Tag: Cape Verde holidays

Follow the sun to Cape Verde islands
Cabo Verde – The Cape Verde islands are waiting for you

Beach and discovery – Holidays all year round

Soak up the sun, gather new impressions or simply move your “home office” to the Cape Verde Islands for a month or two.
Contact us! for your tailor made holidays in Cape Verde Islands.

Flights to Cape Verde

The TAP Portugal is connecting the Cape Verde Islands several times a week via Lisbon with numerous European cities. Chose your country of origin directly on the web site, right corner above.
Depending on your airport of departure and travel date, you can find flights to the international capeverdian airports of Sao Vicente (VXE), Sal (SID) or Praia (RAI).

Tip: Enter “no stop-over” when searching for a flight and you will get a cheaper all-inclusive price, but you will usually stay in Lisbon anyway and fly on the next morning. Lisbon is ideal to get you into your holiday mood. The taxi will bring you from the airport to the old city center in around 15 minutes.

We will be happy to help you reserve a nice hotel room. From there you can easily explore the historical center of Lisbon by walking and possibly experience the sunset on the Tejo River.

Get into your holiday mood on a relaxed walk in the historical center of Lisbon during your stop-over – and look forward to Cape Verde Islands!

Good News!
There are also scheduled TUI flights to the islands of Sal (SID) and Boa Vista (BCV):

TUI Flights from UK

TUI Flights from Belgium

Contact | Booking

Accommodation in Cape Verde Islands

Within our travel packages, we provide selected accommodations in guest houses, B&B, Hotels and Eco-Lodges

Mobile working

How about simply relocating your “home office” to a beautiful location on Cape Verde for a while?
We’ll tell you where.
Our travel recommendations

For the current season, we recommend the following travel programs.
The programs can be individually adapted depending on your personal preferences and flight schedules.

Summer 2025

Cape Verdean Summer Dreams Holidays with an exotic touch

All year round

Islands of dreams your holiday combination on Cabo Verde Islands

October to June:
Windward Islands Roundtrip with hiking on the northern islands

More Travel Inspirations for Cape Verde islands
In the event of cancellations, our General Terms and Conditions apply.

In order to feel more relaxed and safe at any time before or during your holidays, we recommend you to get a travel insurance.

You will find entry requirements for Cabo Verde as well as further tips for your Cape Verde holidays on our Travel Information & Tips for Cape Verde.
18. April 2020
Capeverde roundtrip “SODADE” discovery tour
Capeverde Round trip “SODADE”

Discovery – Beaches, mountains, culture and easy hikes

Immerse yourself, on this exciting CapeVerde round trip, into the cultural mix of the islands between 3 continents. Enjoy breathtaking landscapes and relax on beautiful beaches. Discover an unforgettable volcanic scenery with the Pico de Fogo and hospitable people. Visit the historical place where capeverdean creole culture has his origin. And let you get enchanted by the lively and colorful harbor town of Mindelo and Cape Verde music. The Capeverde roundtrip “SODADE” is the perfect travel program if you want to discover Cape Verde in all its diversity.

• Dream beaches islands Sal and Boa Vista
• Fogo with its volcano
• Cidade Velha – Historical Places
• Valley of Paul – Santo Antao
• Breathtaking landscapes, dunes and canyons
• Harbour Towns & Colorful markets
• Fresh fish and Cape Verdean music
• Selected accommodations

Islands: (Sal) – São Vicente- Santo Antão- Santiago- Fogo- Boa Vista

Extension possible in beach appartement, BOA VISTA island.

Duration: 15 days
Date: individual, all year round

Round trip: with optional walks or easy hikes
We adjust the level individually, just ask!

How to reach Cape Verde

There are Charter flights to Sal (SID) and Boa Vista (BVC)

Also, there are daily flights via Lisbon to Cape Verde, operated by TAP Portugal

NOTE: The national flights inside Cape Verde Islands are included in the Capeverde roundtrip “SODADE”

Capeverde Roundtrip “SODADE” – discovery tour

Capeverde roundtrip “SODADE”

Price from € 2690,–

per person in double room, with min. 2 persons
Exact price and supplement for single room depending on the date, please ask us for an individual offer
Discount for families and groups

Duration: 15 days

Date: individual, all year round

Contact | Booking
Program Capeverde roundtrip “SODADE” – discovery tour with BOA VISTA

Day 1 Arrival at Sal airport Transfer to your hotel in Santa Maria Relaxing, swimming, walking on the beach, enjoy the sun …..

Day 2 Excursion to the salt pans in the crater of Pedra Lume (“swimming like in the Dead Sea”) and to Shark Bay, where the harmless baby lime sharks swim next to your feet. Overnight in Santa Maria.

Day 3 Flight to Sao Vicente and guided walk through the lively little harbour town of of Mindelo, with its colonial style houses and colorful markets (3 hrs). In the afternoon, optional private sightseeing tour around the island (extra).
Overnight in Mindelo.

Day 4 The ferry brings you to Santo Antao island, next island in your CapeVerde discovery roundtrip (1 hr. crossing). As the car climbs up the old mountain road, the landscape changes from desert into green. Guided walk along the Cova Crater and acacia forest to a lookout point (1h). Typical Cape Verdean lunch included. 2 nights in a small, nice hotel in the coastal village of Paul (optional eco- lodge with halfboard, extra charge).

Day 5 Charming hike on trails and paths in the green Valley of Paul, between terraced fields and thatched stone houses, (4 h ,+/- 450 m or 2 hours, +/- 150 m , at your choice). The Valley of Paul is well known all over Cape Verde for its tropical vegetation and mountain scenery. At the end of the hike, you will have lunch in a restaurant with typical local products (included).

Day 6 After breakfast, transfer to your next accomodation in the fishing village of Ponta do Sol. Ponta do Sol is located at the northeastern tip of the island. Hike on a donkey trail over the cliffs of the north coast. (about 1.5 h, +/- 150 hm). Enjoy fresh local fish for dinner! There may be some traditional capeverdean life music around tonight. Private accommodation with sea views in the fishing village of Ponta do Sol.

Day 7 Free day in Ponta do Sol. The small harbor gets very much alive when the fishermen bring in their catch in the morning.
In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing massage (included).

Day 8 Trip through the Ribeira Grande valley to the fishing village Cruzinha with a dive into the sea – or a beautiful walk over two side valleys of the Ribeira Grande (3 h, +/- 350 hm) – it’s you choice today. For more details ask your guide. Picnic included.

Day 9 Farewell to the island of Santo Antao, the ferry brings you back to Sao Vicente. Flight to Santiago island, the following destination of your capeverde discovery roundtrip. You will stay overnight in a small, nice hotel with pool in Cidade Velha. Cidade Velha is a small UNESCO world heritage site where the capeverdean creole culture started some 550 years ago.

Day 10 Trip to the center of the nearby Capeverdean capital Praia. There you can buy local delicacies on the bustling fruit and vegetable market. On the African market, you can do some haggling. In the afternoon, time to stroll through Cidade Velha, once an important Portuguese slave trading center. Today, you can enjoy your dinner at sunset in a charming atmosphere close to the sea.

Day 11 Flight to Fogo island. Dominated by the majestic volcano “Pico de Fogo”, the National Park of the Caldera is a world in itself. Impressive hike at the colorful crater of the latest eruption in 2014/2015 (3 h, +/- 280 m). Overnight in the National Park at the foot of the volcano. Dinner included.

Day 12 Drive down to the coast and leisure in the pretty colonial town of Sao Filipe. Overnight in a small colonial style hotel in Sao Filipe or hotel ****. Dinner included.

Day 13 Flights to Praia and onward flight to the island of Boa Vista, that entices with white beaches and dunes. The perfect place to relax and review your exciting discovery roundtrip across the Capeverde Islands. Small hotel or appartement in first line to the beach in Sal Rei.

Day 14 – Beach day – also beckon interesting excursions

Day 15 – Leisure at the beach – Transfer to the airport for your return flight. – Optional extension in beach appartement on BOA VISTA island.

Contact | Booking
Services included in the tour package

of the CapeVerde RoundTrip “SODADE”

Domestic flights: Sal – Sao Vicente – Praia – Fogo – Praia – Boa Vista

Ferry: São Vicente – Santo Antão – São Vicente

A total of 14 nights in a double room/ private bathroom

2 nights in hotel near the beach

7 nights in guest houses / small hotels, with sea view or panoramic view

2 nights in family hotel with pool

1 night in a private family pension (Fogo National Park)

1 night in hotel 4 ****

2 nights in the hotel or apartment in the immediate vicinity of the beach

Meals:

2 x lunch / picnic
1 x picnic
4 x dinner

Furthermore included:

Excursions, island trips and hikes according to program

Massage voucher

Tour guide English language

All transfers and baggage transfers resulting from the program

Tourist tax except in Sal

Our service:

During your entire trip we are available for you personally or by phone directly in the Cape Verde Islands.

Not included:
– International flight
– Visa fees
– Single room supplement
– Tourist tax in Sal (there you pay 2,– Euros/day/person directly in the hotel)
– Drinks
– Gratuities
– All services not listed here

Round trip “SODADE” – extension Boa Vista

Boa Vista as a beach and dune island is the right choice for some relaxing days at the white beaches. With its reefs surrounding the island, it also interesting for divers. In addition to bathing and beach hiking, various island excursions are offered on site.

In spring you may have the chance to see whales on a boat trip.

From July to September, turtles can be observed during egg laying.

If you’d love to enjoy some extension days in Boa Vista, we can offer you a nice appartement with breakfast included, in a comfortable accommodation right on the beach – away from the all-inclusive hotels. Just let us know.

Contact | Booking
16. May 2016
Tailor made holidays in Cape Verde
Tailor made holidays in Cape Verde

Your personalized Cabo Verde travel program

We will be pleased to adjust our travel programs over the Cape Verde Islands to your travel date and to your individual wishes and ideas.

Do you fancy one of our travel programs, but you would like to walk more, or much less? Ask us.

Are you planning a Cape Verde roundtrip with a closed group: your hiking club, friends, family or business partners? We will tailor the right program for you at a reasonable price.

On request, we can also design your own individual travel program.

Do you plan a report on the Cape Verde Islands?

Have you visited Cape Verde islands before and would love to discover more? We have a big choice of interesting hikes, activities, excursions and specials in our magic box.

Contact us here for your tailor made Cape Verde Holidays

Contact | Reservation
Your individual holidays with VIP Tours Cabo Verde

Below you will find a choice of our discovery tours and roundtrips for your holidays in the islands of Cape Verde. We can individually adapt any of them according to your preferences.

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Christine Lang2025-07-12T00:29:09+02:00
Follow the sun to Cape Verde islands
What could be better than to escape for a holiday to the sunny Cape Verde islands? Warm climate, hospitable people, stunning sandy beaches, mountains, tropical valleys and music. We from VIP Tours Cabo Verde help you to enjoy some colorful and relaxing days.
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Christine Lang2023-09-19T05:16:18+02:00
Gallery 2
Impressions of Tour to Santo Antao here are some pictures of our hiking tours in Santo Antao […]
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Christine Lang2025-05-26T17:23:53+02:00
Gallery 1
Some Impressions of our Cape Verde Island Tours Dear visitors, we are just starting this Gallery. Please come back soon, there will be many more interesting photos […]
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michi2024-11-26T00:50:00+01:00
Capeverde roundtrip “SODADE” discovery tour
CapeVerde Discovery Roundtrip “SODADE” combines the best selection of islands, cultural spots and activities when it comes to discover the big diversity of Cabo Verde Islands. Enjoy breathtaking landscapes and relax on beautiful beaches. Discover an unforgettable volcanic scenery with the Pico de Fogo and hospitable people. Visit the historical place where capeverdean creole culture has his origin. And let you get enchanted by the lively and colorful harbor town of Mindelo and Cape Verde music.
More travel offers here
14. May 2016
Cape Verde Highlights – Hiking Tour
Cape Verde Highlights

Hiking in the most beautiful places of the Cape Verde Islands:

Come to know the Cape Verde highlights by hiking in the magnificent mountain landscape of Santo Antão, in the ancient Valley of the Slaves on Santiago, and on the island of Fogo, where you climb the volcano giant “Pico de Fogo”. This journey will be flavoured with the colonial flair of the little harbour town of Mindelo on São Vicente, Cape Verdean music and a taste of Cape Verdean way of life and “Morabeza”. You will round off your holiday in Santa Maria on the island of Sal, with its kilometers of white, sandy beach.

Contact | Booking
Duration: 15 Tage
Date: individually, all year round

Hiking level: high, partly medium

• Mountains, Gorges & Tropical valleys
• Ascent to “Pico de Fogo” volcano
• Cultural mix of three continents
• Round off on the dream beach of Sal

REQUIREMENTS: must be sure of your steps, not afraid of heights, good physical condition

We recommend the following international flights:
Outward flight: with TAP via Lisbon to São Vicente (VXE) oder Charter flight to Sal (SID) and connection to São Vicente
Return flight: TAP flight via Lisbon or Charter flight from Sal (SID) to your destination

Cape Verde Highlights – Hiking Roundtrip

Cape Verde Highlights – Hiking Roundtrip

Price from € 2.490,–

per person/double room, from 2 persons

Supplement for single room: from € 350,–

Special offer: Price reduction from 4 persons, please ask for your personal offer

Contact | Booking
Travel Program Cape Verde Highlights Hiking-Roundtrip over 5 Cabo Verde Islands – fascinating nature, hiking, beach and culture

Day 1, Sat: Via Sal (SID) or Lisbon (LIS) to Sao Vicente (VXE). Arrival at the island of Sao Vicente, transfer to hotel and overnight in the harbor town Mindelo.

Day 2, Sun: Island Tour in Sao Vicente. Enjoy the view from Monte Verde, the island’s highest elevation and have a refreshing swim in a sheltered bay.
Overnight in Mindelo.

Day 3, Mon: Ferry to Santo Antao and transfer up into the mountains. Hike through the Cova Crater and down into the Paul Valley (- 700 m, + 150 m, 3.5 h).
Dinner / B & B in a private pension in Paul.

Day 4, Tue: Hike through the tropical green Valley of Paul. (+ / – 450 m, 4 hours walking time, can be extended to 6 hours). Dinner/breakfast in Paul Valley.

Day 5: Wed: Hike on an old donkey path from Ponta do Sol to Cruzinha, along the cliffs of the north coast. (+ / – 800 m, 5 h)

Day 6, Thu: Day off in Ponta do Sol. Watch the local fishermen when they bring in their catch, or enjoy a relaxing massage.

Day 7, Fri: Scenic mountain climb from the Ribeira to the Highlands. You will enjoy many spectacular views and walk in diverse landscapes (+1300 m, 5 h).
Dinner / BB Local Hotel in Porto Novo.

Day 8, Sat: Ferry to Mindelo and guided tour around the charming colonial style town. Learn about its interesting history, visit the market and the fish market and enjoy some coffee in a unique local bar. City Hotel in Mindelo.

Day 9, Sun: Flight to the island of Santiago. Today you hike through the former slave valley of Ribeira Grande. Your destination is the small coastal town of Cidade Velha, UNESCO World Heritage Site and the ancient capital of the Cape Verde Islands. The small coastal town has been a center of Portuguese slavery for centuries. (- 250 m, 2.5 h). B & B in a nice hotel with pool in Cidade Velha.

Day 10, Mon: Visit to the capital Praia, plateau and African market. BB in Cidade Velha

Day 11, Tue: Flight to the island of Fogo, transfer to Cha das Caldeiras and hike over the new volcano crater of the Pico Pequenho, which broke out in 2014. (+/- 280 m, 3.5h). Dinner/ B&B in private accommodation in the National Park at the foot of “Pico de Fogo”.

Day 12, Wed: Early morning ascent to the volcano “Pico de Fogo” (2.829m a.s.l.). As from a huge dune, we glide back down through the volcanic ashes. Lunch and dinner included. (+/- 1,100 m, 6 hours walking time).

Day 13, Thu: Descent to Mosteiros on the north cost of Fogo. We cross acacia woodland, sisal agaves, orange and coffee plantations. Interesting ride along the coast, past lava flows, to Sao Filipe. BB guesthouse in Sao Filipe.

Day 14, Fri: Flight to Sal, overnight at Santa Maria.

Day 15, Sat: Time to relax or take a hike along the beautiful, long sandy beach of Santa Maria. You may use your room until departure. Late in the evening, transfer to the airport (Feel like a beach extension…?)

Day 16, Sun: Arrival at home

Contact | Reservation
Services included in “Cape Verde Highlights”

The tour package of this 2-week hiking roundtrip includes the following services:

Domestic flights: São Vicente – Praia – Fogo – Praia – Sal
Ferry: São Vicente – Santo Antão – São Vicente

Overnight stays:
A total of 14 nights/breakfast in double room as described:
12 x in guesthouse or hotel, with private shower/toilette, 2 of them with swimming pool
2 x with local families and shared bathroom (days 11 & 12, Fogo National Park )

Meals:
1 x picnic/lunch
6 x dinner (water included, other drinks extra)

Further services:

8 guided hikes, island tour Sao Vicente, city tour Mindelo and Praia

All transfers and baggage transfers resulting from the program

Tourist tax

English speaking guide during all the hikes and guided activities (Other languages on request)

Not included:
– International flight to Cape Verde and back
– Visa fees
– Single room supplement
– Drinks
– Tips
– any further services not listed here
Similar Program around 5 islands with easy walks: Capeverde discovery roundtrip “SODADE”
12. May 2016
Cape Verdean summer dreams with Boa Vista
Cape Verdean summer dreams with Boa Vista

Holiday with an exotic touch

Cape Verdean summer dreams, holiday trip across 4 Cape Verde Islands with beach days on Boa Vista

Our recommendation also for family holidays

Duration: 15 days
Date: individual

We recommend:
Arrival: Charter flight to Sal (SID)
Return flight: Charter flight from Boa Vista (BVC)

Roundtrip Cape Verdean summer dreams with Boa Vista

The Cape Verde Islands stand for sun, beach and joie de vivre, for fascinating landscapes, hospitality and diverse music. In the summertime, when the Cape Verde emigrants come from far away to visit the island, life on the islands is even more colorful than it already is. Immerse yourself in this Cape Verdean summer world with an exciting round trip over the islands with authentic insights into the Cape Verdean life and relaxing days on the powder white beach of Boa Vista. Nice, hand-picked accommodations of good standard throughout the 14-day journey will also contribute to a feel-good holiday.
Originally designed for the summer months, this trip offers you a really nice holiday program with a summer feeling, with minimal changes for all seasons – whether for couples, with friends, for family holidays or in a group.

Price: from € 2.350,–

Price per person in a double room, min. 2 travel participants

* Price reduction from 4 participants and for families with child/ren *

Single supplement: € 320, –

High season surcharge in August depending on the date about 150, – Euro per person, please ask for our exact offer.

Contact | Booking
Capeverdean summer dreams with Boa Vista: Holidays with an exotic touch

Arrival: with Charter Flight to Sal (SID)
Return Flight: Charter Flight from Boa Vista (BVC)

Day 1 – Arrival on Sal
As you approach the island of Sal, you catch glimpses of the turquoise sea and powdered white beaches. From the airport it is only a short drive to your accommodation in the seaside resort of Santa Maria. Barefoot in the sand and a swim in the balmy Atlantic waters – the day is yours! 2 nights in a family hotel with a small pool, a few minutes to the beach.

Day 2 – Holiday feeling
Relax or have a walk along the white sandy beach, a caipirinha in the beach bar for sunset and the holiday feeling is just perfect.

Day 3 – Pedra Lume and Shark Bay
Private half-day trip to the salt flats in the crater of Pedra Lume (“swimming like in the Dead Sea”) and to Shark Bay, where the harmless babies of lime sharks swim close to your feet.

Day 4 – Mindelo on São Vicente
The island plane takes you to Mindelo, São Vicente – cultural capital of the Barlavento Islands. Let yourself drift through the colorful streets and enjoy the mixture of Europe, Africa and Brazil, which has merged here into the Creole culture. If you prefer, we can organize you a private city tour with guide. Take a refreshing dip on Laginha Beach and immerse yourself in the summer world of the locals.

Day 4 – Island tour SãoVicente
Today you will discover the island with your private local driver. You will enjoy the view from the highest elevation of São Vicente, visit a small fishing village and have a swim in the sheltered lagoon of Baía das Gatas. In the evening, the main square of Mindelo – the “Praça” – is full of life and you will always find a place with Cape Verdean live music.

Day 6 – Island Santo Antão
The ferry will take you in just one hour to the neighboring island of Santo Antão. On Santo Antão, life still works almost as it did one hundred years ago. Most of the island’s population lives from agriculture. On laboriously landscaped mountain terraces they grow tropical fruits and exotic vegetables. The panoramic road leads us to a mountain village, from where we walk to a small summit. The islands of São Vicente and Sao Nicolão seem to float like a mirage over the blue sea. The neighboring Cova Crater is a true caldera of volcanic origin. In a small village bar you will taste a typical Cape Verdean lunch. Dinner and overnight in a traditional style stone bungalow complex. The pool and the panoramic restaurant offer mountain views.

Day 7 – Fontainhas
Visit to the mountain village of Fontainhas, which hangs over the cliffs of the north coast like an eagle’s nest. From there you can do a walk or small hike – the choice is yours. Overnight today and tomorrow in the fishing village of Ponta do Sol. From here, the local fishermen still go to the sea with colorful painted boats Comfortable Guest House with sea view.

Day 8 – Leisure day in Ponta do Sol
Watch the fishermen arrive at the harbor and refresh yourself with a dip in the sea. Or enjoy a Cape verdean relaxation massage. End the day in a small restaurant with local live music.

Day 9 – The Valley of Paul
Discover a highlight today, the green tropical Valley of Paul. Walk or hike on winding paths and paths, among thatched stone cottages, mango, sugarcane, papaya and coffee. In Paul, you are close to the local population and get authentic insights into the daily life and culture of the Cape Verdeans. Lunch in a restaurant with local products included. Dinner and 3 nights in Paul, in a picturesque Eco-lodge with swimming pond or in a small hotel by the sea.

Day 10 – Relax day in the green heart of Paul
Ask your tour guide for tips if you feel like exploring the area or visiting a local “Grogue” production (cane brandy).
In the evening you will have a barbecue together with the cape verdean neighbors. It may also be danced. Pure Cape Verde!

Day 11 – Ferry to São Vicente
Transfer to Porto Novo along the coastal road. The ferry brings you back to São Vicente. In Mindelo, you may have time to stroll through the city again, buy some music CDs or souvenirs or visit a Capoeira school.
Optional: A very special experience is also a little tour on a local fishing boat and swimming with free-living sea turtles. Just ask us.

Day 12 – Boa Vista Island After this eventful program, the island plane takes you – with a stopover in Praia – to the beach island of Boa Vista. Some beautiful days by the sea are waiting for you!

Day 12 – 15 – Boavista
Beach – and feel like more?
How about
• an island tour in a small group and a family atmosphere. There are several routes to choose from. Just ask us.
• a 5-hour catamaran sailing trip along the coast, including snorkeling and delicious fish caught along the way?
• or a night out to see the Carretta turtles laying their eggs on the beach during the summer months?

Further activities on request

Day 15 – Goodbye Cabo Verde
With many pictures and new impressions of unforgettable experiences, maybe even new friendships, we’re off to our homeward journey. Goodbye, Cabo Verde!

Contact | Booking
Services in “Cape Verdean Summer Dreams” with Boa Vista:

Services included in the price of the 2 weeks round trip :

Domestic flights: Sal – São Vicente – Boa Vista

Ferry: Mindelo – Porto Novo – Mindelo

Overnights:

A total of 14 nights / breakfast in a double room with private shower / WC as described

Meals:

2 x lunch
4 x dinner (water included, other drinks extra)

Additional:

Excursions, island trips, guided hikes as per program

All transfers and luggage transfers resulting from the program

Tourist tax except on Sal. There you pay 2, – Euro per person and night directly in the hotel.

German or English speaking local guide on all hikes and program trips

During your entire holiday trip, you can contact us personally or by phone directly in Cape Verde.

Not included services:

International flight

Visa fees

Drinks, tips

All services not listed

Optional excursions:<

City tour Mindelo in São Vicente + 50, – Euro / 2 persons

Visit to a Capoeira school in Mindelo by appointment

Island trips Boa Vista 33, – to 50, – Euro / person, please inquire with us

Turtle trip island Sal or Boa Vista by appointment

Contact | Booking
12. May 2016
Santo Antao
Geographical situation of Santo Antão, Cape Verde islands

Terraced fields on Santo Antão

Freshly roasted coffee is being grind on a small plantation in Santo Antao

Children in the Valley of Paul

Above the clouds in Santo Antão

Santo Antão – Hiking on the north coast

Hiking with friends

SANTO ANTAO

Your Holiday Destination for Hiking and Nature lovers

Santo Antao belongs to Cape Verde – Barlavento (Northern Islands)

Inhabitants: ca. 47.000

Surface: 779 km²

Santo Antao is a real hiking and trekking paradise. The island provides an endless labyrinth of paths through bizarre landscapes. Huge canyons and valleys, steep coastlines and lonely villages, lunar landscapes and tropical green valleys are good reasons for the fascination of the island. With an area of 779 km², Santo Antão is the second largest island in the archipelago of Cabo Verde and offers a number of the most beautiful hiking tours in Cape Verde.

In many places on Santo Antao Island, time seems to have stopped. Locals are crossing our way, they live in the mountains or are on their way to their terraced fields. We often hear the invitation “Entrá!” – come in! May it be only for a small chat with the friendly and communicative country population.

SANTO ANTAO – the Original Cape Verde

The island of Santo Antao is a holiday destination for people who love hiking or want know the original “Cabo Verde”.

Santo Antão is the most northwestern island in Cape Verde Barlavento. It was populated in the 17th century when European immigrants brought African and Creole slaves to the island.

In the northeast of the island, where the trade winds moisten the mountain regions, there are several river valleys, so-called “Ribeiras”. The rivers shrink to a trickle in the dryer season, while in a strong rainfall they swell visibly in minute intervals. Then they separate villages from the outside world. Little by little, bridges are built in order to avoid this inconvenience.

A labyrinth of paths connects the villages and hamlets of Santo Antao. For centuries, they have been serving the locals to reach their terraced fields, which are often situated in dizzying heights. Today just as in former times, the farmers work on their land with hoes.

Holiday destination SANTO ANTAO

Santo Antão is THE Cape Verdean island for hikers and lovers of nature. During the last years, a rural tourism has slowly established on the island. It is predominately important to us in VIP Tours Cabo Verde to involve the locals in tourism and thus to offer our visitors authentic encounters and experiences.

Accommodations in the hiking areas are mainly private retreats, but there are also some nice, smaller hotels in local style and with swimming pool.

Santo Antão can be reached by ferry from the island of São Vicente and it makes sense to combine Santo Antao with a visit to Mindelo.

Be guest in Paul Valley

The Valley of Paul on the island of Santo Antão is perhaps the most beautiful valley of the Cape Verde Islands. Tropical fruits such as mango, papaya, bread, sugar cane, bananas and yams are growing all around. Even coffee is cultivated in the slightly higher regions.

The so-called “Grogue”, a highly concentrated sugar cane schnapps is produced in Santo Antão in a very traditional way and is famous all over Cape Verde islands. If you visit Santo Antao between March and July, you will probably have the opportunity to watch the production and taste the newly distilled grogue.

If you prefer it individually, come and spend a few hiking days on Santo Antão in an idyllic place in Paul Valley. We will take you on some beautiful and interesting walks in the closer and wider surroundings. And if you feel like it, we organize a barbecue or a small party together with our Cape Verdean neighbors.

Travel offers and roundtrips with Santo Antao

Please note: the exact programs may be subject to change according to the respective flight offers. We are here to help you on this and will be happy to adapt your travel program in order to provide you some relaxed holidays which meet your personal preferences.

Contact | Booking
Windward Islands – Hiking roundtrip islands of Barlavento
Cape Verde holiday mix over 3 islands, with hiking in Santo Antao, culture and beach.

Capeverde roundtrip “SODADE” discovery tour
Discover the diversity of 5 Cabo Verde islands.

Capeverde Trekking “Funaná”
Hiking and trekking from tropical valleys to Pico de Fogo “fire-mountain”.

Cabo Verde Islands of Dreams
Your Cape Verde travel combination 1st week walks & discovery and 2nd week on the beach!

We also design your very individual travel program. Please contact us and let us know, what you are looking for.
20. July 2015