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Westernmost and largest of the Barlavento islands of Cape Verde
Photo: CorreiaPM, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Santo Antão is the second biggest of the Cape Verde islands and very different from its barren neighbor, São Vicente, you'll be using as its gateway. Santo Antão is the most northern and the most western island of the archipelago, with the area of 779 km², maximum length of 43 km and maximum width of 24 km. The highest point is Topo de Coroa, 1979 m high.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Authentic towns perched on a rim between two valleys.
Small coastal settlement squeezed into a deep valley.
Seaside ghost town with an impressive backdrop.
Fertile volcano crater with a spectacular view over the adjecent Ribeira do Paúl valley.
Inland road, connecting both cities, with jaw dropping views on a day with no or high clouds.
Farol Fontes Pereira de Mela
The biggest and the oldest lighthouse of Cape Verde. Built 1886, now abandoned.
The black sandy beach here is protected by mountains from the winds and offers good swimming and snorkeling on all but a few days a year. There are also many good hikes here.
Gorgeous hike through the lower latitudes of Ribeira do Paúl. Moderate with steep sections. 4-5 hr. 200 m elevation change.
Stunning hike on a day with clear skies or high clouds. Hard, starting off with a 5-km-long climb of 20% inclination. 7-8 hr. 1000 m elevation change.
Beautiful hike through the lower latitudes of Ribeira de Torre. Moderate return trail with a side track to Lombo de Pico. 3-4h. 400m elevation change.
Pleasant hike through the lower latitudes of Ribeira de Figueiral. From the easternmost point of this trail, there is a shortcut to Ribeira Chã das Pedras through the sugarcane fields (instead of passing by Boca de João Afonso). Easy with moderate sections. 2-3 hr. 200 m elevation change.
Splendid coastal hike from Cruzinha to Ponta do Sol (or vice versa). Moderate with steep sections. 5-6 hr. 200 m elevation change.
A great place to sleep in the Ribeira do Paúl. José, the Spanish owner, cooks an excellent 3-course dinner for 1650 CVE per person.
Hotel Xoxo / Kasa Xoxo
Basic and clean accommodation. A great place to sleep in the Ribeira de Torre. The on-site restaurant boasts beautiful views over the lower part of the valley.
Comfortable rooms in local ownership. Boasts stunning views over the Ribeira da Figueiral valley, copious and delicious dinners (order the grilled grouper!) and a refreshing swimming pool.
By ferry
There is a punctual twice daily ferry connection from the island São Vicente. The trip from Mindelo to Porto Novo takes about 1 hour with the ferry.
By taxi
A "frete" is a privatized collective taxi., this is a good option.
By car
You can rent a car in Porto Novo for €50-60 per day. Two car rental agencies even have a counter at the ferry terminal.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
São Pedro · International · VXE
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