Santa Luzia, Branco, And Razo: The Wild Islands Of Cape Verde
Located 10 km southeast of São Vicente and east of São Nicolau, Santa Luzia is a small mountainous island covering 35 km². Its highest point is Monte Grande, which rises to 397 meters above sea level.
With an elongated shape, the island stretches 12 km in length and 5 km in width and can be easily spotted when flying along the Sal – São Vicente route.
Santa Luzia’s landscape is diverse: in the south, the terrain is almost flat, featuring sand dunes up to 35 meters high; whereas in the north, the land is dominated by volcanic mountains, including the cone-shaped peak of Água Doce (315 m).
In the past, Santa Luzia was home to a small community of farmers from São Nicolau. However, by the end of the 19th century, the island was gradually abandoned. The last two families who lived there remained until about 30 years ago, leading a life of near-total isolation.
Today, Santa Luzia is uninhabited, visited only occasionally by fishermen who explore its rich fishing waters.
Anyone wishing to visit the island must arrange the trip with fishermen from São Vicente. The only anchorage is located in front of the long beach between Ponta do Espia and Ponta da Praia.
Branco: The Isolated Rock
Branco is a small rocky islet, 4 km long and only 1 km wide, rising 327 meters above sea level.
Its name, “Branco” (white in Portuguese), comes from the limestone rock’s bright color, which stands out against the deep blue of the ocean.
Being entirely rocky and uninhabitable, Branco has never had a permanent human settlement.
Razo: A Paradise For Birds
Larger than Branco, the islet of Razo covers an area of 7 km² and has a circular shape. Its highest point reaches 165 meters above sea level.
Razo is considered a true haven for birds, home to the Alauda razae, an endemic species of lark found only on the island, with an estimated population of 250 individuals.
The islet also hosts another unique species, the Calonectris edwardsii, a variety of shearwater, along with petrels and frigatebirds. Additionally, there is a large colony of Sula leucogaster (brown booby) and the rare Phaeton aethereus (red-billed tropicbird).
To protect this fragile ecosystem, in 1990, the islets of Branco and Razo were designated a natural protected area. Access is strictly prohibited without prior authorization and is only permitted for scientific purposes.
These islands represent an extraordinary natural heritage, showcasing the unique biodiversity of Cape Verde and the importance of preserving it for future generations.
