Best of São Vicente & Santo Antão – 2 Days: Car, Ferry & Guide

5.0 (6 reviews) 2 days Free cancellation

out of 5

6 reviews

5.0

Best Tour São Vicente and Santo Antão — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Rua Lisboa — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

This tour offers more than just sightseeing — it’s a deeply authentic experience guided by locals who call São Vicente and Santo Antão home. As specialists on these two islands, we take pride in sharing not just the highlights, but the hidden stories, cultural insights, and personal connections that make this place truly special. You'll be guided by people who genuinely care, love what they do, and are passionate about creating meaningful travel experiences. From traditional villages to breathtaking landscapes, we offer a warm, personal, and enriching journey you won’t find in a typical tour.

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At a glance

Duration: 2 days
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 10 people
People per booking: 1–10
Guide: Portuguese, English, French, Spanish
Operated by: Green Line Tours Cabo Verde

Ages: Infants (0–2 years) · Children (3–11 years) · Adults (12–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Entrance into distillery
Included: Ferry tickets , round-trip (2)
Included: All Fees and Taxes
Included: 2 guided experiences with Local professional guide (English, French, Spanish, or Portuguese)
Included: Harbor transfers (2)

Not included

Not included: Travel Insurance
Not included: Lunch
Not included: Dinner
Not included: Personal expenses

Itinerary

Day 1 · Best of São Vicente: Full-Day Island Tour with Local Guide

Mindelo

6 hours

Welcome to one of Cabo Verde’s most beautiful and welcoming islands. We’re excited to share our unique island with you! Start with a guided walk through Mindelo’s historic center, where colonial architecture, vibrant colors, and local culture meet. Visit the bustling Fish, African, and Municipal Markets (closed Sundays). Take in scenic views of Monte Cara, Laginha Beach, and Mindelo from panoramic lookouts. Drive up Monte Verde, the island’s highest peak (774m), and enjoy a tea or coffee at the Tea House (closed Sundays/holidays). Explore traditional fishing villages like Salamansa and Calhau, and witness authentic daily life. Swim or relax at Baía das Gatas’ natural blue lagoon (bring swimwear). Learn about rural life in Calhau Valley with farms, windmills, and volcanoes.

Tour Highlights:

Fortim d’el Rei

Avenida Marginal

Cultural Center of Mindelo

Belém Tower Replica

Cesária Évora’s Home

Monte Verde Natural Park

Salamansa, Baía das Gatas

Norte Baía, Praia Grande

Calhau Valley

Day 2 · Discover Santo Antão: Day Trip from São Vicente with Local Guide

1
Santo Antao

11 hours
Start your day with an early pick-up from your Mindelo accommodation and transfer to the harbor for a scenic 1-hour ferry ride to Santo Antão. Keep an eye out for dolphins or flying fish along the way! Upon arrival in Porto Novo, meet your local guide and begin your full-day island tour. Travel the stunning Old Mountain Road to the volcanic crater of Cova de Paúl and enjoy breathtaking views from Delgadinho Ridge. Visit picturesque towns and villages like Ribeira Grande, Ponta do Sol, Sinagoga, and Paúl. Enjoy a traditional Cape Verdean lunch at a local restaurant, then stop at a distillery to learn about Grogue, the local sugarcane spirit. Return to Porto Novo via the stunning Coastal Road, where mountain tunnels and ocean views amaze. Take the ferry back to São Vicente and transfer to your accommodation in Mindelo.

Tour Highlights:

Porto Novo
- Old Mountain Road
- Cova Crater
- Delgadinho Ridge
- Pico da Cruz
- Ribeira Grande
- Paúl Valley
- Ponta do Sol
- Sinagoga
- Janela

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

End point

Pickup points

Tienne Del Mar
Four Points by Sheraton Sao Vicente Resort
Residencial Laginha
Tiduca Hotel
Casa Santa Barbara Deluxe
Casa Cafe Mindelo
Hotel Santantao Art Resort
Mindelo Residencial
Mansa Marina Hotel
Divin Art
Ocean Boutique Hotel

and 26 more pickup points

Your São Vicente tour pickup at your accommodation will take place between 08:50 and 09:00. For your Santo Antão Day Trip, we will pick you up between 06:15 and 06:30, depending on your location.