Cabo Verde - São Antão island 

Exploring Santo Antão: Landscapes and Culture

Santo Antão boasts diverse landscapes that offer a range of experiences for visitors. While the southeastern part of the island is dry and barren, the northeastern region is lush and receives regular rainfall, creating fertile conditions for agriculture. The island's economy is primarily driven by farming, with key crops including sugarcane, yams, cassava, bananas, mangoes, and corn. Fishing also plays a significant role in the local economy.

No mention of Santo Antão would be complete without highlighting Grogue, a traditional spirit produced on the island. This distilled drink is one of the region's main products and offers visitors a delightful taste of Cape Verdean culture.

In recent years, tourism has grown increasingly important to Santo Antão. The island attracts tourists who seek steep landscapes, impressive hiking trails, and eco-tourism experiences. Hikers and nature enthusiasts have the opportunity to explore Santo Antão's mountains, valleys, and rivers along a variety of well-marked trails.

To further enhance the island's tourism potential, plans are underway to open hotels in Paul and other parts of Santo Antão. These accommodations will provide travelers with comfortable stays and facilitate the exploration of the island's unique beauty.

Santo Antão combines volcanic beauty with fertile agriculture, making it a fascinating destination for nature lovers, cultural explorers, and adventurers seeking an authentic experience in Cape Verde.

Santo Antão: A Guide to Hiking, Accommodation, and Travel Tips

Santo Antão offers a plethora of hiking routes, cultural experiences, and scenic vistas that are sure to captivate any traveler. Plan well, choose your accommodations wisely, and take the time to enjoy every second on this breathtaking island. 

Santo Antão, one of the stunning islands in the Cape Verde archipelago, contrasts sharply with its smaller neighbor, São Vicente. While São Vicente is compact and densely populated, Santo Antão is a large island with a dispersed population and countless opportunities for hiking and trekking. In this guide, we'll explore the best ways to navigate Santo Antão, focusing on accommodation choices, travel factors, and some must-see routes and destinations.

Planning Your Stay

Travel Factors: When planning a trip to Santo Antão, several factors should come into play:

• Length of Stay: The shorter your visit, the fewer accommodations you will want to book.

• Number of Accommodations: Depending on your itinerary, you may need to switch places; however, too many changes can be tiresome.

• Planned Routes: Consider the hiking and trekking routes you wish to explore, as this will influence where you should stay.

Many readers have asked about the best places to stay on the island. While it's impossible to cover every detail for everyone, understanding these factors can help you make a better-informed decision.

Ponta do Sol: An Ideal Base

Ponta do Sol has emerged as a popular place to stay on Santo Antão. This lively town offers bars, restaurants, and several routes that make it a convenient base for exploring the island. Here's why staying in Ponta do Sol could be beneficial:

• Popular Accommodation: The town offers a range of accommodations, from cozy B&Bs like Sissi's to larger hotels.

• Bars and Restaurants: The bustling nightlife in Ponta do Sol is a great way to unwind after a long day of hiking.

• Coastal Route to Chã de Igreja/Cruzinha: This beautiful route brings you through the village of Fontainhas, famous for its incredible views.

• Route to Ribeira Grande: Utilize Hiace/Aluguer transportation to make your way to Ribeira Grande and start your hikes from there.

• Corda Walk: This walk down from Corda back to Ribeira Grande is a pleasant experience that offers breathtaking views, including Delgadim (Delgadinho).

• Corda – Coculi Trail: A hiking trail that takes you down to the valley of Ribeira Grande.

• Agua das Caldeiras to Xôxô Hike: From Agua das Caldeiras, hike down to Xôxô and the valley of Ribeira de Torre.

• Cova to Paúl Hike: This popular hike brings you down to the beautiful valley of Paúl.

Other Places: Remote and Hidden Gems

Exploring other parts of Santo Antão is equally rewarding, although it comes with its own set of challenges:

• Remote Accommodations: Staying in remote areas might limit your dining and entertainment options, so many accommodations offer meal plans.

• Hiace/Aluguer Costs: Private transportation options are more expensive at night, so plan your trips accordingly.

• Ferry Schedule: Public transportation is often aligned with the ferry schedule from Mindelo to Porto Novo.

One particularly remote yet rewarding destination is Tarrafal de Monte Trigo. This town is so off the beaten path that visiting it will likely take two days if you use public transportation. Renting a 4x4 through companies like Novalinha could offer more flexibility and save time.

Santo Antão Highlights: Quality Over Quantity

Santo Antão is vast and filled with stunning landscapes, so it's essential to prioritize quality over quantity:

• Combined Hikes: Incorporate routes like Pico de Cruz, Cova, Paúl, Xôxô, and Fontainhas to experience the island's varied terrain.

• Relaxation: Ensure you have downtime to relax between hikes. This will enhance your overall experience and let you truly appreciate the island's beauty.

• Future Itineraries: More detailed itineraries will be shared in future posts to help you plan your visit.

General Tips

• Strategic Planning: Plan your routes and accommodations to maximize your time on the island.

• Limit Accommodation Changes: Minimize shifting between various accommodations to reduce travel fatigue.

• Enjoyment and Beauty: Most importantly, take your time to soak in the incredible beauty of Santo Antão. The island's charm lies in its tranquil, awe-inspiring landscapes that deserve every moment of your appreciation.