Overview

Our Cape Verde walking holiday on Santo Antao is a must for nature lovers and keen hikers.

Walk the Cova Crater, on old cobbled paths into the Paul Valley with it’s terraces of bananas, almonds and mango trees. Explore hamlets filled with the aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans, leading you down to the coast for a dinner of fresh fish and locally-grown sweet potato. End the day with a toast to the bold, brilliant sunset with a glass of the local sugar-cane grogue.

Even the locals call Santo Antao a paradise; a subtropical garden of Eden. It’s hard not to fall in love with this beautiful island. Spend time here guided by the locals – your guided days are private and just for you.

 

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Best for...

Couples
Families
Groups
Solo Travellers

Itinerary

Depart Heathrow and fly via Lisbon to Sao Vicente in Cape Verde. On arrival transfer to Hotel Oasis Porto Grande where you stay for two nights. The hotel is within walking distance of many restaurants and the harbour. In the evening you could listen to live music in a nearby bar or restaurant. Also located opposite the hotel is Plaza Amilcar Cabral, a popular spot in Mindelo where locals meet for a coffee or a chat.
You will be picked up early in the morning and should be prepared for an exhilarating day. Our full day off-road private jeep tour is a great way to see parts of the island you wouldn't be able to see in a normal car. You will be visiting Palha Carga, Calhau, Sandy Beach, Praia Grande, Baia Norte, Baia das Gatas and Monte Verde. Lunch is included.
After an early breakfast, transfer to the ferry port for your one-hour ferry crossing to Santo Antao. Your private driver and guide will already be waiting for you when you arrive. Drive up the steep road to Cova crater where you start your walk. Today you walk (4-5hrs) down the cobbled path which zigs zags its way down into the green fertile Paul Valley amongst towering cliffs and tropic vegetation consisting of sugar cane, mango and dragon trees. Depending on the time of the year, you can also visit a grogue distillery. The walk can be hard on the knees, so make sure you bring your walking poles. The walk ends at Casa das Ilhas where you stay for one night. A picnic is included.
Your private guide will be picking you up again after breakfast and you will be driven to the Cha das Pedras valley, where your walk starts. Today's walk (4-5hrs) including a picnic, starts with an uphill bit and you soon have magnificent views of the valley below you and the small houses scattered about on the steep hillsides. Once you have reached the ridge, you can see a long but interesting path winding its' way down to the next village in the valley and your accommodation. Your luggage will be transferred separately and will be waiting for you at Pedracin Village where you stay for one night.
Accompanied by your private guide, you'll hike up and over to the remote Cha d'Igreja valley and the pretty village of Casa d'Igreja itself. The moderate to difficult walk (4-5hrs) has some exposed and narrow paths, but the scenery is stunning. Your luggage will be transferred separately to Kasa d'Igreja for your one night stay. Picnic is included.
Your final walk on the island takes you, again accompanied by your private guide, along the dramatic Atlantic coast from your Kasa to Ponta do Sol. The walk has plenty of photo opportunity spots and although it is moderate in distance, there are some steep and challenging sections. The duration is 5 to 6 hours and a packed lunch is included. Your luggage will be transferred separately to Musica do Mar where you stay for one night.
Early morning transfer the ferry port for your crossing back to Sao Vicente. Depending on the flight to Sal, you may have some free time in Mindelo before it's time for your transfer to the airport. On arrival transfer to the Morabeza where you stay for one night.
Free time until it's time for your transfer to the airport. Fly home via Lisbon.

Guide price £2,300 per person

We can create a tailor-made holiday to suit your budget.

INCLUDED: International flights (guide price only), accommodation in twin share, en-suite rooms on a breakfast only basis throughout, dinner is included at Casa das Ilhas, Pedracin and Kasa d'Igreja. Return airport / ferry transfers on Sal, São Vicente and Santo Antao. Return ferry tickets to Santo Antao. One return inter-island flight per person São Vicente/Sal . 5 x guided walks / excursions as per the itinerary. Visas, support from our team in Cape Verde, and air ticket reconfirmation (if required). EXCLUDED: Meals not specified above and insurance. Additional excursions on free days.

Accommodation

The combination of accommodation we choose for your trip is part of the key to an unforgettable holiday. From coastal hideaways to small hotels nestled in the mountains each island has some great accommodation choices and the hotels on this trip have been specially selected for you.

Activities

We have included the most amazing walks Santa Antao has to offer. Most are suitable for all ages, but many can be adapted to your abilities and experience.

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