Santa Luzia: Abandoned island of Cape Verde

One of the Barlavento (or Windward) Islands in the Cape Verde archipelago, Santa Luzia lies between São Nicolau and São Vicente.  

With an area of approximately 35 square kilometers, the highest point on the island is Monte Grande, at an elevation of 395 meters.

Back in the eighteenth century the island was home to a small agricultural population.  However, desertification led to the island being abandoned, although it did, apparently, act as a hermitage for some time.

A meteorology station was built on the island in the 20th century.

Photo: CC Attila.bertalan