A small, relaxed gift shop by the beach offering African crafts, paintings and handmade souvenirs. Prices are lower than in Santa Maria and bargaining is welcome. Perfect for slow walks, browsing without pressure, and buying authentic keepsakes at your own pace.
When your walk takes a detour (and that’s a good thing)
You’re walking along the beach with no real plan, and suddenly there it is: a lonely little shack with colours, fabrics and paintings resting straight on the sand. No neon signs, no loud music. Just a small stand, open to the wind, waiting for curious passers-by. That’s usually how a visit to this Gift shop begins.
A local stall, not a souvenir store
Calling it a shop might be generous. It’s more of a simple artisanal stall, slightly off the beaten path, selling handmade souvenirs, African art, paintings and small, typical items from Cape Verde.
It’s not designed for rushed shopping between activities, but for people who walk without a watch and don’t mind stopping for a while.
Handicrafts, paintings, and negotiable prices
The variety is surprising for such a small place: masks, fabrics, bracelets, necklaces, colourful paintings and souvenirs for all budgets. One thing comes up again and again: prices are usually lower than in Santa Maria, and bargaining here isn’t awkward — it’s part of the exchange.
Sometimes you’ll find a genuine bargain; other times, simply a nice souvenir with a bit of a story behind it.
No pressure, all calm
The atmosphere is exactly what you’d expect from a stall lost by the sea: relaxed, unhurried, and non-pushy. The vendor is often described as friendly, approachable and never aggressive. Look around, ask questions, buy only if you feel like it.
No one chases you with a “my friend”. That alone makes a difference.
Expectations and comparison
If you’re expecting a large shop, air conditioning, or fixed prices, this isn’t the place. Some items start high and require a bit of negotiation. And yes, sometimes something costs more than in town… until you talk it through.
How to enjoy it properly
Come by walking, without rushing.
Ask, compare, and bargain respectfully.
Great for buying gifts for several people without blowing your travel budget.
If something feels expensive, say so — there’s usually room to adjust.
A souvenir that starts before you buy
This Gift shop stands out not only for what it sells, but for how the buying happens: slowly, without stress, and with conversation.
You may not leave with the biggest bag, but you’ll almost certainly leave feeling you found something genuine — even if it was just a moment of calm.
It’s not about the shop. It’s about the moment you decide to step inside.
