Cape Verde: A Surprising Hiking Hot Spot Off the Coast of Africa

By Ivan PetrenkoJul 24, 2024 12:30 PMNews
Share:
Pedra Lume, Cape Verde
Pedra Lume, Cape Verde. Source: unsplash

Cape Verde, particularly the island of Santo Antão, offers a remarkable hiking experience where nature and culture merge seamlessly. Life here feels at the mercy of the elements, with hikes revealing a warm and welcoming community, ending in passionate songs accompanied by warming rum.

On Santo Antão, the contrast between noise and silence is striking. One moment, the sound of the ocean, trade winds, and local music fills the air; the next, a profound silence can be found in the island's sheltered spots, highlighting its remote and captivating nature.

The island, part of a 10-island nation 350 nautical miles off the West African coast, is characterized by rugged landscapes, from towering cliffs to lush valleys. Cape Verde’s history, shaped by volcanic activity and colonization, has created a unique Creole culture. The people speak both Portuguese and Cape Verdean Kriolu, embodying concepts of morabeza (warmth and openness) and sodade (a deep longing).

Exploring Santo Antão’s Green Valleys

Santo Antão, without an airport, is accessed via ferry from Mindelo on the neighboring island of São Vicente. Mindelo is a vibrant port town with brightly painted streets and rich street art, including tributes to Cesária Évora, Cape Verde’s most famous morna singer.

After arriving in Santo Antão, a taxi to Pombas and a hike along the Ribeira do Paúl reveal Cape Verde at its greenest. The valley, filled with sugarcane, bananas, and vibrant wildlife, offers a striking contrast to the desolate terrain. The trail leads to Pico de Antónia, where local hospitality is exemplified by encounters with residents such as Alcinda Fonceca, who runs a café in the mountainous hamlet.

Savoring Local Flavors

The hike ends at O Curral in Chã de João Vaz, where homemade juices, cheeses, and grogue (rum distilled from sugarcane) are offered. Grogue, Cape Verde’s national drink, has been produced since the Portuguese arrived, with the best coming from Santo Antão.

In Ponta do Sol, a town at the island’s northern tip, local bars offer an inviting atmosphere. Cantinho da Música, owned by Jaqueline Santos, provides a roof terrace for guests to enjoy drinks like xtomperod (grogue mixed with honey liqueur) and live music, creating a vibrant and communal experience.

Discovering Remote Trails

Walking is essential for experiencing Santo Antão’s deep connection to its landscape. Many villages have no roads, and locals often trek long distances. Trails used for centuries by locals are now drawing hikers, offering a glimpse into the island’s unique way of life.

Ponta do Sol’s B&B Coração, built by Belgian expats, offers views of the ocean and abandoned runways, adding to the island’s rugged charm. The nine-mile hike to Cruzinha along the coast passes through Fontainhas, a village known for its stunning views and colorful houses perched on cliffs.

Immersed in Nature

The hike continues through Aranhas, an abandoned village overtaken by nature, showcasing the enduring agricultural terraces. The final walk along Ribeira das Patas offers a challenging yet rewarding trek with views of volcanic landscapes and distant peaks.

Returning to Civilization

The journey ends back in Mindelo, where the bustling town contrasts with the wild, remote hikes of Santo Antão. Cape Verde, with its unique blend of music, culture, and natural beauty, leaves a lasting impression on those who explore its trails.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Seating area inside Dublin Airport lounge overlooking runway with international aircraft in view

Dublin Airport Broadens Global Reach for Summer 2025

Mar 29, 2025 13:43 PM
A passenger taps their card at a train station ticket barrier using contactless payment

Ticket Office Cuts Raise Travel Concerns

Mar 29, 2025 11:27 AM

Brussels Airlines Unveils Refined Inflight Dining

Mar 29, 2025 09:36 AM

Southern Italy Rail Upgrades to Disrupt Travel

Mar 29, 2025 07:41 AM
flydubai aircraft on runway with mountain backdrop

flydubai Restores Pisa Flights Ahead of Summer

Mar 29, 2025 05:29 AM
Man participating in a public protest or demonstration, facing another person in conversation

Easter Travel at Risk Amid Heathrow PRM Staff Strike

Mar 29, 2025 03:34 AM
Silhouettes of travellers waiting at an airport terminal during sunset

Edinburgh Airport Unveils Passenger-Focused Upgrades for Summer

Mar 28, 2025 23:42 PM
A quiet British railway station with footbridge and empty platforms on a cloudy day

Historic Rail Celebrations Unlock New Travel Routes Across the UK

Mar 28, 2025 20:38 PM
Tail fins of Iberia aircraft parked at Madrid-Barajas Airport on a clear day

Airline Alliance Expands Travel Options Between Spain and Argentina

Mar 28, 2025 18:24 PM

Benidorm Reinvents Itself as Eco-Friendly Holiday Destination

Mar 28, 2025 16:43 PM

Air France Adds Hotel-Style Bedding to Business Class for Long-Haul Flights

Mar 28, 2025 14:37 PM
Passengers at London King’s Cross station beside LNER and other trains under a large arched roof

LNER Opens Advance Ticket Sales for Summer 2025 Travel Across the UK

Mar 28, 2025 12:26 PM
Jet2holidays airplane flying low over a coastal road near a populated area with parked vehicles and scenic green hills

Jet2 Adds Norway Fjord Trips from Newcastle and Leeds Bradford

Mar 28, 2025 10:50 AM
Dark storm clouds forming in the sky before heavy rainfall

Polar Vortex Raises Storm Risk for UK Travelers

Mar 28, 2025 02:41 AM
easyJet aircraft parked at airport gate on a sunny day

easyJet Expands Inflight Services for Summer Travellers

Mar 28, 2025 00:39 AM

Delays Expected on Northern Italy Rail Routes

Mar 27, 2025 22:45 PM

Jet2 Opening New Travel Horizons With Expanded Winter 2025/26 Routes from Newcastle

Mar 27, 2025 20:28 PM
People walking along a historic street in central Torino at sunset

Torino Opens to Travelers as 2025 European Capital of Smart Tourism

Mar 27, 2025 18:33 PM
Ryanair plane landing at sunset at Manchester Airport

Manchester Expands African Flight Options

Mar 27, 2025 16:46 PM
Young woman using smartphone at a European train station

Interrail Booking Becomes Effortless with New Digital System

Mar 27, 2025 14:29 PM
Emirates A380 aircraft taxiing at Sydney Airport during sunset

Emirates Marks 25 Years with Enhanced Sydney Travel

Mar 27, 2025 12:31 PM
A First Class train operated by Transport for Wales approaching a station through a residential area

Michelin-Level Dining on Welsh Rails

Mar 27, 2025 10:44 AM

Travel Disruptions Expected as Helsinki Airport Protest Approaches

Mar 27, 2025 08:27 AM

Heavy Fog Disrupts Transport in Southern England

Mar 27, 2025 06:32 AM
Airplane with Star Alliance livery parked at gate at the airport

Star Alliance and ÖBB Partner to Boost Train-Flight Integration

Mar 26, 2025 23:37 PM
Dark railway tunnel with visible train tracks leading to a lit station exit

Weekend Rail Works to Disrupt Derbyshire Routes

Mar 26, 2025 21:41 PM