Casa Caretta Beach House - Experiences Boa Vista

Boa Vista: Land of Morabeza

'Morabeza' embodies the warm, genuine hospitality of the Cape Verdean people.

Surrounded by extensive, fine golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and relaxed atmosphere, Boa Vista is an ideal destination for a relaxing escape. The island boasts some of the archipelago’s most stunning beaches, with 55 km of pristine coastline perfect for sunbathing or enjoying a variety of water sports.

Inland, Boa Vista’s unique lunar-like landscape offers desert vistas dotted with palm trees and the occasional ruins of abandoned villages. The main town, Sal Rei, is the perfect place to experience authentic flavors, traditions, and the lively spirit of the community.

Whether you choose to explore the island through with excursions, water sports or simply relax and soak up the sun, Boa Vista invites you to embrace its serene pace of life, making it an irresistible getaway.

Places to visit

Praia de Chaves & the Morro de Areia

Morro de Areia Natural Reserve is a site of remarkable beauty and ecological importance. Named after the 167-meter-high Morro de Areia hill, the reserve extends along the coastline. It was created to preserve the unique sand dune ecosystems and the diverse range of endemic wildlife, including the red-billed tropicbird, osprey, turtles, nurse sharks, and a variety of invertebrates.

Sal Rei & Praia Estoril

Sal Rei is the main town on the island, where most of the island's services and resident population can be found. The town is a small village full of life, offering a vibrant atmosphere with plenty of restaurants and bars with live music, as well as ATMs, local markets, and supermarkets, all within walking distance. Along the beachfront, several beach bars serve fresh seafood, snacks, and a wide selection of drinks, with tables and lounge chairs set up on the sand. For water sports enthusiasts, there are several spots offering kite and windsurfing lessons, as well as equipment rentals.

Morro Negro Lighthouse

After traversing a surreal landscape of volcanic stones, you will reach one of the highest points on Boavista: the Morro Negro lighthouse. Perched on a 150-meter-high cape, this is the easternmost point of Cabo Verde. The views from here are simply breathtaking, offering a stunning panorama of the surrounding landscape and coastline.

Varandinha

Varandinha is one of the most captivating destinations on the island, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, relaxation, and adventure. Known for its striking lava stone caves and impressive rock formations, it stands out as a unique location. With its pristine beaches, tranquil atmosphere, and adventurous surroundings, Varandinha is an essential stop for any traveler visiting Boa Vista.

Praia Santa Monica

Santa Monica Beach in Boavista is one of Cape Verde's true wonders. Stretching over 11 kilometers in the southwest of the island, it draws nearly all visitors, yet its vast size ensures that everyone can enjoy a sense of being completely immersed in untouched nature. Despite frequent excursions, the beach retains its serene, unspoiled beauty, offering an unforgettable experience of tranquility and natural splendor.

... and many more interesting places to visit!

Cape Verde Cultural insights

Republic of Cape Verde, mostly known as Cabo Verde, is a stunning tropical archipelago located 500 km off the west coast of Senegal. With its extraordinary history, vibrant Creole culture, and tropical yet volcanic landscapes, is a paradise unlike any other. It's a place to surf, wander, and wonder, making it a great alternative for a unique vacation spot.

Social life in Cape Verde is centered around family and community. Hospitality, locally known as Morabeza, is highly valued. People often gather for communal meals and celebrations, reflecting a warm and friendly atmosphere that mirrors the relaxed pace of life. Cape Verdean culture is a blend of African and Portuguese influences, a reflection of its history as a former Portuguese colony. This fusion is evident in the music and cuisine of the islands.

The food in Cape Verde is superb, from the famous coffee and wine of Fogo Island to the traditional cachupa—the national dish—a hearty stew made with corn, beans, vegetables, and either meat or fish. Fresh fish and seafood are abundant and available just about everywhere. Traditional beverages include grogue, a sugarcane liquor, and pontche, a drink made with grogue and honey or fruit juices.

Music is a vital part of Cape Verdean culture. Morna, a soulful and melodic genre popularized by Cesária Évora, is perhaps the most famous style. Other genres include coladeira, funaná, and batuque, each with its own unique rhythms and instruments. Music often accompanies social events and serves as a means of storytelling and cultural expression.

Responsible Tourism

We are deeply committed to preserving the delicate ecosystem of these islands. Whether or not you choose to stay with us during your visit, we kindly ask you to keep the following points in mind:

- **Respect Nature:** As a guest of these beautiful islands, please refrain from littering. Dispose of all garbage responsibly to maintain the natural beauty of the environment.

- **Beach Etiquette:** When visiting the beaches, please take all your belongings and waste with you. Even small actions can have a significant positive impact on preserving the pristine condition of these shores.

- **Sustainable Energy Use:** Most of the islands rely on electricity produced through generators, which contribute to pollution. To help reduce environmental impact, please switch off all fans, air conditioners, and lights when you leave your room or when windows and doors are open.

- **Mindful Water Use:** Freshwater is scarce, and desalination is the primary source of tap water, especially in urban areas and tourist spots. Please be mindful of your water usage to help conserve this precious resource.

- **Reduce Plastic Waste:** Waste management is a significant challenge here, with plastic being a major concern. When shopping, please carry a reusable bag to avoid using plastic bags provided by shopkeepers.

Your small efforts contribute greatly to keeping these islands as beautiful and pristine as they are. Let’s work together to preserve this natural treasure for future generations—it is not just a duty but a shared responsibility.