Best of Santo Antão: 3 days hiking tour

5.0
(3 reviews)

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3 days (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: Portuguese and 4 more

Explore the natural beauty and authentic culture of Santo Antão on this 3-day guided hiking adventure. Starting in Porto Novo, you’ll traverse dramatic volcanic landscapes, fertile valleys, and iconic cliffside villages.

Day 1: Hike from the scenic Cova Crater down into the lush Paúl Valley, filled with tropical fruit plantations and coffee fields. Savor a picnic or family-style lunch and stay overnight in Paúl.

Day 2: Walk along the famous coastal trail from Cruzinha to Ponta do Sol, passing Fontainhas, one of Cape Verde’s most photogenic villages. Overnight stay in Ponta do Sol.

Day 3: Hike through the peaceful agricultural fields of Cha de Pedras to Coculi, followed by lunch with a local family. After a final 1-hour trek to Coculi, transfer back to Porto Novo for your ferry.

This tour includes local guides, all transfers, luggage transport, and delicious family-style meals, giving you the perfect mix of adventure, culture, and comfort.

What's Included

Luggage transport during hikes
2 nights guesthouse accommodation (with breakfast)
Professional local hiking guide
Lunch (Optional[3])
Lunch
between Porto Novo, trails and accommodation
Transportation towards the starting point of tour
Ferry tickets between Mindelo and Porto Novo
Dinners and personal expenses
Travel insurance
Drinks

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

We can arrange pickup from Cesaria airport Mindelo, ferrytickets from Mindelo to Santo Antao: seaport (Porto Novo) or hotel you are residing in on Santo Antao / Sao Vincente. During your stay we make sure all baggage is transported between the different accommodations. You have the option to travel with a group or to travel private. Additional costs might occur when you travel private depending on season and availability of guides. All transportation costs to starting point are excluded from the stated price here.

OR
Meeting point
Ribeira Grande

5WMP+24 Ribeira Grande, Cape Verde

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 3 days (approximately)
    Day 1

    Cova Crater to Paúl Valley (5–6 hrs hiking)

    3 stops
  • 1
    Porto Novo

    08:00 – Pick-up in Porto Novo Scenic drive along the old mountain road to Cova Crater, a volcano crater with breathtaking views.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Paul

    10:00 – Start Hike (Cova → Paúl Valley) Walk through forests of endemic plants and descend along cobblestone paths into Paúl Valley, the island’s greenest and most fertile region. Pass sugar cane fields, coffee plantations, and fruit orchards filled with mango, papaya, and guava. 13:00 – Picnic or Lunch with a Local Family Enjoy local dishes and fresh tropical fruit. Afternoon – Continue hike and explore Paúl

    5 hours • Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Paul

    Optional tour of the alcohol and melasse making and tasting. Overnight: 4 star hotel in Paúl. (Tienne Del Mar or similar)

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
    • Day 2

    Coastal Hike: Cruzinha to Ponta do Sol (6–7 hrs hiking)

    2 stops
  • 4
    Ribeira Grande

    08:00 – Transfer to Cruzinha Begin at the peaceful fishing village, known for its turtle conservation efforts. 09:00 – Start Coastal Hike (Cruzinha → Ponta do Sol) Follow dramatic coastal trails with panoramic sea views and impressive zigzag paths. On our way, we stop in a local family to have lunch.

    5 hours • Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Monte Fontainhas

    Pass the iconic village of Fontainhas, famous for its colorful houses perched on cliffs. Arrive in Ponta do Sol, a lively fishing town with a charming old harbor. 14:00 – Arrive in Ponta do Sol Overnight: Guesthouse in Ponta do Sol.

    2 hours • Admission ticket free
    • Day 3

    Cha de Pedras to Coculi (3–4 hrs hiking)

    1 stop
  • 6
    Coculi

    Cha de Pedras to Coculi (3–4 hrs hiking) 08:30 – Transfer to Cha de Pedras Start the day with peaceful valley views. 09:00 – Hike Cha de Pedras → Coculi (Part 1) Walk through sugar cane fields, banana plantations, and mango orchards while enjoying tranquil surroundings. 12:00 – Lunch with a Local Family Experience Cape Verdean hospitality and taste local specialties. 13:00 – Extra Hike to Coculi (Part 2) A final 1-hour trek through farmland and traditional stone paths leads you to Coculi village. Afternoon: Transfer to accommodation or Porto Novo for the afternoon ferry to Mindelo (São Vicente).

    5 hours • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Supplied by CapeVerdeTours

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Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

5.0 Based on 3 3 reviews
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