Santo Antao island Cape Verde

Remote, stunning Santo Antao island is only accessible via the ferry that makes the hours’ crossing from Mindelo in Sao Vicente, twice a day.

It’s worth the effort and this mountainous and sparsely-inhabited island draws in lovers of scenery and walking. You don’t have to be a walker to appreciate the island – our English speaking guides can show you their home during an island tour by vehicle. If you are a walker though you’ll particularly love the north eastern valleys – the lush Paul Valley and the huge Ribeira Grande.

If you’re here for two to four days then we recommend that you concentrate on these north east valleys. Stay in the Paul Valley at one of several guest houses, perhaps the Casa Cavoquinho or the lovely Aldeia Manga or simpler, sociable Casa das Ilhas. There’s a network of paths in the Paul valley that you can discover for yourself or be shown around by one of our guides.

A guide is essential when walking  between valleys not least as we’ll also arrange your onward luggage. In Ribeira Grande stay at the Pedracin Village, or on the north coast get away from it all at the wonderful Kasa d’Igreja or Mamiwata Eco Village.

Ponta Do Sol is a lovely port town on the north eastern tip, with views back along the northern coast and a small selection of cafes and restaurants. In town stay at the Musica do Mar on the seafront, or if you prefer more facilities there’s the Tiduca Hotel around the harbour.

To really get under the skin of this amazing island you need at least a three-centre stay and nine nights to spare. If you have longer to stay or want to get off the more usual tourist track you can lose yourself way out west at Santo Antao’s Tarrafal – stay at the Mar Tranquilidade, where getting here’s an adventure in itself. In the central mountains there’s the Quinta Cochete (not yet on our site but we can include it in your itinerary on request) in the high plains of the Cha de Morte.

A day trip is possible from Sao Vicente but we’d definitely stay longer than that on Santo Antao ourselves!