Casa Marisa

Casa Marisa on the island of Fogo is the place if you want to stay somewhere unique and quirky.

It literally rose from the ashes after the volcanic eruption of Pico de Fogo in November 2014. The casa was re-built and opened again less than a year later on top of the hot lava – make sure to wear some footwear as the floor is too hot to walk on with bare feet.

The casa has simple but spacious brightly painted rooms with en-suite facilities built around an open courtyard. The newer funky funkus (like the traditional circular African huts) all have a roof terrace under a conical shaped wooden slatted roof. At an altitude of nearly 1700 metres, this is a place with its own unique atmosphere and the most amazing starry nights.

The huge dining room serves great food (a mixture of French and Capeverdean dishes) made with local produce by owner Marisa and her sisters. Try the locally produced wine as well. Husband Mustafa is a keen climber and has developed the first Via Ferrata on the Bordeira. There is WiFi in the dining room, but you have to pay to get access.