Santiago Island - Trails and trekking

Region 1: Northern Mountains - Serra Malagueta Area

Location and Geography

The Serra Malagueta region dominates Santiago's northern highlands, reaching elevations up to 1,064m. Located approximately 30km north of Praia and 20km south of Tarrafal, this mountainous area is protected as the Serra Malagueta Natural Park (PNSM). The region is characterized by dramatic valleys, cloud forests, endemic vegetation, and traditional mountain villages connected by ancient footpaths.

Climate and Landscape

The northern mountains capture moisture from Atlantic winds, creating misty, lush conditions distinct from Santiago's drier southern regions. The park harbors over 124 plant species (28 endemic) and serves as a sanctuary for endemic bird species including the Cape Verde warbler and Iago sparrow.

Trails in Serra Malagueta Natural Park

Ribeira Principal Valley Trail

Route description: Begins at the park entrance (approximately 850m elevation) and descends into the verdant Principal Valley. The trail winds through local farms cultivating bananas, sugarcane, corn, and beans, passing traditional grogue distilleries and offering glimpses of rural Santiago life.

Distance: 6-10km (varies by route) Duration: 2-4 hours Terrain: Descending valley trail with some slippery, narrow sections Features: Waterfalls and natural swimming holes (best July-October), agricultural terraces, endemic flora

Note: Remote valley sections are poorly marked; local guides recommended for navigation.

Gongon Trail to Hortelão Village

Route description: Starts at the Serra Malagueta park entrance and descends through the Gon Gon Valley, ending at the village of Hortelão. The path passes small mountain settlements, tropical fruit orchards (mango, papaya, breadfruit), and traditional grogue distilleries.

Distance: 10.5km (6.5 miles) Elevation change: 1,000m descent (3,300 feet) Duration: 4-6 hours Features: Cultural encounters with village life, fruit orchards, endemic birdwatching opportunities

Pico Malagueta Summit Trail

Route description: Ascends to the summit of Pico Malagueta within the natural park, offering panoramic views over northern Santiago's valleys and the Atlantic coastline.

Distance: ~8km round trip Elevation gain: 600m Duration: 3-4 hours Features: Breathtaking summit panoramas, endemic bird habitats, cloud forest vegetation

Monte Tchota Trails

Location: Within the Monte Tchota Natural Park section of the greater Serra Malagueta area Features: Network of trails through protected montane forests Access: Often approached via Rui Vaz village

Region 2: Central Mountain Massif - Pico da Antónia Area

Location and Geography

The Pico da Antónia massif dominates Santiago's central highlands, with the island's highest peak (1,392m) as its centerpiece. This region lies inland from Praia, accessible primarily through the mountain village of Rui Vaz. The area is protected as Parque Natural da Serra do Pico de Antónia and features rugged, alpine-like terrain with jagged peaks, eucalyptus forests, and sisal plantations.

Climate and Topography

As Santiago's highest elevation zone, this region experiences cooler temperatures, frequent mist and clouds, and dramatic temperature variations between day and night. The terrain is notably more rugged and exposed than Serra Malagueta, with steep ridges and loose scree in upper elevations.

Trails in the Pico da Antónia Region

Pico da Antónia Summit Route

Route description: The classic route begins near Rui Vaz village, climbing through Monte Tchota Natural Park. The 800m ascent from Rui Vaz follows narrow, steep paths through eucalyptus groves. The final approach to the summit traverses an exposed ridge running close to eastern cliffs.

Starting point: Rui Vaz village Summit elevation: 1,392m (some sources: 1,394m or 1,395m) Distance: 9-15km round trip (varies by route) Duration: 4-7 hours total Terrain: Steep paths, loose rock and scree in upper sections, exposed summit ridge Views: 360° panorama including entire Santiago Island, Fogo volcano (west), Maio Island (east)

Technical notes: Paths unclear in places, surefootedness required on summit ridge, navigation skills essential in mist.

Pico da Antónia Foothills Circuit

Route description: Rather than summiting, this route follows the foothills of Pico da Antónia, passing through eucalyptus forests and sisal plantations surrounded by jagged peaks, eventually descending toward Assomada.

Distance: 17km (10.6 miles) Elevation: 610m ascent, 870m descent (2,000'/2,850') Duration: ~6 hours Features: Less technical than summit route, excellent views without exposure, connection to Assomada

Region 3: Central Interior - Assomada and Santa Catarina area

Location and Geography

Assomada, Santiago's second-largest town, sits in the island's central interior at a moderate elevation. This region encompasses the surrounding plateau areas and river valleys (ribeiras) of Santa Catarina municipality. The landscape consists of agricultural plateaus, river valleys with dramatic gorges, and traditional rural villages.

Character of the Region

This is Santiago's agricultural heartland, where terraced farms produce much of the island's fresh produce. The region offers intimate glimpses of rural Cape Verdean life, with traditional architecture, livestock herding, and weekly markets (Assomada's market is most active Wednesdays and Saturdays).

Trails Around Assomada and Santa Catarina

Ribeira de Santa Cruz Trail

Route description: Follows the Santa Cruz river valley toward the Cancelo banana cooperative, passing through agricultural areas and riverside vegetation.

Features: Working banana cooperative visit opportunities, river valley scenery, agricultural landscapes

Ribeira de Picos Valley Route

Route description: Traces the Picos river valley through traditional farming areas and small villages.

Features: Authentic rural experience, traditional Cape Verdean agriculture, quiet valley walking

Poilão Kapok Tree Walk

Route description: Leads to the Poilão, Cape Verde's oldest kapok tree, with options for longer plateau trails that descend toward the coastal road.

Features: Ancient kapok tree (significant natural monument), plateau vistas, extension options for longer walks

Ribeira da Barca Valley Trail

Location: Northwest of Assomada Route description: Traverses the dramatic Ribeira da Barca valley, known for its impressive cave systems.

Distance: 11.47km running trail variant Elevation gain: 301m Features: Dramatic valley landscapes, Águas Belas caves (Grutas Águas Belas) accessible by boat from the coastal village of Ribeira da Barca

Rincão Trail to Grutas Águas Belas

Distance: 11.47km Elevation gain: 301m Destination: Águas Belas caves Character: Running/hiking trail through interior valleys

Region 4: Western Coast - Cidade Velha and Calabaceira area

Location and Geography

This region encompasses the western coastal area south of Praia, centered on the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cidade Velha (formerly Ribeira Grande de Santiago). Located just 10km west of the capital, this historic area features dramatic valleys descending from the interior highlands to the Atlantic coast.

Historical and Natural Significance

Cidade Velha, founded in 1462, was Cape Verde's first settlement and capital. The region combines colonial heritage with lush valley landscapes where intensive agriculture thrives due to seasonal water flow and protected valley microclimates.

Trails in the Cidade Velha Region

Calabaceira Valley to Cidade Velha Route

Starting point: Calabaceira village (also called "Green Valley") Ending point: Cidade Velha coastal town Distance: 4km Elevation change: 200m descent, 0m ascent Duration: 2-4 hours (including stops)

Route description: Descends through a valley rich with tropical plantations including banana, mango, papaya, and traditional sugarcane cultivation. The trail passes a famous 400-year-old baobab tree and traditional grogue distilleries where Cape Verde's national rum is produced using centuries-old methods.

Destination features: Trail ends in Cidade Velha's UNESCO-listed historic center, including:

• Fortaleza Real de São Filipe (16th-century fortress)
• Rua Banana (one of Africa's oldest colonial streets)
• Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário ruins
• Pelourinho Square
• Sé Catedral ruins

Cidade Velha Urban Walking

Area: Historic center of Cidade Velha Features: Self-guided walking through cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, fortifications, churches, and waterfront areas Duration: 2-3 hours for comprehensive exploration Best time: Late afternoon for "golden hour" photography, especially near Fortaleza de São Filipe

Region 5: Northern Coast - Tarrafal Area

Location and Geography

Tarrafal occupies Santiago's northern tip, approximately 70km north of Praia via the main island highway through Assomada. This coastal region features Santiago's most famous beach (Praia do Tarrafal) backed by Monte Graciosa and surrounding hills. The area transitions from coastal flatlands to mountainous terrain within short distances.

Regional Character

Tarrafal serves as both a beach resort town and a gateway to northern hiking routes. The region offers unique combinations of coastal and mountain landscapes, with red dirt trails through the interior hills contrasting with the white sand beach and turquoise waters of Tarrafal Bay.

Trails in the Tarrafal Region

Monte Graciosa Coastal Circuit

Starting point: Tarrafal sandy beach Route type: Loop trail circumnavigating Monte Graciosa Distance: 10.9km Duration: ~5 hours Terrain: Partly unmarked and trackless—navigation experience required Features: Spectacular views over Baía de Tarrafal, coastal cliffs, Atlantic panoramas

Tchom Bom to Ribeira Prata Coastal Walk

Route description: Village-to-village coastal walk connecting two settlements in the Tarrafal area.

Duration: 2-3 hours Character: Coastal scenery, traditional fishing village culture

Tarrafal to Campo de Concentração

Distance: Short walk (a few minutes from Tarrafal center) Destination: Historical concentration camp museum (Campo de Concentração do Tarrafal) Character: Historical site visit accessible by easy walking

Region 6: Eastern Coast - Calheta de São Miguel area

Location and Geography

The eastern coast of Santiago, particularly around Calheta de São Miguel, offers coastal walking routes distinct from the western settlements. This region faces the open Atlantic and features dramatic coastal landscapes with less development than other areas.

Trails in the Eastern Coastal Region

Calheta de São Miguel Coastal Route

Route description: Coastal path through the eastern shore area, offering Atlantic views and traditional coastal community interactions.

Character: Ocean scenery, coastal cliffs, fishing village culture Terrain: Coastal trail with ocean exposure

Region 7: Urban Areas - Praia

Location and Geography

Praia, Cape Verde's capital and largest city, occupies the southern coast of Santiago. The historic Plateau district sits on elevated terrain above the port and modern city center, offering walkable colonial-era streets and architecture.

Urban Walking in Praia

Plateau District Walking Tour

Area: Historic center of Praia (Plateau neighborhood) Features: Colonial architecture, governmental buildings, churches, plazas, cafés Key sites:

• Palácio Presidencial (Presidential Palace)
• Palácio da Assembleia
• Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Graça
• Statue of Diogo Gomes
• Colonial-era streets and plazas

Duration: 2-4 hours for comprehensive exploration Best time: Early morning or late afternoon

Mercado de Sucupira Area

Location: Below Plateau district Character: Walking through Cape Verde's largest street market and surrounding urban neighborhoods Best time: Mid-morning when market is most active

Coastal Praia Walks

Areas: Prainha beach area, Praia Quebra Canela, Praia da Gamboa Character: Urban beach walking, waterfront promenades