Full Day Santo Antão
Embark on an unforgettable full-day adventure from São Vicente to Santo Antão, starting bright and early with a ferry ride from the bustling port of Mindelo. As you glide over the turquoise waters towards Porto Novo, excitement builds for the journey ahead.
Once you arrive in Santo Antão, the adventure truly begins. A scenic drive takes you up the island’s legendary winding mountain roads, climbing towards Cova Crater, an extinct volcano now transformed into a lush, circular landscape. Surrounded by the towering peaks of the island’s dramatic mountain range, Cova offers breathtaking views and sets the stage for the next leg of the journey.
Here, you’re presented with two options. For those craving an immersive experience in nature, the first option is to descend into the famous Vale de Paul. This valley is often considered one of Cabo Verde’s most beautiful spots, with its terraced fields of sugarcane, coffee, and tropical fruits like papaya and banana. As you hike down the valley’s trails, you’ll breathe in the crisp mountain air, passing by small farms and enjoying the vibrant greenery that paints the landscape. It’s a paradise for nature lovers, where every corner reveals new shades of green, and the fresh, earthy scent of the valley’s lush vegetation fills the air.
Alternatively, if you prefer to continue by car, you can skip the hike and take the old road of Santo Antão. This scenic drive offers stunning views of the island’s rugged landscapes, weaving through mountain passes and offering glimpses of remote villages perched on cliffs. The drive leads to Chã de Pedras, a dramatic valley encircled by mountains, where banana and papaya trees thrive. This tranquil spot is perfect for soaking in the beauty of Santo Antão’s natural surroundings, with its vast green terraces and the distant sound of waterfalls.
After a day filled with the raw beauty of Santo Antão, the tour circles back to Porto Novo. You’ll board the afternoon ferry, watching the sun dip low as you sail back to São Vicente, carrying with you memories of breathtaking views, mountain air, and the island’s vibrant greenery.
Rout
For this full-day tour from São Vicente to Santo Antão, two route options allow you to experience the best of the island’s stunning landscapes. Both routes start with an early morning ferry ride from Mindelo to Porto Novo, and after arriving, the journey begins up the scenic mountain roads to Cova Crater. From here, you can choose between the two different paths:
Option 1: Hike into Vale de Paul
This option is ideal for travelers who love nature and prefer a more active adventure.
- Porto Novo to Cova Crater: Start your ascent by car from Porto Novo to Cova Crater. The winding road takes you through beautiful mountain landscapes, offering breathtaking views along the way. After about 45 minutes, you’ll reach Cova Crater, an extinct volcanic caldera now filled with greenery.
- Descend into Vale de Paul: From Cova, the hike begins as you descend into the lush, terraced valley. The trail is well-maintained and takes you through fields of sugarcane, coffee plantations, and orchards of papaya, banana, and other tropical fruits. As you hike, the air becomes fresher, and the greenery intensifies. It’s a 2-3 hour walk, depending on your pace and stops along the way to soak in the incredible views.
- Explore Vale de Paul: Once you’ve reached the valley floor, take time to explore the charming villages dotted throughout the valley. You might stop for a taste of grogue, a traditional local rum made from sugarcane, and interact with locals who work the fertile land.
- Car Pickup to Chã de Pedras: After the hike, a car will pick you up and take you to Chã de Pedras, a valley surrounded by dramatic mountains, where banana and papaya trees flourish. It’s a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the peaceful environment after your hike.
Option 2: Scenic Drive along the Old Road
This option offers a more relaxed experience with stunning views of Santo Antão’s rugged landscape.
- Porto Novo to Cova Crater: Like Option 1, the journey begins with a drive from Porto Novo to Cova Crater. After a short stop at Cova to enjoy the view, you’ll skip the hike and continue by car.
- Drive the Old Road of Santo Antão: Instead of hiking down, you’ll take the old road, one of the island’s most scenic routes. This road twists and turns through the mountains, offering panoramic views of valleys, cliffs, and the sea far below. The landscape is rugged and dramatic, with the jagged peaks and deep ravines for which Santo Antão is famous.
- Arrive at Chã de Pedras: After about 1.5 hours of driving, you’ll reach Chã de Pedras, where the valley opens up with vast green terraces and fields of banana, papaya, and sugarcane. Take time to walk around, enjoy the scenery, and have a break before continuing the tour.
Price
150 € p.p
min. 2 Pax
Included in the price
⦁ Ferry tickets from São Vicente to Santo Antão and back
⦁ Guide
⦁ Private Car
⦁ Lunch
⦁ Grogue (traditional drink)
Does this quote suit you?
If the quote suits you, the next step is to confirm your booking. To ensure that you can fully enjoy this dream trip, we invite you to contact us quickly. Once you have confirmed your booking, we will be able to proceed with the booking of all the services included in your travel program.