The island of Santa Luzia is located on the windward side of the Cape Verde archipelago. Over time, it was the target of several settlement attempts, but water scarcity held these attempts. Currently, and due to frequent drought waves, it is the only one in the archipelago that is uninhabited.

The climate is quite dry and as such the island is practically devoid of vegetation, Monte Grande has its highest elevation at 395 meters high.

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In terms of coastal terrain, on the island we find two realities – the north has hills with cliffs, while the south has white sand beaches with dunes.

Santa Luzia is also known for the great activity of whales, dolphins and turtles.

It is common for fishermen to fish along its coast and spend the night on the island. It contains two species of endemic birds: Calhandra de Raso and Cagarra de Cabo Verde. With a very diversified marine fauna and rich in species, both fish and coral reefs,  Santa Luzia is unique for unique moments such as the spawning of turtles on the beaches. 

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In 1990, the government of Cape Verde declared that Santa Luzia, as well as the adjacent islets (Branco and Raso), were public heritage – these places became part of the Integral Natural Reserve.  This fundamental classification for environmental protection brought constraints to access.

Access to the island is only possible by boat, and authorization to access the reserve currently belongs to the Directorate General for the Environment of Cabo Verde.

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The richness and characteristics of the fauna and flora make Santa Luzia highly sought after for studies and scientific investigations. 

Currently, a management plan is being analyzed so that norms and tourism activities can be established, as long as they do not interfere with environmental preservation and with the conservation of the species that inhabit there.

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Ilha de Santa Luzia is the “most immaculate pearl of all the islands” and is left to the purest nature!