Baia das Gatas is a shallow natural bay on the northeastern coast of São Vicente, about 12 kilometres from Mindelo by road. A reef of volcanic rock forms a natural pool sheltered from the open Atlantic, making the water calm and good for swimming even when the ocean beyond is rough. The beach is popular with locals on weekends and largely empty midweek.
The bay is best known for its annual music festival, held every August over a long weekend. The festival is one of the most important events in the Cape Verdean cultural calendar and has been running since 1984. If you are on the island in August, it is worth timing your visit to coincide — the combination of music, beach, and Creole food stalls under the stars is hard to beat.