Monte Verde, Cape Verde, Mountain summit in São Vicente, Cape Verde

Monte Verde rises 750 meters above sea level as the highest point on São Vicente island, with forests and shrubland covering its slopes. The mountain creates a natural shelter for many plant species that are uncommon elsewhere on the island.

Monte Verde is the highest point of São Vicente at 744 m, rising about 6 km east of Mindelo's city centre. Its slopes were declared part of the 3.12 km² Natural Park Monte Verde, created to protect the island's endemic flora. The protected area concentrates all of São Vicente's endemic plant communities, including 17 of the 93 inventoried species listed as endangered.

The name Monte Verde means "green mountain" in Portuguese, after the vegetation that covers its upper slopes. On weekends many Mindelo residents drive the 15 minutes to the summit, where TV, radio and mobile phone antennas stand beside the viewpoints. From the top the whole island is visible, from Baía das Gatas and Praia Grande to Mindelo and its port, with Santo Antão, Santa Luzia and São Nicolau on the horizon.

The hike starts with marked trails from Mindelo and requires sturdy footwear and plenty of water for the ascent. Early morning is the best time to trek when temperatures are more manageable.

The mountain shelters a distinct mix of plant species, with some growing only on this island. These rare varieties have adapted to the mountain's special conditions and thrive nowhere else.