The small, but by Cape Verdean standards the largest botanical garden Viveiro and ecopark is located just a few kilometres north of Santa Maria on the main road. This project is the brainchild of two married couples who have combined a hobby with a business. They sell the plants they grow and also offer gardening services to local residents and especially to hotels.

Escape the bleak desert for a while and escape to an oasis of blooming greenery and relax while watching the local wildlife. All the plants and animals on the farm or in the botanical gardens are found freely in the Cape Verde Islands.

This gives you a unique chance to experience the flora and fauna of Cape Verde concentrated in a few hundred square metres.

For example, you'll see all kinds of palm trees, cacti and flowers in bloom, and on the other side you'll see goats, ducks and above all many species of colourful parrots.

Information you need to visit:

Open daily from 10 am to 6 pm.
you can get here by taxi for 5 eur (7 minutes drive)
Admission costs 500 cve or 5 eur

The couple are also garden designers, so the whole garden will impress you with its elegant yet compact feel.

It includes a relaxed eco-style bar, places to relax perhaps with a book and children's play features. But the children will be happy with the animals.