Santa Luzia is the only uninhabited island in Cape Verde with a surface area of 35 Km2. the highest point measures 395 meters. It is 5 km large and 13 km long.

Vegetation is very scarce, and the climate of the island is particularly dry and arid. It has, however, interesting landscape contrasts, the south offering beautiful scenery of beaches and dunes, and the north with scarped mountains.

Lack of water has been one of the main constraints of the island, the major cause for not being inhabited. Nevertheless, the island played a role in the economy of the Archipelago in the past, with the activity of cattle breeding and the extraction of great quantities of earth orchid. For many years, plots of land were rented and contracts to run these activities in the island were signed.

Although different initiatives were taken so as to implement projects that would allow for the promotion of fishing and cattle breeding activities in the island, the intention to settle the island with people was definitely put aside due to the long droughts and the permanent lack of water.

In the 19th century, 20 people lived in Santa Luzia and dedicated themselves to the trade of meat, dairy products and leather known by their good quality. This small population was forced to leave due to the frequent droughts. However, in the 20th century, up to the 1960’s, a couple of shepherds, husband and wife, lived in the island of Santa Luzia. In 1990, the State of Cape Verde declared this uninhabited island a public patrimony, and nowadays it is considered to be a natural reserve.

Source: Cape Verde Tourist Guide