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Cabo Verde - Islands - S Nicolau
December 07, 2007 05:42AM By CVOL Staff

The island of S.Nicolau is situated to the north of the Archipelago. With a surface area of 346 km2, its widest point in the North/South direction of 25 km is on the western side and its shape is very similar to that of the African Continent, narrowing to the east for a distance of 52 km.

The very active volcanic past of the island is majestically visible in Monte Gordo, the highest peak of the island with an altitude of 1304 m. Two separate clusters of peaks part from there, one in a North/South direction, the other from East to West.

Upon reaching the sea this succession of hills and plains terminates in almost sheer cliffs. The valleys on the whole are generally narrow and deep, except for the VALE DE FAJÁ, which is wide and fertile enough for agriculture to flourish.

History
Although S.Nicolau was discovered on the 6th of December 1461, it was only during the middle of the XVII century, when the first village was built in Porto da Lapa that people began to settle there. However, because of the constant attacks by pirates, the inhabitants moved inland and settled in Ribeira Brava.

Access to the sea was obtained through the Port of Preguiça in the Bay of S. Jorge and in 1818 a fortress was built to defend the local inhabitants from pirates.

Travel Guide and articles of interest: Must be V.I.P. member and logged in to access:

Visiting the Island of Sao Nicolau
When visiting the island, one can get to know Ribeira Brava (Stancha), which owes its name to the impetuousness of the stream crossing it during the rainy season...

Traditional wedding rituals of S. Nicolau
Everything begins with the boy’s conquest of the girl, which follows strict rules. The boy throws a small stone to show his interest, which she picks up and puts in her pocket as a sign of her acceptance...

S. Nicolau most distinguished son
Having completed his studies at the most famous university Doctor Dias followed the route established by so many other Cape Verdeans and returned to his native land...

S. Nicolau - unique vacation experience!
There are several forms of treatment used at Tarrafal, with its iodine-rich sea and black sand. A unique cure that is available only on Sao Nicolau, in Cape Verde...