Santa Luzia, Uninhabited island in Barlavento archipelago, Cape Verde.
Santa Luzia is an uninhabited island in the Barlavento group, lying between São Vicente and São Nicolau in Cape Verde. The northern part rises into steep hills, while the southern coast opens onto wide sandy beaches.
The island was discovered in 1462 and supported a small farming community through the 18th century. By the 1830s, advancing desertification had made life impossible there, and it was completely abandoned.
Santa Luzia is the only island in the archipelago named after a female saint, Saint Lucy. This detail is a source of quiet pride for Cape Verdeans and sets the island apart from the rest of the country.
The island is reached by boat from Calhau port on São Vicente, and local fishermen offer charter trips for day visits. There is no infrastructure on the island, so bring everything you need for the day.
Santa Luzia forms part of a nature reserve together with the islets of Branco and Raso, and its beaches are among the few places in Cape Verde where sea turtles nest regularly. The surrounding waters are also known for their rich marine life, making the area a draw for divers.
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