Boa Vista Island | Sal Rei

Boa Vista Island is defined by space, light, and wind. It feels broad and open, shaped less by height and more by distance, with long horizons and landscapes that stretch outward rather than upward. Among the Cabo Verde islands, it stands out for its desert character, pale sands, and steady Atlantic presence.

Landscape and First Impressions
From the air and from the road, Boa Vista appears flat and expansive. Sandy plains roll gently toward the coast, broken by low hills, rocky outcrops, and wide, empty stretches that feel almost Saharan in mood. Colors are muted and natural: beige sand, dusty brown stone, and a sky that often seems larger than the land beneath it.

Coastline and Beaches
The island’s coastline is its defining feature. Beaches run for kilometers without interruption, edged by dunes and open sea. The sand is light and fine, and the beaches feel wild rather than sculpted. In some areas, waves arrive with force and consistency, while in others, shallow bays create calm, reflective water. The coast always feels exposed, shaped by wind and tide more than by human use.

Towns and Settlement
Settlements on Boa Vista are few and widely spaced. Sal Rei, the main town, sits gently along a protected bay, while smaller villages dot the interior and coast. Buildings remain low and scattered, reinforcing the sense of openness. Life here feels outward-facing, with routines shaped by weather, fishing, and movement across distance.

Wind, Light, and Atmosphere
Wind is a constant presence on Boa Vista. It moves sand, shapes dunes, and cools the air, giving the island a crisp, ever-changing feel. Light is strong and clear, especially in the afternoon, sharpening contrasts between land and sky. Evenings soften the landscape, turning sand golden and shadows long.

Sense of Place
Boa Vista carries a quiet, elemental mood. There is little visual clutter and few abrupt transitions. Space dominates, inviting slow movement and long observation. The island feels less about discovery of detail and more about immersion in scale, horizon, and openness.

Boa Vista Island leaves its mark through simplicity and breadth. It is a place where land and sea stretch without interruption, and where calm, wind, and light define the experience more than monuments or density.