São Nicolau (Portuguese for Saint Nicholas) is one of the Barlavento (Windward) islands of Cape Verde.

The settlement Porto de Lapa was abandoned in 1653 due to pirate attacks, and the town Ribeira Brava was founded in the interior.

[3]: 28  The roadstead of Tarrafal de São Nicolau became an anchorage for whaling ships in the 19th century.

[4]: 14–16 The mountainous island is mostly agricultural but is subject to droughts, especially in the lower lying areas.

[4]: 20  The eastern part is a chain of lower mountains, including Monte Bissau and Pico de Alberto.