Real Home feeling. Nice place to stay a bit out city centre. Owner helped us organise transport to airport,sent suggestions with all the possible things you might need even facials, nails etc.. Had a nice breakfast on the balcony with nice view.

“Spacious apartment, amazing views, lovely hosts... it feels like a holiday HOME.”

This was an absolute treat. We stayed on the third floor and the apartment is huge, with a large terrace/balcony offering an amazing view over Laginha beach and across Mindelo. From up there you really get a sense of the city as a living, breathing place, with its own unique soundscape and rhythm. Some of the furniture is a bit old and a few walls could probably use a fresh coat of paint, but we LOVED the decoration. It genuinely feels like a proper holiday home, not just a rental. The kitchen is great and the bedrooms are very comfortable. We slept really well thanks to the comfy mattresses and pillows - and the overall relaxed, homely atmosphere. After five days travelling around São Vicente and Santo Antão, we even ended up spending a whole day just enjoying the apartment. Cindy, the main host, is very responsive and generous with tips on things to do, services to use and places to visit - and they are proper local suggestions rather than tourist-focused spots. Some reviews mention the location in less friendly terms and suggest the neighborhood is unsafe and to avoid at all costs. First, do your research; and second, if you’re looking for an Instagram-ready, gentrified area made for tourists and packed with them, then yes, this probably isn’t the place for you. But we really loved the neighborhood (Chã de Alecrim). It feels cozy, people are welcoming, it’s quiet and we felt safe. There are plenty of small minimarkets and bars around, and it’s only a 5-7 minute walk to Laginha beach. A special mention to the genuinely lovely Alais. She comes to the apartment at the agreed time and cooks a delicious breakfast right there, and it quickly feels less like a service and more like having a friendly face stopping by in the morning, bringing warmth to the whole experience. We truly loved the place and can easily see ourselves coming back - and, at this value, staying longer next time.

“Great accommodation close to the best beach of Mindelo!”

We had a great time at Criola Vistamar for 9 nights during our stay in late February (for the Carnival). The apartment is very big (3 bedrooms, enough for 5-6 people), clean and has a very beautiful view over the city and the sea. It is very close to the Laginha Beach, probably the best beach of the island. Cindy was very nice and helpful, giving us tips and being available for any of our questions - she even brought us homemade food one evening for dinner! Another great add-on was the home-made breakfast by lovely Alais in our kitchen every morning - simple but always delicious and sometimes even with local specialities. PS: Cindy offered us a taxi option from and to the airport, I would recommend to accept the offer. The price is the same as any other taxi (10-12 EUR), plus the drivers she knows know exactly where the apartment is, which could be tricky for others as it is behind a main road and some taxi drivers who don't know the area could get lost.

Great location and a large apartment

We were extremely happy with our stay at this accommodation. Everything was perfect — the place was spacious, very clean, and had a wonderful view. Alais, who took care of us, was absolutely fantastic. Thank you, Cindy! We would love to come back.

Great appartment. Nice view.

apartment is equipped with everything you could need and even more. 2 bathrooms makes life more easier:) stunning view from huge terrace : day and night. Laginha beach and Caravela restaurant is straight under. breakfast is amazing: omlettes, crêpes, fruits, coffee,fresh bread etc. owner and staff very helpful and nice people ❤️ Highly recommend!

great place! especially the care person was just great!

“Big Apartment close to the beach”

Big apartment, amazing view, really nice location, the host helped with the taxi service and the breakfast was great.

“Not recommended : unsafe neighborhood(esp. at night) and far from the center”

I am a girl and I was a solo traveler in Capo Verde. When I arrive at Cindy’s apartment, I felt unsafe by the neighborhood. Especially at night. Her apartment is really far from the city center, you need to pay taxis and cannot do nothing by foot. There is no good restaurant or shops. Only scary & drunk persons at night. Besides, the apartment need some renovation (especially in the bathroom). And when I arrived at 19h, the apartment was not even ready. I was staying 4 nights, & I asked Cindy to cancel my 3 other nights to book a hotel in the city center. My request was made in a short time frame : I booked the night at 17h30, and asked for the cancellation at 20h. But Cindy was not flexible at all, and not understanding at all. She was repeating that it is not in the rules but Booking policy clearly allows it “host can waive the cancellation fee for non-refundable bookings, without any commission to be paid”. I had a really bad experience with her and I strongly advise any visitors to find a place in a better location.

Marlène always on time for the breakfast and Cindy always available for any question

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Criola Maison. It was lovely to see Marlene everyday when she arrived with breakfast. Both she & Cindy were so helpful & friendly. Spacious, airy, clean apartment, enjoyed watching the world go by from the balcony.

The place is clean, very spacious and the kitchen is well equiped so it's ideal for longer stays.

“The owner can buy fans in Cape Verde for around €25 - 35 each so this issue is easily fixable.”

Big apartment and nice sized rooms Comfortable furniture and beds Baths as well as showers Breakfast Location good, just a short walk to Laginha beach

It was very nice to stay at the spacious appartment, Cindy was very helpful with tips where to eat and what to do in Mindelo, was always reachable and very flexible, too. A nice breakfast (we could choose out of a menu) was brought every day to the door by gorgeous Marlene, and we could use the washing machine, which kind of saved us. Thanks a lot! Full recommendation!

“Big and nice appartement”

Big and cozy place, quite cheap, close to the center

“thanks for the great stay!”

Very well equipped and a lot of space with wonderful balcony and a nice and caring host!

Both apartments we stayed in were very well equipped, spacious and they had a nice view on the Laginha beach, location is up the hill, 5 mins away from the beach ( we stayed in two apartments, the first one was the upgrade which we didn't have to pay because it was the mistake in the organization of the host). There are little shops and a bakery nearby, the bus station also close to the apartment.