Overview
An eight day, self-guided island-hopping adventure, walking in Cape Verde. Combine Creole culture with a glorious climate and community camaraderie on the islands of São Vicente and Santo Antão, both boasting their own natural heritage highlights in a seascape of voluptuous volcanoes. On São Vicente, trek through the contrasting landscapes of coffee plantations, fruit-filled valleys and dramatic coastal paths on these remote and restorative islands. And on Santo Antão, where you spend the majority of the tour, the magnificent Janela, Penede and Paúl Valleys are hiking heaven. Accommodation is in a mix of small, locally-owned hotels, B&Bs and traditional guesthouses.
- Cape Verde’s islands of São Vicente and Santo Antão
- Pico Antonia
- Paúl Valley
- Cova volcanic crater
- Mindelo
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive 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: Santa Cruz Boutique Hotel or similar in Mindelo
Day 2: Santo Antão, Ribeira de Janela and Ribeira de Penede | 6.5km
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: 6.5km, ↑500m ↓550m
- Accommodation: Aldea Panoramica or similar in Cabo de Ribeira
- Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner
Day 3: Pico Antonia | 7.5km
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. Hike back to your accommodation.
- Walking for the day: 7.5km, ↑760m ↓340m
- Accommodation: Aldea Panoramica or similar in Cabo de Ribeira
- Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner
Day 4: Ribeira da Torre | 12km
Following a short walk 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: 12km, ↑1,020m ↓1,280m
- Accommodation: B&B Coração Ponta do Sol or similar in Ponta do Sol
- Meals included: breakfast and picnic lunch
Day 5: Ponta do Sol to Cruzinha | 14km
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: 14km, ↑750m ↓650m
- Accommodation: Mamiwata Eco Village or similar in Chã d’Igreja
- Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner
Day 6: Ribeira Grande Valley | 13.5km
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: 13.5km, ↑670m ↓560m
- Accommodation: Mamiwata Eco Village or similar in Chã d’Igreja
- Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 7: Corda Road and Espongeiro plateau | 7.5km
Transfer to the Espongeiro plateau via the Corda Road. At 33km long, the road follows narrow ridges, sometimes only a few metres wide. It takes its name from its winding line resembling a rope (corda) tracing the contours of the mountains. Entirely cobbled, it is said to comprise nearly 15 million volcanic stones, sourced locally and cut and fitted by hand. Built during the Portuguese colonial period, it was inaugurated in 1973 after almost thirty years of work. From the central plateau, the route crosses a wooded ridge, follows the heights and reveals deep valleys and slopes shaped by centuries of settlement. Along the way, pass abandoned villages, remnants of a bygone era where time appears to stand still. Descend into the fertile Ribeira da Bananeira valley, where the landscape shifts to lush banana trees and yam fields. Transfer to Porto Novo for the ferry back to Mindelo.
- Walking for the day: 7.5km, ↑430m ↓450m
- Accommodation: Santa Cruz Boutique Hotel or similar in Mindelo
- Meals included: breakfast and picnic lunch
Day 8: Departure
Complimentary transfer to Mindelo airport.
- Meals included: breakfast
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodation on this tour includes a mix of small, locally-owned hotels, B&Bs and traditional guesthouses. They have been carefully selected based on a variety of criteria including their location, warm hospitality, fine local food or commitment to responsible tourism. All rooms have en-suite or private bathrooms.
Click to view default hotels
- Santa Cruz Boutique Hotel (Mindelo)
- B&B Coração Ponta do Sol (Ponta do Sol)
- Aldea Panoramica (Cabo de Ribeira)
- Mamiwata Eco Village (Chã d’Igreja)
Accommodation is subject to availability. In the event of a particular hotel or guesthouse being fully booked for your chosen dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Meals
All breakfasts are included. Six lunches (five picnic lunches and one lunch at Casa Augusta) and four dinners are also included. Dinner, when not included, is available either at the accommodation or from restaurants in the local area.
Difficulty and terrain
This tour is rated moderate to strenuous, with daily walking distances ranging between 5-14km. Daily elevation gains and losses vary. Sure-footedness and a good level of fitness is required to get the most out of this tour (read more about difficulty grades).
The routes are not clearly waymarked, but you will be provided with detailed tour materials, including route descriptions, road notes, and maps. You can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. More detailed information on route navigation will be included in your holiday information pack.
When to go
This trip is available from October to June. The flexibility of self-guided holidays means that there are no fixed dates, meaning you can start your trip on any date during the season.
The best months to visit Cape Verde are generally between November and June. During this period, the weather is warm, dry and pleasant for walking, with average temperatures ranging between 21-25C. There is less rainfall and lower humidity during these months compared to the rest of the year. See also our blog on Top tips for visiting Cape Verde.
Getting there
Click to view travel options
By plane
Our recommended arrival and departure airport is Cesária Évora Airport on the island of São Vicente.
- Arrival and departure airport transfers are included (when arriving and departing from Cesária Évora Airport)
Visa requirements
All tourists who intend to travel to Cape Verde are required to pre-register through here up to 5 days before the start of the trip and pay the Airport Security Fee (TSA). For more information please visit Portal Consular de Cabo Verde.
Inclusions
Included
- 7 nights accommodation
- 7 breakfasts
- Four dinners on days two, three, five and six
- Five picnics on days two, three, four, five, seven and one traditional cachupa lunch at Casa Augusta on day six
- Ferry between São Vicente and Santo Antão on days two and seven
- Private transfers as stated in the itinerary
- Luggage transfers when changing hotels (one piece of luggage per person, up to 20kg, preferably soft luggage bags)
- Tourist taxes
- Detailed digital tour materials, including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps. Please note that the information pack is emailed to you prior to departure, no printed tour materials are provided
- 24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
Excluded
- Airfare and domestic flights
- Visa to enter the country, costing approximately €30
- Any lunches and dinners not listed as included
- Drinks and snacks
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses or tips
- Entry fees (payable locally)
- Any items not explicitly listed as included
- eSIM data for international travel (get an eSIM). Please note that our local partner on the ground recommends Alou, which can be bought at the airport in Cape Verde, as it’s cheaper and has the best coverage across the islands.
Options, extras and supplements
- If you’re travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a room of their own
- We regret that this tour is not open to solo travellers
- Extra nights
- Half-day guided trip of Mindelo on day one
- Self-guided half-day trip from Praia Grande to Calhau on day one
