Casa Baobab

The Casa Baobab is in Tarrafal de Monte Trigo, a remote fishing village at the Southwestern end of Santo Antao.

This is a great place to stay if you looking for a characterful place that takes you away from the crowds. The journey into this fishing town is an adventure in itself, driving through remote villages on increasingly narrow roads, finally winding downwards through the mountains on a dirt roads until you reach the black sands of the coast. Along the way, you will get a fantastic view of Topo da Coroa, the highest mountain on the island at 1979m.

After your exciting journey through the mountains you will be taken to the Casa Baobab, which is nestled between the mountains and the sea. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in the local culture; you can watch the fishermen from your private balcony, head out to a local restaurant to enjoy the island cuisine and explore the mountain trails.

The rooms are simple but spacious and clean, each with it’s own private balcony, kitchenette and bathroom. If you book early, you can get a room with a sea view but the mountain views are beautiful too. The staff are lovely and are always happy to help, whether that’s booking an excursion for you or advising on the best restaurants to visit. Breakfast is provided but the little kitchenette is useful if you want to come back for lunch, or for making drinks to enjoy on your private balcony.

David, the owner, is originally French but has lived on Santo Antao for many years and runs the dive school here. You can book a diving experience with David, or ask him about swimming in the sea because there can sometimes be an undertow. If you just want to relax, you can book a massage, take a walk along the black sandy beach and stroll through the village.

For those that like hiking, there is a lovely walk up the Rio Da Tarrafal Valley, where you will find a series of waterfalls, or you can walk to the isolated fishing village of Monte Trigo.

If you are travelling as a family or group of friends, David’s wife rents out a lovely house with a private pool, so just let us know if you want more information on this option.