Cape Verde’s smallest island is nestled between Sao Vincente and Sao Nicolau in the westward islands. Due to its lack of water sources no settlers have remained on the island for long, however it remains a welcome stop for local fishermen. Folklore has it-the only inhabitant on Santa Luzia is a lone wandering shepherd which can be heard tending to his flock, although this is yet to be proved!
Although the island itself does not welcome settlement, a charter boat can bring visitors to the island from the port Calhau on Sao Vincente. This usually brings keen spotters of native birds and reptiles which can sometimes be found along with a large variety of sub-aquatic species in its coastal waters.
Development on the island has always been very unlikely and now, with its status as a nature reserve, it would seem that this lost island is to be visited for its natural beauty alone.
Santa Luzia is an island of the Barlavento archipelago in Cape Verde located between São Nicolau and São Vicente, the channel of Santa Luzia separates the island of São Vicente and is 8 km long. The area is 35 km². Like all Cape Verdean islands, it island is of volcanic origin. The highest point is Monte Grande or Topona elevating 395 m, the second elevating 344 m and the third elevating 337 m, other mountain tops include Agua Doce or Agua Dolce (315 m) and the fifth tallest is Monte Espia located to the south elevating 294 m. Hills named Crioulo (also as Creoulo) is in the east and elevates 85 m and Topino da Praia elevating 19 m. Santa Luzia is 12.3 km long and 5.3 km wide.