São Vicente and Santo Antão Trekking Adventure

Begin your journey at your hotel in Mindelo and make your way directly to the harbor, where you'll board a scenic ferry for a one-hour ride to Santo Antão. Upon arrival in Porto Novo, you will be transported to Cova Natural Park. Here, you'll be treated to stunning views of the volcano crater and observe local farmers tending to their fields. Your 4-hour hike will commence from an elevation of 1,100 meters, revealing a lush oasis within the volcano's interior.

As you reach the rim of the crater, prepare to be amazed by the breathtaking panorama: from this vantage point, you can gaze down into the lush Paul valley below and enjoy views of the ocean stretching 10 kilometers away. Following this, you'll navigate a winding trail leading down to Cape Verde’s most verdant valley. Along the way, you'll discover native plant species and have the chance to see sugar cane and banana plantations, as well as mango, avocado, and coconut trees.

Finally, visit a local distillery to witness traditional production methods and sample the renowned “Grogue.” Spend the night in Paúl.

DURATION: Every day from 6 am to 2 pm (5 - 6 hours)

Extension: ~12 Km

Ascent: ~249 /Descent: ~1329 m

Difficult Level: Moderate

Total Walking Duration: 4 - 5 hours

Path quality: Good, narrow at the beginning and safe.

After being picked up from your lodging, you'll head towards Cobo de Ribeira, where your hiking journey will begin. Trek through the cobblestone paths bordered by dry-stone walls and quaint villages nestled on steep mountainsides. Along the route, take in the sight of simply adorned straw houses perched on a hillside, overlooking a dramatic cliff that reaches toward the clouds, offering breathtaking views of the valley below.

Then, proceed to the Paul Valley, recognized as the most verdant area of the archipelago. Witness the lush greenery amidst sugarcane fields and plantations of various fruits such as coffee, bananas, guavas, mangoes, breadfruit, eucalyptus, and papayas. Continue your hike through regions with refreshing mountain air, passing small communities while discovering the diverse native flora and fauna of Paúl. You'll spend the night in Paúl.

DURATION: Every day from 9 am to 2 pm (5 - 6 hours)

Extension: ~7 Km

Ascent: ~249 /Descent: ~1329 m

Difficult Level: Moderate

Total Walking Duration: 4 - 5 hours

Path quality: Good, narrow at the beginning and safe.

After breakfast, begin your walk from Ponta do Sol, a charming fishing village by the water adorned with vibrant houses. Take a stunning route along rocky cliffs that rise above the ocean, providing picturesque views of the sea. Then, navigate a narrow, winding road atop a mountain, flanked by deep valleys, leading you to the scenic village of Fontainhas, recognized by National Geographic as one of the top ten villages with the best views in the world.

Descend steeply along a pedestrian path, passing through Corvo and Formiguinhas, and ascend some breathtaking heights to reach Aranhas valley.

Next, you'll arrive at the beautiful Praia das Aranhas, a black sand beach known for turtle nesting, where you may swim depending on the sea conditions. Find a picturesque spot to relax and enjoy a picnic by the shore. Following that, we'll go on a 2.5-hour hike through volcanic rocks and along the coastline, offering spectacular views until you reach Cruzinha, a quaint fishing village with stunning coastal views.

Spend the night in Ponta do Sol.

DURATION: Every day from 9 am to 4 pm (7 hours)

Extension: 15 Km

Ascent/Descent: ~249 m

Difficult Level: Difficulty

Total Walking Duration: 5-6 hours

Path quality: Very Long, narrow at the beginning and safe.

After enjoying a delightful breakfast, you will be picked up from your accommodation in Santo Antão and head to Porto Novo Harbour. Bid farewell to “Ilha das Montanhas” as you set off on a scenic one-hour ferry ride to São Vicente.

Upon arrival, begin your exploration in Mindelo, the island's capital, renowned for being the most welcoming and charming city in the nation. Visit the local church and municipal market, and enjoy a panoramic view of the city from Fortin.

The tour will proceed along Avenida Marginal to Praia da Bote and the African market, the site of the first community settlement. Next, travel to the eastern part of the island, where you can observe wildlife, native plants, and agricultural land in the lush Calhau Valley, leading to the fishing village of Salamansa.

Take a break for a tasty lunch at a local eatery. Afterward, explore the village of Baía das Gatas and stroll through its shallow lagoons before heading to the stunning white sand dunes by the sea.

Continue your journey to Monte Verde Natural Park, where you can admire the breathtaking scenery of the entire island and capture beautiful photos of other Cape Verde islands. Spend the night in Mindelo.

Begin your day with a tasty breakfast at your lodging, then venture out to discover Mindelo at your own pace.

You might enjoy unwinding on the stunning white sands of Laginha Beach, celebrated for its beautiful scenery and turquoise waters.

Spend the night in Mindelo.

Begin your final day with a tasty breakfast at your lodging, then take advantage of your free time based on your flight schedule. Check out of your accommodation in Mindelo, and at the designated time, you'll be picked up and taken to Cesária Évora International Airport. Board your international flight home and bid farewell to "La Morabeza Crioula."