Santo Antão: Cape Verde's Most Dramatic Hiking Island
A ferry from São Vicente to Santo Antão reaches the most dramatic hiking in the Atlantic — deep ribeira valleys, cobblestone paths through terraced farms, and the lush green northeast contrasting with volcanic desert
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Paul Valley Cobblestone Trail
The old cobblestone road through the Paul Valley is Cape Verde's most famous hike — a path that cuts into the rock above the valley floor and passes through small farming communities
- 2
Cova Crater Descent
The ancient volcanic crater at Cova is filled with green terraced fields — the descent on stone paths winds through a surprisingly fertile landscape hidden in the heart of the volcano
- 3
Ribeira Grande Market Town
The capital Santo Antão has a lively Saturday market where farmers from the valleys bring fruit, vegetables and grogue for sale — the island's social hub
- 4
Tarrafal de Monte Trigo fishing village
One of Cape Verde's most isolated communities — accessible only by boat or a long mountain trail — a fishing village located geographically isolated on the southwest coast
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Trekking in the northeastern green zone
The northeastern part of Santo Antão receives moisture from the Atlantic and is extraordinarily green — multi-day hikes through the mountains pass through villages where traditional Cape Verdean life continues
- 6
Porto Novo to Ribeira Grande Road
The dramatic cliff road that connects the ferry port with Ribeira Grande is one of the world's most spectacular mountain drives — dizzying drops and hairpin turns above the Atlantic
Walk this route with audio
Stories play automatically as you reach each stop — no tapping needed.
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