Santo Antao – Cape Verde

Your adventure begins as you arrive in Cape Verde, where transport will be arranged to collect you from Sao Vicente Airport to take you to the ferry and then on to the accommodation. On the first day you’ll have time to settle in and it’s a great opportunity to meet your fellow adventurers. We can also recommend accommodation for the night before if you plan to arrive earlier. Ponta do Sol will be the base for the whole trip, which is great because you don’t need to carry all your stuff around and after a long day walking you know your warm shower and bed is awaiting you.

Click for Route Map :  11 km  5 h  ~300 m  ~1,200 m  ●●●○○ — Moderate

The hike begins in the fertile volcanic basin of Cova, where farmers cultivate maize and sugarcane inside the crater’s sheltered floor. From here, the trail climbs gently to the rim before starting its long descent into the Paúl Valley.

An old cobbled mule track winds down the mountainside in sweeping zigzags, with superb views of terraced hillsides, dramatic ravines, and the Atlantic beyond. Along the way, the route passes through small hamlets where colourful houses cling to the slopes and locals tend their fields.

As you drop deeper into the valley, the landscape becomes lush with groves of banana, papaya, and mango. The hike finishes among the villages of Paúl, at the heart of one of Cape Verde’s most beautiful and fertile valleys.

Click for Route Map :  14 km  6–7 h  ~600 m  ●●●○○ — Moderate

The Cruzinha Coastal Trek is one of the most spectacular hikes on Santo Antão, following an old cobbled path along cliffs and valleys between remote villages on the northwest coast. Starting in Cruzinha, the trail hugs the dramatic shoreline, with the Atlantic crashing far below.

The route weaves through terraced hillsides, ravines, and stone-built settlements such as Formiguinhas and Corvo, where colourful houses and small farms cling to impossibly steep slopes. The constant backdrop of ocean and mountains makes this section one of the most photogenic on the island.

The trek finishes in the village of Ponta do Sol, once an old fishing harbour, where you can rest by the waterfront after a full day on the trail. With its mix of rugged cliffs, vibrant villages, and Atlantic panoramas, this is a signature hike of Santo Antão.

Click for Route Map :  12 km  5 h  ~950 m  ●●●●○ — Challenging

Pico da Cruz (1,585 m) is one of the highest peaks on Santo Antão, offering far-reaching views over the island’s mountains, valleys, and coastline. The trail begins near the mountain road from Porto Novo and climbs gradually through pine and eucalyptus forest before breaking onto open ridges.

As height is gained, the landscape changes to farmland and scattered villages perched on steep slopes. From the summit area the panorama is superb, stretching across the Paúl Valley, over the Cova Crater, and down to the Atlantic on both sides of the island.

The route continues along cobbled mule tracks and terraces before looping back toward the starting point. With its mix of forest, farmland, and high ridgelines, Pico da Cruz is one of the most varied and scenic hikes on Santo Antão.

A free day in Santo Antão without hiking is a chance to slow down and soak up the island’s rhythm of life. You could spend the morning wandering through the colourful fishing town of Ponta do Sol, watching boats come and go from the harbour and sampling fresh catch at a seaside café. For a taste of local culture, visit the small markets where island-grown coffee, sugarcane grogue, and tropical fruit are sold by friendly vendors. If relaxation calls, make your way to Tarrafal de Monte Trigo, a remote black-sand beach framed by volcanic cliffs and one of the island’s most beautiful spots for swimming and fresh seafood. Another option is to take a scenic drive through the mountains, stopping in villages like Fontainhas or Paul to enjoy the views and try homemade food in a family-run restaurant. In the afternoon, you might tour a grogue distillery to see how the island’s famous sugarcane spirit is made, ending the day with a glass in hand as the sun sets over the ocean.

Click for Route Map :  11 km  5 h  ~500 m  ●●●○○ — Moderate

The Banana Valley, or Vale das Bananas, is a fertile green valley near Ribeira Grande, where terraces of sugarcane, bananas, papaya, and mango create a patchwork of colour and life. Starting from the town, the trail follows old cobbled paths that climb steadily into the valley.

As the route rises, views open over the surrounding ridges and deep ravines, with small villages perched high above the fields. Stone houses, narrow lanes, and traditional farming give the hike a strong sense of local culture.

The path loops through the heart of the valley before descending back toward Ribeira Grande, with constant views of cultivated terraces and dramatic cliffs. Compact but rewarding, this moderate hike combines rich agricultural landscapes with authentic Cape Verdean charm.

Click for Route Map :  11 km  5 h  ~450 m  ●●●○○ — Moderate

This beautiful point-to-point route on Santo Antão begins on the high plateau of Espongeiros and descends gradually toward the green valleys below. The trail crosses a patchwork of cultivated terraces, dry grasslands, and small farming hamlets, offering wide views of the surrounding mountains and distant ocean.

From Espongeiros, the route follows a mix of footpaths and dirt tracks through open countryside to reach Lagoa, a peaceful village surrounded by fields and eucalyptus trees. Beyond Lagoa, the path drops more steeply, winding between stone walls and sugarcane plots on its way to João Afonso.

The scenery changes constantly, from the cool uplands to the warmer, more tropical valley climate below. It’s best walked downhill, from Espongeiros to João Afonso, with transport arranged at each end. Quiet, varied, and full of local life, this hike captures the essence of Santo Antão’s contrasting landscapes.

It’s time to pack your bags and move onwards. We arrange transport back to the airport so you can catch your flight home or continue to explore this majestical island.  It’s best not to book a flight before 4pm on the final day so we have time to reach the airport. We have lots of recommendations if you’re going to spend more time in Cape Verde.