São Nicolau

A mountainous island in the central Cape Verde group, São Nicolau is divided between an arid eastern lowland and a verdant western highland centred on Monte Gordo, the island's volcanic peak. The town of Ribeira Brava, the island capital, preserves colonial-era architecture along a river valley that remains green through the year. São Nicolau is considered one of the quieter islands in the archipelago and retains a strong tradition of Creole literature and music.