Povoacao Velha

Povoação Velha, the old settlement, was the first town on Boa Vista, founded inland where the water was and where pirate raiders from the sea would have further to come. It is now a village of a few hundred people, low houses along a couple of streets with a church and a square, sitting below the Rocha Estância hill. The track to Santa Mónica beach starts here, and the surrounding country is dry scrub and goat grazing.

History

The name means old settlement: this is the oldest community on Boa Vista, dating back to the late 16th century, and it was the island's capital until 1810 (Wikipedia, Povoação Velha).

Highlights

• The old village - the first settlement on the island, sited inland for safety.
• The church and square - the modest centre of the village.
• Rocha Estancia - the hill standing above the settlement.
• The Santa Monica track - the route to the southern beach starting here.

When to go

November to June is the dry season. Mornings are coolest. The village is very quiet at any time.

Practical notes

There is very little to see; the village is small and workaday. Facilities amount to a bar or two. It is usually a stop on the way to the beach rather than a destination.

Nearby

Praia de Santa Monica is south, and Rabil is north.

Key facts