[1] Porto Novo is situated on the southeastern coast of Santo Antão, opposite the island São Vicente.

The city is divided into the following sections:[1] Due to the aridity of the south coast of Santo Antão, settlement began relatively late.

[5] Before 1962, ships had to anchor in the bay of Alto Peixinho, and goods and passengers had to be brought ashore with small boats.

[4]: 24  The seat of the Porto Novo municipality created in 1962,[4]: 29  it gradually became the largest urban settlement of the island.

[8] The national road EN1-SA01 connects Porto Novo with Ribeira Grande, passing through the mountainous interior.