Santo Antao best activities and excursions

Experience the stunning landscapes of Santo Antão with this enriching day trip, rated highly by travelers for its beautiful scenery and cultural immersion. The excursion can start from either São Vicente, including ferry transfers, or directly from Santo Antão, based on your preference.

Begin your day with a scenic ferry ride from Mindelo to Santo Antão, where you'll be greeted by lush vegetation, towering mountains, and charming villages. Accompanied by a local guide, you'll drive along traditional cobblestone roads, passing by vibrant communities and breathtaking views.

Key highlights include a visit to Pico da Cruz for stunning panoramas, Cova Crater for its unique microclimate, and the picturesque town of Ribeira Grande for lunch. Explore the fertile valleys of Xôxô and savor local rum at a Grogue distillery.

This full-day adventure offers a perfect blend of nature and culture, showcasing why Santo Antão is a must-see destination in Cape Verde. Enjoy comfortable transportation and an informative guide throughout your journey.

Embark on the Cachupa hike in Santo Antão, a unique half-day adventure that combines exploration, culture, and gastronomy. As you begin your journey, you'll gather in Ribeira Grande to enjoy locally produced coffee before hitting the scenic trails.The hike leads you through lush landscapes and offers spectacular viewpoints, all while your local guide shares insights into the region's history and culture. Along the way, you'll have the chance to forage for ingredients, including cassava and bananas, which will later be used to prepare cachupa, a traditional Cape Verdean stew made with hominy, vegetables, and beans.Refreshing stops at mountain streams provide an opportunity to hydrate, while local snacks and sugar cane add an authentic touch to your experience. The tour concludes back in Ribeira Grande, where you can unwind with a cup of coffee or tea and receive assistance for your onward journey, whether to your hotel or the ferry in Porto Novo. 

Experience the stunning beauty of Santo Antão Island on this full-day guided tour. For 7 to 9 hours, you will explore some of the island's most picturesque spots, including the majestic Cova Crater, known for its lush flora and microclimate.Begin your day with a fresh brewed coffee or tea in either Mindelo, Porto Novo, or Ribeira Grande, allowing the guide to tailor the itinerary to your group's preferences. You'll then enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the Delgadinho mountain ridge, followed by a delightful lunch in Ribeira Grande, where you can savor traditional local cuisine.Continue to Ponta Do Sol, one of the oldest settlements in Cape Verde, featuring a charming main square and lively harbor. The tour concludes in the beautiful Paul Valley, where you can engage with locals, enjoy more local beverages, and perhaps sample a taste of traditional Grogue rum.This small-group experience guarantees personalized attention and an authentic look into the culture and landscapes of Santo Antão.

Embark on an unforgettable hiking adventure through Santo Antão's most famous trail. This 5-hour trek starts at Cova Natural Park, where you'll witness Cape Verde's largest volcanic crater, Cova de Paúl, located over 1,100 meters above sea level. Here, you'll enjoy panoramic views of lush agricultural fields nestled within the crater and breathtaking landscapes stretching toward the ocean.Your guided hike continues as you descend via a stone path into the Green Valley of Paúl. As you navigate the zigzagging trails, you will explore the island's diverse flora and fauna, view abandoned vineyards, and see cultivated areas for sugar cane, bananas, and mangoes.Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to visit a local rum distillery and taste the famous grogue. Experience Santo Antão's natural beauty and cultural richness on this satisfying trek, concluding with a return drive through picturesque villages back to your accommodation.

Embark on a breathtaking 7-hour hiking adventure that takes you from Ponta do Sol to the picturesque village of Fontainhas and ends in Cruzinha. Starting in Ponta do Sol, you'll stroll through this vibrant waterfront village, characterized by its colorful houses and stunning ocean views.

As you hike the scenic paths along rocky cliffs, you'll reach Fontainhas, often recognized as one of the world's most beautiful villages, according to National Geographic. The route then guides you down to Praia das Aranhas, a black sandy beach known for turtle nesting, where you can relax and possibly take a refreshing swim (subject to sea conditions).

Continuing your journey, a 2.5-hour hike through volcanic landscapes leads you to Cruzinha, a charming fishing village. Pack your camera for this spectacular hike and book your picnic lunch in advance, ensuring you enjoy a delightful meal with ocean views. This unforgettable experience offers both natural beauty and cultural insights in the heart of Santo Antão.

Experience the breathtaking natural beauty of Santo Antão, Cape Verde's westernmost island, on this full-day sightseeing tour. Lasting between 6 to 7 hours, this adventure begins with a pickup from your accommodation and takes you through stunning landscapes, including the Delgadinho Mountains and the lush Paul Valley.Your first stop will be at the Cova de Paúl Crater, where you can admire panoramic views from over 1,000 meters above sea level and see the expansive green plains below, used for agriculture. Next, explore the charming villages of Ponta do Sol and Fontainhas, recognized for their scenic beauty and traditional architecture.Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, then continue your journey to the greenest valley in Cape Verde, Vale de Paúl. Here, you'll have the chance to visit a local rum distillery and taste the famous grogue. This tour promises an unforgettable experience, showcasing the rich culture and landscape of Santo Antão.

Experience the breathtaking natural beauty of Santo Antão, Cape Verde's westernmost island, on this full-day sightseeing tour. Lasting between 6 to 7 hours, this adventure begins with a pickup from your accommodation and takes you through stunning landscapes, including the Delgadinho Mountains and the lush Paul Valley.Your first stop will be at the Cova de Paúl Crater, where you can admire panoramic views from over 1,000 meters above sea level and see the expansive green plains below, used for agriculture. Next, explore the charming villages of Ponta do Sol and Fontainhas, recognized for their scenic beauty and traditional architecture.Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, then continue your journey to the greenest valley in Cape Verde, Vale de Paúl. Here, you'll have the chance to visit a local rum distillery and taste the famous grogue. This tour promises an unforgettable experience, showcasing the rich culture and landscape of Santo Antão.

Experience the enchanting landscapes and rich culture of Santo Antão Island on this private day trip, ideal for those seeking a personalized adventure. Designed for up to five hours, the tour begins with a warm welcome from your driver at the port of Porto Novo, who will guide you along the scenic "Corda" road. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of the island's renowned mountains and valleys.Your first stop is at the impressive Cova de Paúl volcano crater, where you can take stunning photographs and appreciate the surrounding natural beauty. Afterward, you'll travel to the picturesque fishing village of Ponta do Sol, where you'll enjoy a delicious traditional Cape Verdean lunch.The journey continues to the lush Paul Valley, often considered the most beautiful on the island. Here, you'll stroll along small paths connecting charming hamlets, surrounded by vibrant plantations where coffee, oranges, guavas, and various vegetables are grown. Don't miss the opportunity to visit a local rum distillery to learn about the rum production process and savor the flavors of Santo Antão. This private tour ensures a unique and immersive experience, showcasing the best of the island's natural and cultural heritage

Embark on an unforgettable 3-day hiking adventure across the stunning landscapes of Santo Antão, Cape Verde. This comprehensive tour combines breathtaking hikes with cultural experiences, offering an immersive journey through the island's natural beauty and vibrant local life.

Day 1: Arrival and Cova de Paúl

Start your adventure with a ferry ride to Santo Antão, where you'll be greeted at Porto Novo and taken on a scenic drive through "estrada da velha." After lunch in Paul, enjoy a leisurely hike through the lush Paul Valley, exploring terraced crops like sugar cane, banana, and coffee. Visit a traditional distillery to learn about grogue, the local rum.

Day 2: Coculi to Cha de Pedras

Begin with breakfast in Paul before hiking through the breathtaking Coculi Valley for 4 to 5 hours. Experience stunning landscapes and local agricultural practices, then enjoy lunch with panoramic views. Continue your trek to Cha de Pedras, where you can learn about the local flora and fauna.

Day 3: Cruzinhas to Fontainhas

On your final day, hike along the coast, stopping at Praia d'Aranhas to observe nesting turtles. Explore the abandoned village of Formiguinhas before reaching Fontainhas, known for its extraordinary views. Enjoy lunch in this picturesque village before finishing your journey in Ponta Do Sol, with options to extend your stay or arrange transportation back to Porto Novo.With experienced guides and quality accommodations, this tour promises a unique experience of Santo Antão's unspoiled charm and vibrant culture.