Casa das Ilhas

Casa das Ilhas is comprised of a number of little houses, mid-way up Santo Antão’s most celebrated valley, the Ribeira Paúl.

This is an ideal base for intrepid hikers, with walking possibilities both up and down the valley.

The Casa is Belgian-Cape Verdean run, though English is also spoken. There are nine basic rooms, set out in cottages on the steep mountain terraces. Rooms are simple with large, comfortable beds. Five have private bathrooms with a shower while the other four share two showers and three toilets between them. There is also one family room which sleeps up to six. During the day the dining room turns into a kindergarten for local children and any donations towards this kindergarten are always welcome.

Due to the Casa’s wonderfully rural location, we always recommend staying on a half board basis, including delicious evening meals and tasty breakfasts.

Fruit and vegetables are grown around the Casa and feature heavily in the meals, which are served around a communal dining table. After dinner, the owners usually offer their home-made grogue, the drink for which Santo Antão is famous.

The property is accessed via a short steep walk but fear not – there’s always someone to carry your luggage to and from the Casa.