Golf players can also enjoy the Cape Verde Islands. Cape Verde has two golf courses. One is on the island of Sal. The other is an 18-hole golf course on São Vicente. With lovely sunshine and views of the Atlantic Ocean, golfing in Cape Verde is an ideal activity for relaxing. And the present wind makes the game even more challenging.
Playing golf in Cape Verde
In short
- Cape Verde offers two golf courses on Sal and São Vicente
- Sal features a modern course with ocean views
- São Vicente has a historic 18-hole course with a volcanic surface
- Sun, sea views and wind make golfing more challenging
- Golfing is suitable for players of all levels
Viveiro Golf & Country Club
The first 9 holes of this golf course on Sal island opened in 2022. The course has since been extended to 18 holes. More amenities such as recreational facilities and a hotel are planned.
The golf course is located in an oasis in the middle of Sal’s desert area about 3 kilometers from Santa Maria. On the golf course, there are insane views of the blue ocean. The Viveiro golf course is suitable for players of all levels. The wind present - mainly in the months of October through March - makes playing on this golf course a special challenge. The designer of the golf course has made perfect use of the natural environment. Te presence of the golf course in this environment can be called quite special. This is because on Sal there is hardly any rainfall and the availability of fresh water is also very minimal. The grass used is a special type of pasmpalum that can absorb up to 70% pure seawater. The grass is therefore only present on the greens and fairways, leaving the lunar surface intact. Many palm trees, cacti and aloë vera have also been planted. This provides an optimal ecosystem and limits the use of water.
- 18 holes
- Green and fast greens
- Driving range of 300 meters
- Putting and pitching green
- Rental of e.g. clubs, bags, trolleys, golf carts
- Facilities such as a bar, restaurant, locker room, restrooms available
In the video below an impression of the fifth hole on the Sal golf course.
São Vicente Golf Club
A legacy of the English presence on São Vicente is the São Vicente Golf Club. The golf club was founded in 1893, making it the oldest sports association in Cape Verde. In 1906, this golf course hosted the first international golf championship. São Vicente’s 18-hole golf course has no grass as a surface. In fact, it is one of the largest golf courses “without grass” in the world. Expect lots of amenities here, too, but great hospitality. The golf course is located just outside Mindelo, on the road towards the village of Calcau.
- 18-hole
- No grass, the course has a volcanic surface
- Rental of clubs and trolleys
- Facilities are very limited. Lockers, bar and toilet are available