01 · THE LOCATION
Where is Povoação Velha?
Povoação Velha is a small historic village in south-western Boa Vista, located at the foot of Rocha Estância and surrounded by the island’s characteristic dry landscape.
Known as the oldest settlement on Boa Vista, the village was once the island’s capital until 1810. Today it remains a quiet place where visitors can discover a more traditional side of the island, with historic religious buildings, simple streets and a relaxed local atmosphere.
The oldest settlement on Boa Vista
Former capital of the island until 1810
Historic churches and traditional village atmosphere
How to reach Povoação Velha
Povoação Velha is located south of Sal Rei and can be reached by road as part of a journey towards the southern coast of Boa Vista.
The village is often included in guided excursions that continue towards Santa Monica, Varandinha and Morro de Areia, making it an ideal cultural stop before exploring the island’s wild southern landscapes.
01
By car or taxi
A simple and comfortable option for reaching Povoação Velha from Sal Rei, Rabil or the main resort areas
02
By quad
Rent a quad and reach Povoação Velha independently while enjoying the freedom to continue towards beaches, villages and other southern landscapes.
03
By rental 4x4
A practical option for exploring Povoação Velha and continuing towards more remote areas of southern Boa Vista, with greater comfort on sandy and uneven roads.
What to do in Povoação Velha
Povoação Velha offers a different side of Boa Vista. Instead of endless beaches and desert dunes, the village invites visitors to discover local history, traditional architecture and everyday island life.
HISTORY
Discover the village
Walk through the quiet streets and discover the place where the history of settled Boa Vista began, surrounded by traditional houses and traces of the island’s past.
HERITAGE
Visit its historic churches
Discover the Chapel of Santo António, dating from around 1800, and the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, two important landmarks of Povoação Velha’s religious heritage.
04 · CURIOSITIES
What makes Povoação Velha unique?
Behind its quiet streets, Povoação Velha preserves some of the oldest chapters of Boa Vista’s history and remains one of the island’s most authentic villages.
Its name tells its story
“Povoação Velha” literally means “Old Settlement” in Portuguese, reflecting its status as the oldest inhabited settlement on Boa Vista.
Boa Vista’s former capital
Before Sal Rei became the island’s main centre, Povoação Velha served as Boa Vista’s capital until 1810.
Centuries of religious heritage
The village preserves landmarks such as the Chapel of Santo António and the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, reminders of its long social and religious history.
05 · WHEN TO VISIT
The best time to visit
Povoação Velha can be visited throughout the year. Because it is a small village, a visit does not require many hours and can easily be combined with an excursion through southern Boa Vista.
Morning and late afternoon are particularly pleasant for walking through the village and taking photographs, while guided south tours make it easy to continue towards Santa Monica and Varandinha afterwards.
Time of day
Morning or late afternoon
Ideal for walking through the village in more comfortable temperatures.
Recommended duration
30–60 minutes
Enough time to walk through the centre and see its main historic landmarks.
What to bring
Light clothing & water
Comfortable shoes, sun protection and water are recommended.
Combine with
Santa Monica & Varandinha
Povoação Velha is perfectly positioned as part of a wider tour through southern Boa Vista.
06 · FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Before you go