Best of Santo Antão: 3 days hiking tour

Day 1 · Cova Crater to Paúl Valley (5–6 hrs hiking)

1. 1

   Porto Novo

   one hour

   08:00 – Pick-up in Porto Novo

   Scenic drive along the old mountain road to Cova Crater, a volcano crater with breathtaking views.

2. 2

   Paul

   5 hours

   10:00 – Start Hike (Cova → Paúl Valley)

   Walk through forests of endemic plants and descend along cobblestone paths into Paúl Valley, the island’s greenest and most fertile region.

   Pass sugar cane fields, coffee plantations, and fruit orchards filled with mango, papaya, and guava.

   13:00 – Picnic or Lunch with a Local Family

   Enjoy local dishes and fresh tropical fruit.

   Afternoon – Continue hike and explore Paúl

3. 3

   Paul

   one hour

   Optional tour of the alcohol and melasse making and tasting.

   Overnight: 4 star hotel in Paúl. (Tienne Del Mar or similar)

Tienne del Mar (4 star hotel)

Day 2 · Coastal Hike: Cruzinha to Ponta do Sol (6–7 hrs hiking)

1. 1

   Ribeira Grande

   5 hours

   08:00 – Transfer to Cruzinha

   Begin at the peaceful fishing village, known for its turtle conservation efforts.

   09:00 – Start Coastal Hike (Cruzinha → Ponta do Sol)

   Follow dramatic coastal trails with panoramic sea views and impressive zigzag paths.

   On our way, we stop in a local family to have lunch.

2. 2

   Monte Fontainhas

   2 hours

   Pass the iconic village of Fontainhas, famous for its colorful houses perched on cliffs.

   Arrive in Ponta do Sol, a lively fishing town with a charming old harbor.

   14:00 – Arrive in Ponta do Sol

   Overnight: Guesthouse in Ponta do Sol.

Day 3 · Cha de Pedras to Coculi (3–4 hrs hiking)

1. 1

   Coculi

   5 hours

   Cha de Pedras to Coculi (3–4 hrs hiking)

   08:30 – Transfer to Cha de Pedras

   Start the day with peaceful valley views.

   09:00 – Hike Cha de Pedras → Coculi (Part 1)

   Walk through sugar cane fields, banana plantations, and mango orchards while enjoying tranquil surroundings.

   12:00 – Lunch with a Local Family

   Experience Cape Verdean hospitality and taste local specialties.

   13:00 – Extra Hike to Coculi (Part 2)

   A final 1-hour trek through farmland and traditional stone paths leads you to Coculi village.

   Afternoon: Transfer to accommodation or Porto Novo for the afternoon ferry to Mindelo (São Vicente).