Cape Verde Walking Holiday and Carnival Celebrations

A Cape Verde Walking Holiday on Santo Antao and the most colourful event of the year!

This is a Cape Verde walking holiday with a difference! Four days of walking on Santo Antao, mixed in with carnival celebrations on Sao Vicente. We think this is a fantastic way to enjoy the two islands and the culture of Cape Verde. Though the date of the main parade is fixed to Tuesday 17th February 2026, all other elements of this holiday can be flexible. The creole carnival celebrations take place during the middle of Cape Verde’s dry season. The valley walks on Santo Antao won’t be as green as they are in the wet season, but the trails will be dry and you can enjoy pleasantly warm temperatures. Combine clear skies with elevated paths and you get expansive of views across this scenic island.

Carnival is hugely popular amongst the residents of Sao Vicente. The expertly tailored costumes, dances, and music all reflect the rich culture of Cape Verde. The unique mix of African and Portuguese cultural celebrations is a reminder of Cape Verde’s pivotal role in the trans-Atlantic trade of the 1600’s. Though the main parade is on shrove Tuesday, there are parties, street bands, food stalls, and celebrations in the week leading up to the main parade. On the day of the main parade, the streets come alive with energetic drum beats, swirling dance troops and spectacular floats, each competing to win the coveted carnival prize: VIDEO FOOTAGE

We’ve combined the Carnival with a visit to Santo Antao because it’s is one of the best islands for walking trails. A one hour ferry crossing takes you to Porto Novo on Santo Antao and you’ll often see jumping fish, such as the blue marlin. From Porto Novo, you’ll be driven up a steep cobbled mountain road to the crater rim of Cova do Paul. You’ll trek to the crater floor, a flat fertile land that is perfect farmland  for growing of grain. Ascending the crater rim on the other side, you join a path that zig zags down a steep decline into the Paul Valley. The views are simply stunning and it’s easy to see why the Paul Valley walk is so popular. We include a free day in the valley and your hosts will suggest some nice return routes for you to consider.

For a change in scenery, you will be transferred to Pinhao for a beautiful walk spanning several valleys, taking you through terraced hillside and deserted mountain villages. Your final days walk takes you along the coast to Ponto do Sol.

To discuss a taylor-made version of this holiday with one of our team:

📞Call: 017687 21030

💻Email: team@archipelagochoice.com

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