We are now on Fogo Island, the fifth and last of the Cape Verde islands that we visited. Fogo means Fire in Portuguese. Fogo is the youngest or newest of the Cape Verde islands and also the highest with its active volcano, Pico do Fogo, at over 9,000 feet above sea level. Fogo Island was discovered in 1460 and settled by the Portuguese between 1470 and 1490. With its high mountains, deep valleys, and coastal areas, it has a variety of climates. Fogo is a challenging place to live and subject to both drought and famine.

Fogo was the second island in Cape Verde that was settled, and Sao Filipe is the capital of Fogo Island and the second oldest town in Cape Verde. Sao Filipe (Saint Philip) is on the west coast of Fogo Island. We mostly visited the historic and colonial city center. Oddly enough, Sao Filipe did not receive a town charter until 1922.

I found it very odd that this was the second oldest town in Cape Verde, established around 1480 and yet, it does not have a port. I thought every town established back in those days was established mainly because it had a good port. Oh well, what do I know. What I do know is that we had to travel from our ship to town by Tender boats.

These next photos of Sao Filipe will give an idea of the colonial, historic, colorful, and picturesque nature of the town. You will also notice some cobblestone streets.

I noted that Sao Filipe didn't have much of a port. The town is mostly on top of a plateau that is well over 100 feet above the sea. I found it odd to learn that in 1655, Sao Filipe was destroyed by Flemish pirates. They must not have had much of a defense. The next photo is from the old town looking down at the black sands beach.

I added the last photo to show the new construction on the top of the building on the right. This was like most of West Africa in that they built incrementally.