Curral Velho Lighthouse | Sal Rei

Information

Landmark: Curral Velho Lighthouse
City: Sal Rei
Country: Cabo Verde
Continent: Africa

Curral Velho Lighthouse, Sal Rei, Cabo Verde, Africa

The Curral Velho Lighthouse is a navigational aid located on the island of Boa Vista in Cabo Verde.

It is situated on the southeastern coast of the island, near the village of Curral Velho.

Visual Characteristics

The lighthouse structure is a cylindrical tower constructed from concrete. It is painted white with a red horizontal band encircling the upper section. The lantern room at the apex is enclosed by glass panels. The tower stands approximately 20 meters in height.

Location & Access Logistics

The lighthouse is accessible via a dirt track originating from the main road connecting Sal Rei to Povoação Velha. The turn-off for Curral Velho is approximately 15 kilometers southeast of Sal Rei. The final 3 kilometers to the lighthouse are unpaved and can be rough, requiring a 4x4 vehicle or a significant walk. There is no designated parking area; vehicles are typically parked on the side of the track. Public transport does not directly service this location.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Curral Velho Lighthouse was constructed in the mid-20th century, with its operational date recorded as 1950. Its primary purpose was to guide maritime traffic along the southeastern coast of Boa Vista, an area known for its shallow waters and reefs.

Key Highlights & Activities

Observation of the lighthouse structure. Photography of the coastal landscape. Walking along the adjacent coastline.

Infrastructure & Amenities

There are no public facilities at the lighthouse site. Restrooms, shade, and food vendors are not available. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is intermittent and generally weak.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, the late afternoon provides direct sunlight on the western face of the lighthouse. The dry season, from November to June, offers the most stable weather conditions. High tide can affect accessibility to certain parts of the immediate coastline.

Facts & Legends

A local anecdote suggests that the lighthouse keeper in the early days maintained a small garden of edible plants, a rare feat given the arid environment, by collecting dew from the lighthouse structure itself.