Sao Filipe

São Filipe stands on a cliff above the sea on the western side of Fogo, laid out in a grid of cobbled streets lined with sobrados, the two-storey colonial houses with wooden balconies and internal courtyards that the island's landowning families built. Many are restored and some run as guesthouses. Below the town a beach of black volcanic sand runs along the shore, and the volcano rises behind.

What you'll find

• The sobrado houses - two-storey colonial houses with balconies and courtyards.
• The cobbled grid - the old town streets above the cliff.
• The black sand beach - the volcanic shore below the town.
• The volcano backdrop - Pico do Fogo rising inland.

When to go

November to June is the dry season. The Bandeira de São Filipe festival falls at the end of April and fills the town. August and September bring rain.

Good to know

Many sobrados are in poor repair despite restoration efforts. The beach has strong undertow and is not a safe swimming beach. Flights to Fogo are limited and cancel in wind.

Nearby

Mosteiros is northeast, and Fogo volcano is inland.