Discover Santo Antão: Day Trip by Car or Guided Trek
Active
7h - 11h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover the beauty of Santo Antão with one of our flexible full-day excursions. Your local guide will take you on a full-day island tour, bringing the Island’s stories to life. You can choose from 4 different options to best suit your travel plans and activity level
2 Island Highlights by Car:
* From São Vicente: Includes harbor transfers and roundtrip ferry tickets.
* From Santo Antão (Porto Novo): Ideal if you’ve already booked ferry tickets or are staying on the island.
2 Trekking Options:
* From São Vicente: Includes harbor transfers and roundtrip ferry tickets.
* From Santo Antão (Porto Novo): Perfect for those already on the island or with ferry tickets booked.
Available options
Trek Cova Paúl 5h (Ferry INC)
Harbor transfers : Pick up and drop off at accommodation in Mindelo<br/>Ferry tickets included : We need traveller passport details at least 24 hours before our excursion: Name, DOB, Country of issue, Doc number, Exp date<br/>Duration: 11 hours: Duration: +/- 5 hours Walking Distance: +/- 11 km
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Degree of difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation gain: +/- 231 m
<br/>Visit grogue distillery: Have a tasting of our local rum and see how its made<br/>Route : Elevation gain: +/- 231 m
Elevation loss: -/+ 1,450 m
Max Elevation: +/- 1,294 m Min Elevation: +/- 7 m
Trail: One way<br/>Important information: If there are any health or mobility issues who should know of, please inform<br/>Pickup included
Highlights by car (INC Ferry)
Harbor transfers in Mindelo: One of the most beautiful valleys in the world, Paul! Be enchanted with a walk, meet the locals, taste local fruits, coffee..<br/>Ferry tickets included: We need traveller passport details at least 24 hours before our excursion: Name, DOB, Country of issue, Doc number, Exp date<br/>Duration: 11 hours<br/>Visit Grogue distillery: Tasting of our local rum at distillery <br/>Mindelo - Porto Novo roundtrip: Adventure begins at sunrise ⛰️ Get up and out for an exciting trip to Santo Antão from São Vicente A Must Experience!<br/>Day Trip by car, can customize: You can pick you dates of return travel if you will sleep over Santo Antão. Contact us!<br/>Pickup included
Highlights by Car (NO ferry)
Meet at Porto Novo<br/>Excludes Ferry tickets <br/>Duration: 7 hours<br/>Highlights of Santo Antão : Porto Novo, Old Road, Volcano Crater of Cova de Paúl, Walk Cova de Paúl Volcano, Ribeira de Torre, Xôxô, Ponta do Sol, Sinago<br/>Mini bus<br/>Book your ferry for 07:00: Please book your ferry ticket to depart Mindelo by 07:00, to arrive to Porto Novo by 08:00. Your guide will be waiting.<br/>Starting point:<br/>Gare Marítima porto de Porto Novo - ENAPOR, 2W9R+2CP, Porto Novo, Cabo Verde
Trek Cova Paúl 3h, (Ferry INC)
Trek Cova Paul +/- 3h trek: Trek Volcano Crater of Cova de Paúl to Cabo d Ribeira, 3h Walking Distance: +/- 5 km Total <br/>Ferry tickets included: We need traveller passport details at least 24 hours before our excursion: Name, DOB, Country of issue, Doc number, Exp date<br/>Duration: 11 hours: Elevation gain: +/- 115 m Elevation loss: -/+ 948 m Max Elevation: +/- 1,294 m Min Elevation: +/- 415 m Trail type: One wa<br/>Visit grogue distillery : Have a tasting of our local rum at the distillery and see how it's made<br/>Begins in Mindelo and returns : Begin with an early morning adventure to the Island of the Mountains on this most beautiful and invigorating trek<br/>Harbor transfers in Mindelo: Let us know your pick up location and we will pick up and drop off at your accommodation <br/>Pickup included
Trek Cova Paúl 5h (NO ferry)
Pick up at Porto Novo: Enjoy a refreshing trek into one of the most beautiful valleys on earth, connect with the lifestyle and people of Santo Antão<br/>Walking Distance: +/- 11 km
: Total Walking Duration: +/- 5 hours Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: +/- 231 m
Elevation loss: -/+ 1,450 m
<br/>Duration: 7 hours: Max Elevation: +/- 1,294 m
Min Elevation: +/- 7 m
Trail type: One way
<br/>Visit grogue distillery: Have tasting of our local rum at the distillery and see how it's made<br/>Cova Paúl to Villa das Pombas: Descending into crater, be careful of areas which may be slippery if there is mist<br/>Excludes ferry tickets<br/>Starting point:<br/>Gare Marítima porto de Porto Novo - ENAPOR, 2W9R+2CP, Porto Novo, Cabo Verde<br/>Pickup included
Trek Cova Paúl 3h (NO Ferry)
Pick up at Porto Novo: Meet your local guide at Porto Novo, ready to join you on a refreshing trek into one of the most beautiful valleys on earth<br/>Walking Distance: +/- 5 km
: Walking Duration: +/- 3 hours Degree of difficulty: Easy to moderate
Elevation gain: +/- 115 m Elevation loss: -/+ 948<br/>Duration: 7 hours: From Porto Novo, transfer to Cova for trek, enjoy a lunch at local restaurant, return to Porto Novo (or your location)<br/>Cova Paúl to Cabo d' Ribeira: Max Elevation: +/- 1,294 m
Min Elevation: +/- 415 m
Trail type: One way
<br/>Book your ferry for 07:00: Please book your ferry ticket to depart Mindelo by 07:00, to arrive to Porto Novo by 08:00. Tell us your drop off location<br/>Starting point:<br/>Gare Marítima porto de Porto Novo - ENAPOR, 2W9R+2CP, Porto Novo, Cabo Verde<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Private transportation
Pickup and drop-off at starting point
OPTION: *Ferry Tickets (roundtrip) included from São Vicente, excluded beginning in Santo Antão
Local Professional guide (English, French, Spanish, Portuguese)
Entrance: Grogue (Rum) distillery
Detailed itinerary
1
Option including Ferry Tickets: Begin with an early morning pick up at your accommodation in Mindelo, transfer to the Harbor for your adventure by Ferry to our neighboring island of the mountains, Santo Antão. On your ferry travel across the canal (up to 1 hour on ferry), you may stand on deck; if you’re lucky you will witness dolphins, pilot whales, flying fish, sea birds, and more, you can also relax on the comfortable seating inside. Check out the lighthouse on the rock in the middle of the ocean, Ilhéu dos Pássaros (Bird’s Island)!
2
Option Excluding Ferry tickets: Arrive to Porto Novo, as you enter the Garemaritima terminal you will be met by your local guide who will take you to all the Island Highlights in one day by car!
Begin your journey ascending through the mountains
3
Begin your journey ascending through the mountains along the old cobblestone road, you will pass by small communities with traditional thatched roof homes, donkeys carrying water, farmers working the land and the daily hardworking people of this incredible place
4
Stop at Pico d Cruz, above the clouds with its green pine forest and eucalyptus trees, feel the cool breeze, take in the picturesque view of Paúl from up top.
5
Atop of Cova you will have breathtaking views inside the crater; the mist from clouds allows this farming community to self-sustain.
6
Drive on to Delgadin, the narrow mountaintop crossing which separates two major valleys, Ribeira Grande & Ribeira da Torre; famous for photographs while on Santo Antão
7
Arrive to the colorful city of Povacao one of the main cities in Ribeira Grande with its colonial, also modern homes, and beautiful street art. We will make a stop for lunch in town.
8
Ribeira de Torre one of the greenest and most fertile valleys in Cabo Verde, where you will find bananas, mangos, sugar cane, and breadfruit trees. Also a large tank pool used by locals for swimming and fun.
9
Then on to the fishing village of Ponta do Sol, with its old port of Boca de Pistola (Mouth of the Pistol), where you can experience the arrival of the fisherman, and see the catch of the day!
10
Taste our local rum, Grogue is produced here, visit the distillery to see how it’s made.
11
On to the municipality of Paúl, with its grand Saint Anthony statue overlooking Villa das Pombas for its protection. Arriving to the village of Eito, we will visit our rum distillery, also known as Grogue, and have the opportunity to taste.
12
Traveling back to Porto Novo via Janela on the new stunning coastal road, pass through fascinating mountain tunnels, and see the lighthouse, Farol de Fontes Pereira de Melo.
13
Arrive to Porto Novo in time to board the afternoon ferry to São Vicente. Upon arrival to the Harbor, you will enjoy a transfer to your accommodation in Mindelo.
What's not included
Lunch
Personal expenses
Alcoholic Beverages
Available languages
Guide guide
PT
EN
FR
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.8
14 reviews
5★
13
4★
0
3★
0
2★
1
1★
0
Tripadvisor
5.0
68 reviews
5★
67
4★
1
3★
0
2★
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1★
0
Important information
Service animals allowed
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please inform us of any special dietary instructions.
In the case of a group of less than 4pax, the local guide himself may be the driver
For open group tours your guide may speak more than one language if required
Driving through roads with high altitude
Important notes
Hotel pickups commence approximately 30 - 60 minutes prior to this time
About São Vicente
São Vicente is known for its vibrant cultural scene, stunning landscapes, and historical charm. This island offers a mix of beautiful beaches, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and a lively arts and music culture.
Top Attractions
Mindelo
The vibrant capital of São Vicente, known for its colonial architecture, lively cafes, and cultural scene.
Cultural
Half day to full day
Free to Budget
Baía das Gatas
A beautiful bay with a long stretch of sandy beach, known for its tranquil atmosphere and clear waters.
Beach
Half day
Free
Monte Verde
A lush, mountainous area offering stunning views and hiking trails.
Nature
Half day to full day
Free
Calhau
A picturesque fishing village with a beautiful beach and a relaxed atmosphere.
Beach
Half day
Free to Budget
Must-Try Local Dishes
Cachupa
A hearty stew made with corn, beans, and various meats or fish, often considered the national dish of Cape Verde.
Main Course
Vegetarian versions available
Pastel de Milho
Corn-based pastry filled with various ingredients like tuna, chicken, or cheese.
Snack
Vegan options available
Canja
A comforting soup made with chicken, rice, and vegetables.
Soup
Can be made vegetarian
Grogue
A traditional Cape Verdean liquor made from sugarcane.
Drink
Alcoholic
Popular Activities
Hiking
Mountain biking
Scuba diving
Beach relaxation
Spa treatments
Yoga
Visiting museums
Attending festivals
Best Time to Visit
December to April
This is the dry season with warm temperatures and low humidity, making it ideal for outdoor activities and beach visits.
20-28°C
68-82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Portuguese
- Widely spoken: Cape Verdean Creole
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE)
Time Zone
GMT-1
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
São Vicente is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime can occur, especially in tourist areas. Be cautious with your belongings and avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Avoid walking alone at night
- • Use reputable tour operators
Getting there
By air
- Cesária Évora Airport • 5 km from Mindelo
By bus
Mindelo, Porto Grande
Getting around
Public transport
Shared taxis (aluguer) are the most common form of public transport, connecting major towns and villages.
Taxis
Available • Apps:
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Mindelo
Baía das Gatas
Monte Verde
Calhau
Day trips
Santo Antão
10 km (by ferry) • Full day
A neighboring island known for its dramatic landscapes, hiking trails, and traditional villages.
Sal Island
150 km (by flight) • Overnight
A popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches, luxury resorts, and water sports.
São Nicolau
50 km (by ferry) • Full day
A lesser-known island with beautiful landscapes, traditional villages, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Festivals
Baía das Gatas Jazz Festival • August
Carnival of São Vicente • February/March
São Vicente Music Festival • June
Pro tips
- Visit the local markets for fresh seafood and produce.
- Enjoy the vibrant nightlife in Mindelo.
- Hike the trails in Monte Verde for stunning views.
- Try the local dish, cachupa, at a traditional restaurant.
- Attend the Baía das Gatas Jazz Festival if visiting in August.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
