Santa Luzia
Branco e Raso, the uninhabited islands

Are part of “windward” islands and are found in the stretch of sea between S.Vicente and S.Nicolau.

In 1990, the government declared the 3 islands a Public Heritage and Nature Reserve.

Highlights

Santa Luzia

The last inhabitant of the island was a shepherd in the late 1960s. Those who have been there describe it as beautiful and full of contrasts. Deserted, black, yet with white beaches and sand dunes; surrounded by a crystal-clear sea, among the most fishy in the archipelago.
The only remains testifying to human presence are those of a small chapel dedicated to Santa Luzia. Two endemic bird species can be seen here: the “Calhandra do Raso” and the “Cagarra de Caboverde”.

Its coastline is rich in rare marine species and coral reefs while its waters are populated by turtles, whales and dolphins.

Razo

The uninhabited island of Raso is approximately 7 square kilometers in size and is volcanic. Raso is made up of layers of solidified lava and tephra and consists of a plateau that protrudes about 160 meters above the water.

The coast consists of rocky cliffs and the vegetation on the island is limited. In the south of the island there are colonies of different bird species such as sea storm birds, shearwater birds and the rare Raso Lark (Alauda razae).

In the world, the island of Raso is the only place where the Raso Lark occurs. At the end of 2015 only 855 of the Raso Lark were counted.

Branco

Branco is even smaller than Raso and is only 3 square kilometers in size. However, the island is with a height of 327 meters higher than Raso. Branco has not always been an uninhabited island.

In 1833, 30 prisoners were left on the island to survive or die.

The uninhabited Branco is one of Cape Verde’s most important breeding grounds for seabirds. You will find a lot of guano on Branco. Guano is a natural white deposit of dried excrement from birds with a high concentration of fertilizers. That is why people used to call this the ‘white’ island.

Best time to go

Due to the relief, the climate is particularly humid with temperatures ranging between 16 and 26 degrees, depending on the altitude. The coldest months are from December to April.

Santa Luzia Branco e Raso, the uninhabited islands

Are part of “windward” islands and are found in the stretch of sea between S.Vicente and S.Nicolau.

Highlights

Best time to go

Contact

Receive 10% discount on your first booking

Receive 10% discount on your first booking

Santa Luzia
Branco e Raso, the uninhabited islands

Receive 10% discount
on your first booking