Santo Antão Cape Verde

About

Santo Antão Cape Verde (Portuguese for Saint Anthony) is an island that offers visitors excellent hiking opportunities. There are many trails and stunning scenery. The views from the mountains are breathtaking and tiny villages appear deep below. The mountains attract clouds which means there is moisture available. Therefore the island grows most of the crops within Cape Verde. The capital of the island is Ribeira Grande and the other towns on the island are Porto Novo in the drier, south east; Paúl, which is south east of the capital; and Ponta do Sol, north west from the capital and possibly the most attractive of the towns. The island is only reached by ferry from São Vicente and it arrives into Porto Novo.

Beaches

Generally speaking if you are after beaches, then the south of the island maybe for you. Tarrafal in the south has the longest (black) beach on the island. In the north of the island the beach at Sinagoga is popular for swimming. Nearer to Porto Novo, there is Praia de Escoralet and between Vila das Pombas and Janela there is Praia de Gi.

Entertainment

The island has a good selection of restaurants and bars. You can enjoy traditional Cape Verdean cuisine in most places. Some of the best restaurants are considered to be in Ponto do Sol. Grog (or Grogue) is widely available, being the local rum made from the sugar cane grown on the island. Towns such as Ribeira Grande, Porto do Sol and Porto Novo are the best places to stay if nightlife is wanted.

Places to visit

Visitors should ensure that they visit the Vale do Paúl. This is a spectacularly lush valley that opens into the sea at the village of Vila das Pombas. The valley is full of banana, mango and papaya trees together with flame trees, poinsettias and vegetable plots. At the head of the Paúl valley the winds are funnelled up and through the vertically towering rock peaks into the volcano, creating an almost permanent display of swirling mists and cloud. Cova, which is the caldera, or crater, is often seen with cloud swirling over the ridges. Looking down into crater you can see the crops being grown within it. The tiny village of Fontainhas perched on a rocky outcrop is an attraction for visitors and has become quite famous.

Geography

Santo Antão is in the Barlovento group of islands in the north of the country. It is the country’s second largest island. It has precipitous peaks, jaw-dropping ravines and tiny villages clinging to its mountainsides. The tallest mountain is Tope de Coroa, reaching a height of 1,979 m. The northeast trade winds funnel up into the mountains creating a micro-climate rich in vegetation. The landscape changes from brown and arid to mountainous with green fertile valleys. Santo Antão Cape Verde is really quite beautiful…

Travel to Santo Antão

Flights, ferries & more info:

Santo Antão airport was closed in the 1990’s following a fatal crash. So the island does not currently have an airport, although a new one is now being planned. The island is reached by ferry from São Vicente. The ferry takes one hour. There are a number of flights each week to the four international airports in Cape Verde. These airports are on the islands of Sal, Boa Vista, São Vicente and Santiago. You can fly to any of them and then use the local flights or ferries to connect with other islands.

Flights

Bestfly
Fly to São Vicente, then take ferry to Santo Antão

Ferries

Ferry
Inter-Island
Port
Porto Novo

Info

Airport
None
Visas
Required to enter
Covid
Information
Tax
Tourist tax
News
The latest travel news

Activities on Santo Antão

Activity – Hiking

Lima Tours, Santo Antão Cape Verde

Santo Antão Cape Verde offers some spectacular scenery and I invite you to join me in exploring this fascinating island. My name is Edson David Andrade Lima, but I am also known as Davy. I am a qualified guide speaking English, Portuguese and Creole and can offer you a number of different guided walks. If required I can arrange your individual or group transport (for a maximum of 15 people). The best way to explore this beautiful island is by walking and hiking when we can, for example exploring the Vale do Paúl; Cova the volcano crater; and the coast, as well as visiting the small towns such as Ponta do Sol. I offer a choice of 10 walks. Santo Antão is a verdant island, with high mountains, deep valleys and a dramatic coastline. There are great opportunities for ornithology and enjoying the flora and fauna on this island. I look forward to welcoming you to Santo Antão and to having the opportunity to show you my home island. I can be your guide for just one day or for a full week of tours, depending upon what you wish to do and how much time you have available.

Activity – Canyoning

Canyoning with Olivier, Santo Antão Cape Verde

The mountains of Santo Antão provide good conditions for canyoning. Based on the north east coast of the island, Olivier offers canyoning with water all the year round to all levels of experience. The trip will include an aquatic hike, rappels (abseils) and waterslide. The hike to the canyon will take approximately one hour, and then there will be two to three hours spent there. You will need to take suitable clothing with you, such as shorts, T-shirt, swimming costume, walking shoes, clothes to change into, sandals, water and sun cream. Necessary equipment such as a harness, helmet, wetsuit, lycra T-shirt and waterproof bag will be provided. The trip includes having lunch with a local family.

Activity – Diving North East

Green Turtle Dive Centre, Porto Novo, Santo Antão Cape Verde

The Green Turtle Dive Centre (formerly Blue Eden) is a five star PADI dive centre located inside the facilities of the Hotel Santantao Art in Santo Antão (Porto Novo). The Dive Centre is equipped with the best equipment, and Bauer filling stations, which guarantees an excellent quality of breathable air.

Green Turtle is more than a diving centre in a privileged environment. Green Turtle is much more than that. It is a team of professionals and friends who are always ready to help you make your dream vacation come true.

The biodiversity and the quantity of fish are such that you will feel immersed in a huge aquarium, cradled by the movement and bathed in the colors, each moment is unique and indescribable.

Activity – Diving South

Santo Antão Scuba Diving, Tarrafal, Santo Antão Cape Verde

Beginner or confirmed divers, come and discover the fascinating underwater landscapes of Santo Antão. Located in the village of Tarrafal de Monte Trigo, on the extreme West coast of the island, this small professional centre created in 2012 offers diving activities adapted to all, from first experiences to guided explorations.

Mountain bike tours and rental

Cabo Verde MTB Tours Adventure

Santo Antão offers many possibilities for mountain biking. There are many trails running through the mountains and the quality of the trails is excellent. Cabo Verde MTB Tours Adventure can advise on day trips or week-long tours, adapted to your ability. Practice is possible on easy gravel roads and single tracks, and can develop onto technical and more difficult single trails. All of this in the stunning landscape found on the island of Santo Antão.

Santo Antão Discovery

Santo Antão Discovery offers horse riding excursions and also tours of the island.

Horse riding can take place in the morning or late afternoon, depending on the season, and individually or as part of a group. The trip is along the black beach in Porto Novo and is accommpanied. Safety is paramount and both novice and experienced riders are catered for.

The island tours start at 9am in a car with a private driver. The tours include visits to Cova (the volcano crater), Corda, Espongeiro, Ponta do Sol and Ribeira Grande. Thenext visit is to the unique village of Fontainhas, which is a UNESCO Heritage site. The tour introduces the guests to the varied landscape, lovely villages and the crops grown on the island (banana, cassava, tomatoes and sugar cane), all of which makes Santo Antão so special. The tour finishes about 5pm in Porto Novo.

Accommodation – Ponta do Sol

Coração Ponta do Sol Boutique-Hotel, Santo Antão Cape Verde

A Boutique Hotel with 10 double/twin rooms

This smart new hotel is located in Ponta do Sol on the northern point of the lovely island of Santo Antão. The hotel is just 400m from the centre of Ponta do Sol. There are 10 rooms each with an en-suite bathroom that includes a walk-in shower. Furthermore, each room also has a nice balcony. The rooms can either be set up as king size doubles or twin rooms. There are also two rooms for three people and one room for four people. Your room will include bed linens, hairdryer and towels, including ones to use by the pool. Breakfast can be enjoyed inside or outside with lovely views of the ocean and the mountains that surround the town. There is a private swimming pool for the use of the hotel guests. The staff clean the pool daily. The bar and relaxation area includes free WiFi and games and from time to time there is live music. In addition there is a roof top terrace where guests can sunbathe and enjoy the view.

Santo Antão Cape Verde is a great island for walking and the hotel proprietors can suggest some of the best walks and provide the usual tourist information that helps guests enjoy their holiday to the full. The hotel can also offer massage, which is a lovely way to recover after a day’s walking. This service can be a full body massage, or just feet and legs, and/or back. Gentle music accompanies the massage and essential oils are used.

Accommodation – Tarrafal de Monte Trigo

Casa Baobab, Santo Antão Cape Verde

Superb studios and rooms with large private terrace on the beach facing the ocean. Far from the usual touristic places, in a preserved and amazing natural environment, we are thrilled to share with you a unique experience.

Raphaëlle is a therapist in traditional chinese medicine, she offers Tuina massage, acupressure, acupuncture, cupping glasses, gua sha and different other techniques. A good way to release stress, pain, supports the Qi and blood circulation, harmonize the body and relax. If you want a complete analysis with treatment, allow 2 hours.

Tarrafal de Monte Trigo is on the western end of the island of Santo Antão. Located between the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, the village offers a quiet, peaceful destination, away from mass tourism.

Accommodation – Tienne del Mar

Tienne del Mar, Santo Antão Cape Verde

Hotel Tienne del Mar is located in Vila das Pombas on the coast at the entrance to the beautiful Paúl Valley (Ribeira Grande Paúl). The comfortable rooms are decorated by local artists and you can enjoy breakfast on the terrace as the sun rises. Where possible ingredients from the hotel’s organic garden. Massage, yoga and meditation is offered for those who prefer to relax rather than hike. For the more adventurous, organised tours of this beautiful island can be arranged. A local guide will take you to some of the lovely valleys, majestic mountains and refreshing waterfalls.

Accommodation – Pensão Amizade Delgado

Pensão Amizade Delgado, Santo Antão Cape Verde

Pensão Amizade Delgado is located in beautiful Tarrafal de Monte Trigo on the south west of Santo Antão. The guest house has 6 comfortable bedrooms and breakfast is provided. There rooms are in three separate buildings. Some rooms are doubles. The restaurant serves quality food with seafood being particularly popular with customers. The bar welcomes visitors and offers a friendly atmosphere. Pensão bar Amizade Delgado is waiting to welcome you.

Accommodation – Casa Espongeiro

Casa Espongeiro, Santo Antão Cape Verde

Casa Espongeiro is a family home run by a French-Cape Verdean couple who live there with their children. Espongeiro is at an altitude of 1400m. There are four comfortable bedrooms, each with en-suite shower rooms and leading onto a communal balcony. The balcony offers lovely panoramic views over the plateau. There are also two smaller bedrooms for travellers on a budget, with shared facilities. The overnight stay includes a full breakfast, served from 6.30am to 9.30am, with wood oven baked bread, homemade jams and fresh seasonal fruit. There are also maps, advice and a shuttle service available. Luggage can be delivered to the next location if required.

The small village of Espongeiro is situated on the Planalto Leste on the side of the old road called Estrada da Corda, which links Porto Novo to Ribeira Grande. It is at the intersection of many hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty whether walking or cycling. The Cova crater is only a 30 minute walk from the village. The peaceful location of the house means that you will enjoy comfortable, peaceful nights. There is also very little traffic on the road.

Accommodation – Hotel Château Georgette

Hotel Château Georgette, Santo Antão Cape Verde

This beautiful hotel is located in the lovely Paúl Valley. It is a family run hotel built in 2019. The main aim of the hotel is to provide guests with a first class experience, surrounded with comfort, luxury and excellent equipment and service. The hotel focuses on an adult clientele (18+) and is ideal for a romantic stay, celebrations, events and retreats. There is high speed wifi, air-conditioning, smart televisions, mini-bar, king size beds and tea/coffee making facilities within the rooms. There are also king suites with views to Cova and also a VIP presidential loft. The food is authentic Creole cuisine, with organic fruit and vegetables from their plantation. A swimming pool and a roof-top bar are just some of the facilities for their guests. The hotel is surrounded by nature and provides an excellent location for hikers. Cova is just 32km from the hotel.