Salamansa

Salamansa is a small fishing village on the northern shore of São Vicente, a grid of low houses behind a beach of coarse sand with boats pulled up on it and the wind blowing hard off the sea most of the time. It supplies much of Mindelo's fish, and several of the island's musicians came from here, which in a country where music runs deep is worth noting. There is little built for visitors beyond a restaurant or two.

What you actually see

• The fishing beach - boats drawn up on the sand and the catch landed.
• The village grid - low houses laid out behind the shore.
• The musical connection - the village's contribution to Sao Vicente's music.
• The exposed coast - the northern shore facing the open Atlantic.

When to go

November to June is the dry season. Mornings are when boats come in. Wind is strongest between December and March.

Honest expectations

The sea here is rough and swimming is not sensible. The village is poor and there is very little for visitors. Wind and blown sand are constant.

Nearby

Baia das Gatas is east, and Mindelo is south.