old customs house, the cultural centre houses changing exhibitions of local arts and culture and has a tiny shop selling local crafts, music…

3. Pont d'Agua

16.55 MILES

With its modern glass and concrete constructions, this swank new complex looks and feels more like the south of France than Cabo Verde. Dotted with palm…

4. Mercado Municipal

16.57 MILES

The restored two-storey food market from 1784 is a great place to see sweet-talking vendors hawking local produce and medicinal herbs.

5. Palácio do Povo

16.58 MILES

This cheery pink colonial confection and former government building today hosts changing exhibitions. Currently, its rooms are given over to a long…

6. Town Hall

16.6 MILES

Mindelo's photogenic câmara municipal (town hall) dates from the mid-19th century.

7. Museu do Mar

16.67 MILES

Inside the Torre de Belém, Mindelo's most intriguing museum gives an overview of São Vicente's history, from the island's role in the triangular trade to…

8. Torre de Belém

16.67 MILES

Jutting out into the harbour is the fortresslike Torre de Belém – a Disney World version of the 15th-century tower that guards Lisbon's port.