Fontainhas, village in Cape Verde
Fontainhas is a small fishing village on the coast of Ribeira Grande in Cabo Verde. The settlement features low-rise houses clustered closely together and crossed by narrow, winding paths that lead down to the water.
The village emerged as a fishing settlement during the early days of the colonized islands to exploit coastal resources. Over time, the community developed into a stable place with its own character despite its remote location.
The settlement reflects the traditions of those who built it as a fishing and trading hub. Walking through its narrow streets today shows how the ocean remains central to how people here live and work.
The village is easy to explore on foot since everything is close together and within reach. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes because the paths are uneven and sometimes steep.
The village preserves an old building method where houses were constructed into the steep rocky coastline without modern techniques. This approach reveals how inhabitants adapted to the difficult landscape across generations.
Location: Ribeira Grande
Elevation above the sea: 158 m
GPS coordinates: 17.18800,-25.10400
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:43
Cape Verde offers landscapes and places full of stories that tell how these islands in the Atlantic came to be. This collection shows natural and cultural sites that make the archipelago special — from white sandy beaches to volcanic formations, colonial churches, and markets where the local life is active. You will find spots shaped by nature: volcanoes with black lava slopes, salt ponds in extinct craters, deserts of fine sand blown by Sahara winds, and rocks whipped by the ocean that form pools. Some sites invite you to watch the sea life, like shallow bays where sharks swim, or cliffs that look over turquoise waters. Beyond nature, Cape Verde also has a rich culture to explore. Colorful markets are full of local products and craft objects. White churches show the colonial past, and botanical gardens protect the unique plants of the islands. Whether you want to walk on mountain tops, relax on beaches, or get to know the daily life of locals — these places have much to show you.
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