Secret Trails of Santo Antão & São Vicente Discovery Tours – 7 Days 6 Nights
Overview
Explore Santo Antão`s best hiking trails and enjoy breathtaking views of Paúl Volcano Crater above 1000 meters high. Hike through an unspoiled nature with spectacular peaks and green valleys surrounded by tropical fruits and vegetables. Discover São Vicente, known as the most welcoming and attractive island in the country.
Inclusions
- Custom and private arrival and departure airport/Port transfers; Luggage Transfers;
- Hotel pick up and drop off for all the tours;
- Tours as mentioned in the program;
- Round-trip Ferry ticket (São Vicente – Santo Antão – São Vicente);
- All entrance fees;
- All Fees and Taxes
- Local assistance 24 hours a day.
- 6x Breakfast
- 4x Lunch
- Accommodation included: 6 nights
- Entry/Admission - Tiduca Hotel
- Entry/Admission - Museum Centre Cesaria Evora (NMCE)
- Entry/Admission - Residencial Aldeia Manga
- Entry/Admission - Mercado municipal mindelo, sao vicente
What to expect
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in São Vicente - Airport Transfer to Mindelo – Hotel check-in
Stop At: Cesária Évora International Airport, RWPW+795, São Pedro, Cabo Verde
Be welcomed by our professional driver at Cesária Évora International Airport and enjoy a private transfer to your accommodation in Mindelo city center, including free waiting time.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Mindelo, Mindelo, Sao Vicente
Our team will also take you from door to door with complete security and professionalism, providing all relevant information about your stay. In the evening, fell free to explore Mindelo by your onw. Known as the most vibrant city in Cape Verde, be sure to enjoy live music at one of the restaurants near the hotel. Feel the warmth of Morna and relish local delights. Overnight in Mindelo.
Duration: 15 minutes
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Blue Marlin Hotel**** in Mindelo (São Vicente Island) or similar;
Check in starts from 2 pm.
Day 2: Santo Antão: Hiking Cova Volcano Crater - Paúl Valley (From São Vicente)
Stop At: Mindelo, Mindelo, Sao Vicente
Starting from your hotel in the city of Mindelo, head straight to the harbor. Then, embark on a beautiful one-hour ferry trip to Santo Antão and enjoy the forbidding behind Mindelo, and it stunning guardian rock erupting from the harbour.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Porto Novo-Ribeira Grande Road, Porto Novo, Santo Antao Cape Verde
Arrive in Porto Novo and depart toward the Cova Natural Park.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Cova - Krater, Bergstrasse von Santo Antao, Ribeira Grande, Santo Antao 1110 Cape Verde
From the starting point, enjoy a privileged view of the volcano crater, and see locals in their agricultural fields. Start your 4-hour hike from 1, 100 meters above sea level, with an oasis of vast vegetation emerging in the interior of the Volcano Crater.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Strasse ins Paul Tal Vila das Pombas, Santo Antao Cape Verde
Then, reach the crater’s edge and have the best and the most breathtaking view ever: standing on the edge of the crater, look out over the impressive green valley of Paul that lies in the depth before you plus the beautiful ocean view that is 10 kilometers away. After that, start the zigzagging part of the hike, going down via a stone path for 3 hours. During the descent, explore Cape Verde’s greenest valley, see and learn about native flora and fauna, soak up scenic views of the island's landscapes and have opportunity to see abandoned vineayrds, sugar cane and banana plantations; mango, avocados and coconut trees. Next, experience the production of a local rum-making distillery and taste the famous “grogue” (The Rum production season runs from January 1 st to May 31st).
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Residencial Aldeia Manga, Lombo Comprido, Paul, Cabo Verde
The tour concludes with drop-off at your accommodation.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Strasse ins Paul Tal Vila das Pombas, Santo Antao Cape Verde
DURATION: Every day from 6 am to 2 pm (5 - 6 hours)
ROUTE FILE:
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.
Duration: 10 minutes
Meals included:
•
•
Accommodation included: Aldeia Manga in Paúl*** (Santo Antão Island) or similar
Day 3: Santo Antão: Hiking Cabo de Ribeira – Paúl Valley
Stop At: Residencial Aldeia Manga, Lombo Comprido, Paul, Cabo Verde
After being collected from your accommodation, depart toward the Cobo de Ribeira, from where the hiking adventure will start.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Strasse ins Paul Tal Vila das Pombas, Santo Antao Cape Verde
After being collected from your accommodation, depart toward the Cobo de Ribeira, from where the hiking adventure will start. Follow the cobbled paths lined with dry-stone walls and the small villages nestled on steep sided mountains. Along the way, admire some simply decorated straw houses, perched on the side of a hill, facing a steep cliff reaching the clouds, with spectacular views of the valley. Next, move on to the Paul valley, known to be the greenest of the archipelago. There, dive into the lush-green vegetal world between sugarcane fields, fruit tree plantations, coffee, banana, guava, mango, breadfruit, eaucalyptus, papaya and more. Continue the walk through areas with crisp mountain air and past tiny communities. The tour concludes with drop-off at your accommodation.
Duration: 4 hours
Stop At: Santo Antão, Cabo Verde
DURATION Every day from 9 am to 2 pm (5 - 6 hours)
ROUTE FILE:
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.
Duration: 10 minutes
Meals included:
•
•
Accommodation included: Aldeia Manga in Paúl*** (Santo Antão Island) or similar
Day 4: Santo Antão: Hike Ponta do Sol - Fontainhas - Cruzinha
Stop At: Ponta do Sol, Cabo Verde
Start your walk from Ponta do Sol, a waterfront-fishing and village with colorful houses, follow a breathtaking road up along rocky cliffs that hover over the ocean and enjoy a background decoration overlooking the sea.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Monte Fontainhas, Santo Antao Cape Verde
Then, head through a small and sinuous road sculpted on the top of a mountain and surrounded with deep valleys that will lead you to the picturesque village of Fontainhas, one of the 10 villages with the best view in the world according to National Geografic.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Randonnée côtière Ponta do Sol - Cruzinha, 5VP9+3R2, Ribeira Grande, Cabo Verde
Follow a steep descent and a pedestrian path, crossing Corvo, Formiguinhas and some dazzling heights to the Aranhas valley.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Praia d'Aranhas, Cabo Verde
Next, arrive at a beautiful black sand’s beach, Praia das Aranhas, a place for turtle’s nesting where you can swim depending on the sea conditions. There, find a scenic spot for a well-deserved rest and enjoy a picnic on the shore.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Cruzinha, Cabo Verde
After that, start your 2.5-hour hike between volcanic rocks and the ocean, offering stunning views until you reach Cruzinha, a small fishing village with breathtaking views on the coast and the ocean.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Tiduca Hotel, 6W34+CPP, Ponta do Sol, Cabo Verde
At the end of an unforgettable day, sit back and relax on the return transfer to your accommodation in Ponta do Sol.
Duration: 40 minutes
Meals included:
•
•
Accommodation included: Hotel Tiduca in Ponta do Sol**** (Santo Antão Island) or similar
Day 5: Ferry Trip to São Vicente + Free day at Laginha Beach
Stop At: Ponta Do Sol, Ponta Do Sol, Santo Antao
Get picked up at your accommodation and departe towards Sinagoga.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Ribeira Grande, Ribeira Grande, Santo Antao
Drive through Ribeira Grande with photo stops along the way.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Sinagoga, Cabo Verde
Explore Sinagoga, an extinct Jewish village that still preserves its essence. The tour concludes with drop-off at your accommodation.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Porto Novo, Porto Novo, Santo Antao
1 Hour Ferry trip to São Vicente
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Mindelo, Mindelo, Sao Vicente
Transfer Port - Hotel
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Praia da Laginha, Sao Vicente Cape Verde
Take a free day and relax at the spetacular Laginha beach!
Duration: 5 hours
Meals included:
•
Accommodation included: Blue Marlin Hotel**** in Mindelo (São Vicente Island) or similar
Day 6: Ful day São Vicente island Tour
Stop At: Mindelo, Mindelo, Sao Vicente
Get picked up from your accommodation and depart towards Mindelo city center. Explore Mindelo, the capital of the island, known as the most welcoming and attractive city in the country.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Mercado municipal mindelo, sao vicente, Rua Lisboa, Mindelo, Sao Vicente 2110 Cape Verde
Visit its church, municipal market, pass through Cesária Évora's house and enjoy a panoramic view of the capital from the top of Fortin.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Mercado de Peixe, Avenida de Reppublica, Sao Vicente 9110 Cape Verde
Visit to the fish market
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Museum Centre Cesaria Evora (NMCE), Mindelo, Sao Vicente Cape Verde
Discover Cesária Evora Museum
Duration: 30 minutes
Pass By: Torre de Belem, Avenida de Republica, Mindelo, Sao Vicente 2110 Cape Verde
Walk through this spetacular Torre
Pass By: Igrja N. Sra da Luz Mindelo, Rua Antonio Aurelio Goncalves, Mindelo, Sao Vicente 2110 Cape Verde
Pass through the church. Optional entrance!
Stop At: Calhau, Calhau, Sao Vicente
The tour will continue along the Avenida Marginal to Praia da Bote to the African market, where the first community was established. Then, drive to the eastern part of the island where animals, endemic plants and farmland can be seen along the green Calhau Valley until the fishing village of Salamansa.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Salamansa, Cabo Verde
Take a breack and enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Baía das Gatas, Cabo Verde
Next, visit the village of Baía das Gatas and take a stroll through its shallow lagoons and then move on to the white sand dunes by the sea.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Strasse zum Monte Verde von Mindelo, Mindelo, Sao Vicente 2110 Cape Verde
Drive to Monte Verde Natural Park, admire the stunning landscape of the entire island, and take beautiful photos of other Cape Verde islands.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Mindelo, Mindelo, Sao Vicente
The tour concludes with drop-off at your accommodation.
Duration: 30 minutes
Meals included:
•
•
Accommodation included: Blue Marlin Hotel**** in Mindelo (São Vicente Island) or similar
Day 7: Goodbye Cabo Verde
Stop At: Mindelo, Mindelo, Sao Vicente
Start your last day with a delicious breakfast at your accommodation and then enjoy your free time according to the flight schedules. Check out from the accommodation in Mindelo and at agreed time be picked up and transferred to Cesária Évora international airport.
Duration: 15 minutes
Pass By: Cesária Évora International Airport, RWPW+795, São Pedro, Cabo Verde
Take your international flight back and say goodbye to "La Morabeza Crioula"!
Hotel check-out time: 12h00 ;
Meals included:
•
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 1: Arrival in São Vicente - Airport Transfer to Mindelo – Hotel check-in
Stop At: Cesária Évora International Airport, RWPW+795, São Pedro, Cabo Verde
Be welcomed by our professional driver at Cesária Évora International Airport and enjoy a private transfer to your accommodation in Mindelo city center, including free waiting time.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Mindelo, Mindelo, Sao Vicente
Our team will also take you from door to door with complete security and professionalism, providing all relevant information about your stay. In the evening, fell free to explore Mindelo by your onw. Known as the most vibrant city in Cape Verde, be sure to enjoy live music at one of the restaurants near the hotel. Feel the warmth of Morna and relish local delights. Overnight in Mindelo.
Duration: 15 minutes
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Blue Marlin Hotel**** in Mindelo (São Vicente Island) or similar;
Check in starts from 2 pm.
Day 2: Santo Antão: Hiking Cova Volcano Crater - Paúl Valley (From São Vicente)
Stop At: Mindelo, Mindelo, Sao Vicente
Starting from your hotel in the city of Mindelo, head straight to the harbor. Then, embark on a beautiful one-hour ferry trip to Santo Antão and enjoy the forbidding behind Mindelo, and it stunning guardian rock erupting from the harbour.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Porto Novo-Ribeira Grande Road, Porto Novo, Santo Antao Cape Verde
Arrive in Porto Novo and depart toward the Cova Natural Park.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Cova - Krater, Bergstrasse von Santo Antao, Ribeira Grande, Santo Antao 1110 Cape Verde
From the starting point, enjoy a privileged view of the volcano crater, and see locals in their agricultural fields. Start your 4-hour hike from 1, 100 meters above sea level, with an oasis of vast vegetation emerging in the interior of the Volcano Crater.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Strasse ins Paul Tal Vila das Pombas, Santo Antao Cape Verde
Then, reach the crater’s edge and have the best and the most breathtaking view ever: standing on the edge of the crater, look out over the impressive green valley of Paul that lies in the depth before you plus the beautiful ocean view that is 10 kilometers away. After that, start the zigzagging part of the hike, going down via a stone path for 3 hours. During the descent, explore Cape Verde’s greenest valley, see and learn about native flora and fauna, soak up scenic views of the island's landscapes and have opportunity to see abandoned vineayrds, sugar cane and banana plantations; mango, avocados and coconut trees. Next, experience the production of a local rum-making distillery and taste the famous “grogue” (The Rum production season runs from January 1 st to May 31st).
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Residencial Aldeia Manga, Lombo Comprido, Paul, Cabo Verde
The tour concludes with drop-off at your accommodation.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Strasse ins Paul Tal Vila das Pombas, Santo Antao Cape Verde
DURATION: Every day from 6 am to 2 pm (5 - 6 hours)
ROUTE FILE:
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.
Duration: 10 minutes
Meals included:
•
•
Accommodation included: Aldeia Manga in Paúl*** (Santo Antão Island) or similar
Day 3: Santo Antão: Hiking Cabo de Ribeira – Paúl Valley
Stop At: Residencial Aldeia Manga, Lombo Comprido, Paul, Cabo Verde
After being collected from your accommodation, depart toward the Cobo de Ribeira, from where the hiking adventure will start.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Strasse ins Paul Tal Vila das Pombas, Santo Antao Cape Verde
After being collected from your accommodation, depart toward the Cobo de Ribeira, from where the hiking adventure will start. Follow the cobbled paths lined with dry-stone walls and the small villages nestled on steep sided mountains. Along the way, admire some simply decorated straw houses, perched on the side of a hill, facing a steep cliff reaching the clouds, with spectacular views of the valley. Next, move on to the Paul valley, known to be the greenest of the archipelago. There, dive into the lush-green vegetal world between sugarcane fields, fruit tree plantations, coffee, banana, guava, mango, breadfruit, eaucalyptus, papaya and more. Continue the walk through areas with crisp mountain air and past tiny communities. The tour concludes with drop-off at your accommodation.
Duration: 4 hours
Stop At: Santo Antão, Cabo Verde
DURATION Every day from 9 am to 2 pm (5 - 6 hours)
ROUTE FILE:
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.
Duration: 10 minutes
Meals included:
•
•
Accommodation included: Aldeia Manga in Paúl*** (Santo Antão Island) or similar
Day 4: Santo Antão: Hike Ponta do Sol - Fontainhas - Cruzinha
Stop At: Ponta do Sol, Cabo Verde
Start your walk from Ponta do Sol, a waterfront-fishing and village with colorful houses, follow a breathtaking road up along rocky cliffs that hover over the ocean and enjoy a background decoration overlooking the sea.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Monte Fontainhas, Santo Antao Cape Verde
Then, head through a small and sinuous road sculpted on the top of a mountain and surrounded with deep valleys that will lead you to the picturesque village of Fontainhas, one of the 10 villages with the best view in the world according to National Geografic.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Randonnée côtière Ponta do Sol - Cruzinha, 5VP9+3R2, Ribeira Grande, Cabo Verde
Follow a steep descent and a pedestrian path, crossing Corvo, Formiguinhas and some dazzling heights to the Aranhas valley.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Praia d'Aranhas, Cabo Verde
Next, arrive at a beautiful black sand’s beach, Praia das Aranhas, a place for turtle’s nesting where you can swim depending on the sea conditions. There, find a scenic spot for a well-deserved rest and enjoy a picnic on the shore.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Cruzinha, Cabo Verde
After that, start your 2.5-hour hike between volcanic rocks and the ocean, offering stunning views until you reach Cruzinha, a small fishing village with breathtaking views on the coast and the ocean.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Tiduca Hotel, 6W34+CPP, Ponta do Sol, Cabo Verde
At the end of an unforgettable day, sit back and relax on the return transfer to your accommodation in Ponta do Sol.
Duration: 40 minutes
Meals included:
•
•
Accommodation included: Hotel Tiduca in Ponta do Sol**** (Santo Antão Island) or similar
Day 5: Ferry Trip to São Vicente + Free day at Laginha Beach
Stop At: Ponta Do Sol, Ponta Do Sol, Santo Antao
Get picked up at your accommodation and departe towards Sinagoga.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Ribeira Grande, Ribeira Grande, Santo Antao
Drive through Ribeira Grande with photo stops along the way.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Sinagoga, Cabo Verde
Explore Sinagoga, an extinct Jewish village that still preserves its essence. The tour concludes with drop-off at your accommodation.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Porto Novo, Porto Novo, Santo Antao
1 Hour Ferry trip to São Vicente
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Mindelo, Mindelo, Sao Vicente
Transfer Port - Hotel
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Praia da Laginha, Sao Vicente Cape Verde
Take a free day and relax at the spetacular Laginha beach!
Duration: 5 hours
Meals included:
•
Accommodation included: Blue Marlin Hotel**** in Mindelo (São Vicente Island) or similar
Day 6: Ful day São Vicente island Tour
Stop At: Mindelo, Mindelo, Sao Vicente
Get picked up from your accommodation and depart towards Mindelo city center. Explore Mindelo, the capital of the island, known as the most welcoming and attractive city in the country.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Mercado municipal mindelo, sao vicente, Rua Lisboa, Mindelo, Sao Vicente 2110 Cape Verde
Visit its church, municipal market, pass through Cesária Évora's house and enjoy a panoramic view of the capital from the top of Fortin.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Mercado de Peixe, Avenida de Reppublica, Sao Vicente 9110 Cape Verde
Visit to the fish market
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Museum Centre Cesaria Evora (NMCE), Mindelo, Sao Vicente Cape Verde
Discover Cesária Evora Museum
Duration: 30 minutes
Pass By: Torre de Belem, Avenida de Republica, Mindelo, Sao Vicente 2110 Cape Verde
Walk through this spetacular Torre
Pass By: Igrja N. Sra da Luz Mindelo, Rua Antonio Aurelio Goncalves, Mindelo, Sao Vicente 2110 Cape Verde
Pass through the church. Optional entrance!
Stop At: Calhau, Calhau, Sao Vicente
The tour will continue along the Avenida Marginal to Praia da Bote to the African market, where the first community was established. Then, drive to the eastern part of the island where animals, endemic plants and farmland can be seen along the green Calhau Valley until the fishing village of Salamansa.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Salamansa, Cabo Verde
Take a breack and enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Baía das Gatas, Cabo Verde
Next, visit the village of Baía das Gatas and take a stroll through its shallow lagoons and then move on to the white sand dunes by the sea.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Strasse zum Monte Verde von Mindelo, Mindelo, Sao Vicente 2110 Cape Verde
Drive to Monte Verde Natural Park, admire the stunning landscape of the entire island, and take beautiful photos of other Cape Verde islands.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Mindelo, Mindelo, Sao Vicente
The tour concludes with drop-off at your accommodation.
Duration: 30 minutes
Meals included:
•
•
Accommodation included: Blue Marlin Hotel**** in Mindelo (São Vicente Island) or similar
Day 7: Goodbye Cabo Verde
Stop At: Mindelo, Mindelo, Sao Vicente
Start your last day with a delicious breakfast at your accommodation and then enjoy your free time according to the flight schedules. Check out from the accommodation in Mindelo and at agreed time be picked up and transferred to Cesária Évora international airport.
Duration: 15 minutes
Pass By: Cesária Évora International Airport, RWPW+795, São Pedro, Cabo Verde
Take your international flight back and say goodbye to "La Morabeza Crioula"!
Hotel check-out time: 12h00 ;
Meals included:
•
No accommodation included on this day.
Additional information
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Near public transportation
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- • This tour starts and ends in Mindelo (São Vicente Island);
- • The rum production season runs from January 1 st to May 31st
- • Please bring passport, hiking shoes, sandals/flip flops, comfortable shoes, a towel, a hat, swimwear, and sunscreen;
- • Lunch includes fish, meet or main dish + dessert + water. Vegetarian food available upon request;
- • We do not include all meals in the package to make your trip more flexible. Take this opportunity to choose between the restaurants near your accommodation and try Cape Verdean cuisine according to your preference. Your travel representative will be delighted to help if needed;
- • For groups with less than 4 travelers, the bilingual driver himself may be the guide;
- • Due to the early pick up on the Day 5, the hotel will provide a lunch box instead of a breakfast;
- • We reserve the right to alter the order of the itinerary or substitute a hotel of similar class if deemed necessary. The same will be informed to the traveler before departure.
- • We reserve the right to claim from the travelers, any additional expenses incurred due to delay or changes in the schedule of domestic flights or Ferry.
- • Travelers must send a copy of their passports after booking so that we can issue the ferry tickets;
- • Not recommended for those who are afraid of heights.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Cancellation
If you cancel at least 7 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.
If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50 percent cancellation fee.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.
If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50 percent cancellation fee.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.