Walking in Cape Verde: São Vicente and Santo Antão
Walking in Cape Verde: São Vicente and Santo Antão
Walking in Cape Verde: São Vicente and Santo Antão
8 Days Starting and ending in Mindelo, Cape Verde
Visiting: Mindelo, Santo Antão, Pico de Antónia, Ribeira da Torre, Ponta do Sol, Ribeira Grande
Tour operator:
Tour code:
989
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 20
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable walking adventure through the captivating landscapes of Cape Verde, exploring the islands of São Vicente and Santo Antão. Begin your journey in Mindelo, the cultural heart of São Vicente, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture or unwind on Laginha Beach. Cross to Santo Antão and traverse the lush valleys of Ribeira de Janela and Ribeira de Penede, surrounded by tropical fruit trees. Ascend Pico Antonia for breathtaking views, and wander through the terraced landscapes of Ribeira da Torre. Experience the dramatic coastal paths from Ponta do Sol to Cruzinha, and savor traditional Cape Verdean cuisine in the Ribeira Grande Valley. Conclude your trek with panoramic vistas from Lombo Branco before returning to Mindelo. This tour offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural encounters, and culinary delights, making it an ideal escape for walking enthusiasts seeking a unique and enriching experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Mindelo
Location: Mindelo
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Mindelo
You are met and transferred to your accommodation in Mindelo, São Vicente’s capital and cultural hub. Depending on the arrival time, we recommend visiting the Cesária Évora Museum to learn about the life and work of the famous singer Cesária Évora, who was born in the city. Alternatively, head to Laginha Beach to relax before the first day of walking.
If you book extra nights in Mindelo, you can add a morning guided tour of Mindelo or an afternoon self-guided trip from Praia Grande to Calhau to your booking.
Accommodation in Mindelo
Day 2 : Santo Antão, Ribeira De Janela And Ribeira De Penede 5.4Km
Location: Santo Antão
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Cabo de Ribeira
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
You are transferred to the ferry port for a crossing to Porto Novo, on the island of Santo Antão (1h, included). Upon arrival in Porto Novo, another transfer is arranged to the starting point of the hike in Ribeira de Penede, which winds through Janela and Penede Valleys. Banana, mango and orange trees line the paved path as it climbs up to the small pass. Then descend through Janela Valley to the ocean. After the hike, you are transferred to the high part of Paúl Valley where you spend the night.
Walking for the day: 5.4km, ↑100ÂÂÂÂm ↓1,100m
Accommodation in Cabo de Ribeira
Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner
Day 3 : Pico Antonia 5.8Km
Location: Pico de Antónia
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Cabo de Ribeira
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
There is a short transfer down the valley to begin today’s hike. The hike crosses Paúl Valley and descends through hamlets and terraces of bananas, mangoes, passionfruit and sugarcane. Begin the ascent up Pico de Antónia (1,392m), taking in the view over Paúl Valley. Arriving at Chã de João Vaz, we recommend sampling some local delicacies, such as fresh goat’s cheese with herbs, at the famous Bar O’Curral. You are transferred back to your accommodation.
Walking for the day: 5.8km, ↑500m ↓450m
Accommodation in Cabo de Ribeira
Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner
Day 4 : Ribeira Da Torre
Location: Ribeira da Torre
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Ponta do Sol
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Start with a transfer to the beginning of the hike. The trail takes you to Cova Crater and its surrounding tropical farmland, then on to high-altitude plateaus covered with eucalyptus and mimosa trees. Continue on to Ribeira da Torre along the ridge, with great views of the jagged peaks and rocky promontories. The difference in altitude is staggering. Upon arrival in Xôxô, you are met and transferred to your accommodation in Ponta do Sol.
Walking for the day: 11.7km, ↑900m ↓1,115m
Day 5 : Ponta Do Sol To Cruzinha
Location: Ponta do Sol
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Chã d’Igreja
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Follow the path carved in the rock to the village of Corvo and then take the coastal path that passes through some abandoned villages. Just before you get to the village of Cruzinha, there is a black sand beach, but swimming is prohibited because of the very strong currents. Continue to Chã d’Igreja to tonight’s accommodation.
Walking for the day: 16.3km, ↑650ÂÂÂÂm ↓650m
Day 6 : Ribeira Grande Valley
Location: Ribeira Grande
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Chã d’Igreja
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The driver meets you for a short transfer to Coculi to the start of the hike in Ribeira Grande Valley. Walk past terraced crops and colourful gardens with banana trees, mango trees, sweet potatoes, guavas and coffee plants. Lunch at Casa Augusta, in João Alfonso hamlet, to try a traditional Cape Verde dish: cachupa, which is a slow-cooked stew of corn, beans, cassava, sweet potato, fish or meat. Continue through the valley to the end of the walk, where your driver meets you for a transfer to the accommodation in Chã d’Igreja.
Walking for the day: 13.6km, ↑ÂÂÂÂ500m ↓500m
Day 7 : Lombo Branco And Pinhão
Location: Mindelo
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Mindelo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
You are transferred to the start of the trail that leaves from the village of Lombro Branco, 600m above sea level. From here you have views over the hamlets, terraces of crops, small ribeiras and the ocean. In the afternoon, you are transferred to Porto Novo Harbour to take the ferry to Mindelo, on São Vicente Island.
Walking for the day: 5.4km, ↑Â500ÂÂÂm ↓800m
Day 8 : Departure
Location: Mindelo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Complimentary transfer to Mindelo airport.
What's Included
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Ferry Crossing
The tour includes a ferry crossing from São Vicente to Santo Antão.
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Transfers
Transfers are provided between various locations, including from the airport to accommodation and between hiking starting points.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours are available, such as a morning guided tour of Mindelo.
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Complimentary Airport Transfer
A complimentary transfer to Mindelo airport is included on the departure day.
What's Not Included
Swimming is prohibited at the black sand beach near Cruzinha due to strong currents.
Mode of Transport
Transfers are provided between hiking locations, including ferry crossings between São Vicente and Santo Antão, ensuring seamless travel throughout the islands.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable accommodations throughout your journey, including stays in Mindelo, Cabo de Ribeira, Ponta do Sol, and Chã d’Igreja, with meals provided at select locations to enhance your experience.
Check out our Q&As
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What can I do on the first day if I arrive early in Mindelo?
If you arrive early in Mindelo, you can visit the Cesária Évora Museum to learn about the famous singer Cesária Évora or relax at Laginha Beach. If you book extra nights, you can also add a morning guided tour of Mindelo or an afternoon self-guided trip from Praia Grande to Calhau.
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What kind of landscapes will I see during the hike on Day 2?
On Day 2, you will hike through the Janela and Penede Valleys, where you will see banana, mango, and orange trees lining the path. The hike includes a climb to a small pass and a descent through Janela Valley to the ocean.
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Are there any local delicacies to try during the tour?
Yes, on Day 3, you can sample local delicacies such as fresh goat's cheese with herbs at the famous Bar O’Curral in Chã de João Vaz.
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Is swimming allowed at the black sand beach near Cruzinha?
No, swimming is prohibited at the black sand beach near Cruzinha due to very strong currents.
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What traditional Cape Verde dish can I try during the tour?
During the tour, you can try cachupa, a traditional Cape Verde dish, which is a slow-cooked stew of corn, beans, cassava, sweet potato, fish, or meat. This is available for lunch at Casa Augusta in João Alfonso hamlet on Day 6.
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What kind of views can I expect on the hike from Lombo Branco?
From Lombo Branco, you will have views over the hamlets, terraces of crops, small ribeiras, and the ocean.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t
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Jun 30, 2025 - Jul 07, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
The Natural Adventure requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 42 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of the natural adventure charges.
Up to 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.