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Santo Antao
The hiking paradise of Cape Verde
Discover the authentic beauty of Santo Antão, the greenest island of them all! Become one with nature, enjoy breathtaking views and get to know the island's tropical fauna and flora. Immerse yourself in the warm and open mentality of the people, unwind after a hike with the local Grogue and flow with the relaxed lifestyle...
A hidden gem in the ocean
With its vast valleys, impressive landscapes, green mountains and untamed coastlines Santo Antão is a true hiking paradise. Discover the stark contrast between the rough west and the greener north-east of the island.
The west is dry and sparse, with little rainfall. The north-east, on the other hand, is green and fertile. In this humid micro-climate you'll find green valleys dotted with tall palms, wild agave and pine trees. Banana, papaya and sugarcane plantations in terraces built up the hills complete the tropical picture.
Highlights of Santo Antão
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Ponta do Sol: the first settlement on the island and now a colourful fishing village. One of the best places to watch the sunset over the ocean.
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Paul Valley: the most famous valley for hiking and sightseeing. Walk past the farmers terraces, sleep quietly in the mountains and try a local restaurant. This valley offers the most accommodations on the island.
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Delgadinho: a stunning look out point on the Corda road between the 2 valleys of Ribeira Grande and Ribeira da Torre.
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Ribeira Grande: the capital village with a well kept colonial centre, trade houses and narrow streets. Follow the mural paintings spread out in town and observe the local daily life.
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Tarrafal: the only accessible black beach sand on the island with a small fishing village and relaxed beach vibes.
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Topa de Coroa: this sleeping volcano is with its1979 meters the highest point on the island and a challenging hike uphill the black sand.
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Fontainhas: a beautiful mountain village located on the cliff hike Ponta do Sol-Cruzinha.
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Cova volcano crater: a flat place in the middle of the crater created a good place for agriculture. Look at Cova from the viewpoint or hike the crater and then down to Paul valley.
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Xoxo: A photogenic stop at the end of the road in Ribeira da Torre. Close to the charming bar Melicia and a refreshing water tank/pool.
1 hour ferry trip between Sao Vicente & Santo Antao
Transport to Santo Antão
The only way of getting to Santo Antao is by ferry from the neighbour island Sao Vicente. The 2 ferry companies (Armas & CV interilhas) connect Mindelo to Porto Novo and back 4 times a day. These are the current schedules (June 2023):
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Mindelo - Porto Novo 07:00 & 08:00, 14:00 & 15:00 (mon-sat)
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Porto Novo - Mindelo 09:00 & 10:00, 16:00 & 17:00 (mon-sat)
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Slightly different time table on Sundays
A return ticket per adult costs1600 CVE (Nos Ferry June 2023) and can be bought in the harbour of Mindelo. Please bring your passport when booking.
Where to stay
Santo Antão Island Access: Ferry Services from São Vicente
Santo Antão, a mountainous island, is only reachable by boat from São Vicente. The ferry journey from Mindelo to Porto Novo takes about an hour and operates four times daily. Two companies, Armas and CV Interilhas, run this route. You can buy tickets easily at the Mindelo and Porto Novo harbors right before leaving or a few days earlier. As of January 2024, ferries leave Mindelo for Porto Novo at 07:00, 08:00, 14:00, and 15:00. From Porto Novo to Mindelo, they depart at 09:00, 10:00, 16:00, and 17:00. On Sundays, afternoon ferries are an hour later. Each ferry company has one morning and one-afternoon departure. They swap schedules with their competitor every 45 days.
Explore Santo Antão: Your Ultimate Guide to Island Hopping
Nestled in the heart of Cape Verde, the island of Santo Antão is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. With its rugged landscapes, lush valleys, and untouched beauty, this destination is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. What makes Santo Antão even more intriguing is its unique accessibility, ensuring that its authenticity remains well-preserved.
Island Hopping to Santo Antão
The authenticity of Santo Antão is well-kept, primarily because this mountainous island is only accessible by boat from its neighbouring island, São Vicente. This mode of transportation adds to Santo Antão's charm and helps preserve its natural beauty. The ferry ride from Mindelo, São Vicente's capital, to Porto Novo on Santo Antão is delightful. Two reputable companies, Armas and CV Interilhas, operate this route, providing a convenient and reliable connection between the two islands.
Booking Your Ferry Ride
Obtaining ferry tickets for your voyage is a straightforward process. You can purchase them at the Mindelo harbour on São Vicente or Porto Novo on Santo Antão. Tickets are available for purchase right before departure or a few days in advance, offering flexibility for travellers.
Ferry Schedule (As of January 2024)
To help you plan your island-hopping adventure, here is the current ferry schedule:
From Mindelo (São Vicente) to Porto Novo (Santo Antão)
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Departures at 07:00 AM and 08:00 AM
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Afternoon departures at 02:00 PM and 03:00 PM
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On Sundays, there is an additional departure one hour later in the afternoon
From Porto Novo (Santo Antão) to Mindelo (São Vicente)
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Morning departures at 09:00 AM and 10:00 AM
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Afternoon departures at 04:00 PM and 05:00 PM
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On Sundays, there is an additional departure one hour later in the afternoon
Dynamic Schedules
It's important to note that the ferry companies, Armas and CV Interilhas, each have one daily morning (AM) and evening (PM) departure. Furthermore, they change their schedules every 45 days to compete effectively with each other, ensuring that travellers have ample choices and flexibility.
Discover Santo Antão with Cabomundo
As you plan to explore Santo Antão's authenticity, consider us, your trusted travel partner. We offer many services and resources to enhance your island-hopping experience. From expert guides to local insights, we ensure you make the most of your adventure.
Santo Antão's authenticity is a treasure worth preserving, and the journey to this stunning island is an experience. Make the most of your visit by choosing Cabomundo as your travel companion. With our platform, your exploration of Santo Antão will be filled with unforgettable moments and a deep appreciation for this untouched paradise.