Porto Grande is a huge natural harbour with a history as long as ocean passages have been made. It has superb protection from the Atlantic. Nowadays in decay it was the major staging post on the Trade Wind routes in the Atlantic. The shore are lined with the remains of shipyards and at anchor are boats of all types from a modern ocean liner or cruising yacht to chineese junk type fishing boats.
At the head of the bay is the town of Mindelo. Here is the new marina built off the restored customs quay. The city is an UNESCO Heritage site and is being restored. The buildings are Portugese colonial style and multi coloured. Drawn up on the beach are the wooden piroques of the African fishermen; some of whom seem to live with their famillies in the shade of trees on the beach.
The population is a colourful mix of African and Portugese and at night they make music. The place is very African with strange smells everywhere.
We love itl