Discover Antão
Santo Antão
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Everything you need to know
Language: Portuguese (official) and Cape Verdean Creole (Kriolu). In the tourism sector and guesthouses, you can generally also communicate in English and French.
Climate: Mild and sunny all year round (average 24°C to 28°C). The tropical valleys and mountains have a fresh microclimate, ideal for outdoor activities.
Currency & Payment: Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE), pegged to the euro (€ 1 ≈ 110 CVE). Euros are accepted almost everywhere. Bring cash; debit cards mainly work at official ATMs.
Prices: Very reasonably priced. A local main dish, fresh fruit, or a drink on a terrace costs a fraction of Western European prices.
Accessibility: Just 60 minutes by comfortable ferry from the port city of Mindelo (São Vicente).
Safety & Atmosphere: Extremely safe, relaxed, and welcoming. The locals are known for their warmth and morabeza (the typical Cape Verdean hospitality).
Roads & Infrastructure: The roads here are an attraction in themselves. The island features the famous Estrada da Corda — a spectacular, hand-paved mountain road full of hairpin turns that winds through the peaks and valleys — and a modern, smoothly paved coastal road. The mountainous landscape makes drives steep and adventurous, making the island perfect for unforgettable, scenic road trips.
The hidden green island
Welcome to Santo Antão, the westernmost and second largest island of Cape Verde. Far from mass tourism, you will find a true oasis of peace and untamed nature here.
Where the more well-known islands are dry and flat, Santo Antão surprises with towering green mountain peaks, tropical valleys, and terraced plantations. Because this paradise can only be reached by ferry from São Vicente, it has perfectly preserved its authentic and raw charm. It is the ultimate destination for those seeking spectacular views and the pure, undiscovered Cape Verdean life.
Text
Text
Everything you need to know
Language: Portuguese (official) and Cape Verdean Creole (Kriolu). In the tourism sector and guesthouses, you can generally also communicate in English and French.
Climate: Mild and sunny all year round (average 24°C to 28°C). The tropical valleys and mountains have a fresh microclimate, ideal for outdoor activities.
Currency & Payment: Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE), pegged to the euro (€ 1 ≈ 110 CVE). Euros are accepted almost everywhere. Bring cash; debit cards mainly work at official ATMs.
Prices: Very reasonably priced. A local main dish, fresh fruit, or a drink on a terrace costs a fraction of Western European prices.
Accessibility: Just 60 minutes by comfortable ferry from the port city of Mindelo (São Vicente).
Safety & Atmosphere: Extremely safe, relaxed, and welcoming. The locals are known for their warmth and morabeza (the typical Cape Verdean hospitality).
Roads & Infrastructure: The roads here are an attraction in themselves. The island features the famous Estrada da Corda — a spectacular, hand-paved mountain road full of hairpin turns that winds through the peaks and valleys — and a modern, smoothly paved coastal road. The mountainous landscape makes drives steep and adventurous, making the island perfect for unforgettable, scenic road trips.
The hidden green island
Welcome to Santo Antão, the westernmost and second largest island of Cape Verde. Far from mass tourism, you will find a true oasis of peace and untamed nature here.
Where the more well-known islands are dry and flat, Santo Antão surprises with towering green mountain peaks, tropical valleys, and terraced plantations. Because this paradise can only be reached by ferry from São Vicente, it has perfectly preserved its authentic and raw charm. It is the ultimate destination for those seeking spectacular views and the pure, undiscovered Cape Verdean life.
Text
Text
Everything you need to know
Language: Portuguese (official) and Cape Verdean Creole (Kriolu). In the tourism sector and guesthouses, you can generally also communicate in English and French.
Climate: Mild and sunny all year round (average 24°C to 28°C). The tropical valleys and mountains have a fresh microclimate, ideal for outdoor activities.
Currency & Payment: Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE), pegged to the euro (€ 1 ≈ 110 CVE). Euros are accepted almost everywhere. Bring cash; debit cards mainly work at official ATMs.
Prices: Very reasonably priced. A local main dish, fresh fruit, or a drink on a terrace costs a fraction of Western European prices.
Accessibility: Just 60 minutes by comfortable ferry from the port city of Mindelo (São Vicente).
Safety & Atmosphere: Extremely safe, relaxed, and welcoming. The locals are known for their warmth and morabeza (the typical Cape Verdean hospitality).
Roads & Infrastructure: The roads here are an attraction in themselves. The island features the famous Estrada da Corda — a spectacular, hand-paved mountain road full of hairpin turns that winds through the peaks and valleys — and a modern, smoothly paved coastal road. The mountainous landscape makes drives steep and adventurous, making the island perfect for unforgettable, scenic road trips.
Discover the island's most beautiful spots
Vale do Paul
As soon as you enter Vale do Paul, you immediately understand why this is the greenest valley in Cape Verde. In this tropical paradise, impressive mountain walls seamlessly transition into lush terraces filled with sugar cane, banana, and mango trees. Experience the authentic island life and get close to traditional agriculture. Be sure to stop by a local distillery (trapiche) along the way to discover how the famous national drink grogue is made from fresh sugar cane. An absolute must-see for any nature lover!
Cova Crater
At the top of the island awaits one of the most magical contrasts of Santo Antão: the extinct Cova Crater. Surrounded by steep slopes and mysterious pine forests lies a fertile crater floor that is cultivated by local farmers for crops such as corn and beans. When the trade winds clouds roll over the crater rim, a fairytale-like, serene atmosphere is created. The crater is known worldwide as the spectacular starting point for the legendary hike down towards Vale do Paul, with breathtaking views over the deep valleys and the Atlantic Ocean. An unforgettable place that perfectly combines tranquility, nature, and adventure!
Xôxô
Deep hidden in the Ribeira da Torre lies Xoxo, one of the most dramatic and photogenic landscapes of the island. The valley is dominated by an iconic, tower-high basalt needle that rises straight up from the lush green valley. Among babbling mountain streams, historic levadas, and steep terraced fields with banana and papaya plants, you experience the pure, unspoiled Cape Verde. It is a true hiking paradise where you walk past waterfalls and are treated to spectacular views over the rugged canyon. A hidden gem full of natural beauty and tradition that you absolutely must see!
Tarrafal de Monte Trigo
Nestled on the rugged southwest coast lies Tarrafal de Monte Trigo, a hidden oasis of ultimate peace and simplicity. Here you will find a long black volcanic sand beach, framed by a calm, azure blue ocean and the imposing peak of the Topo da Coroa volcano. Life here moves to the rhythm of the sea: fishermen set out daily in their colorful wooden boats and fresh fish is always on the menu. Whether you want to relax under the palm trees or take a boat trip to the remote fishing village of Monte Trigo; Tarrafal is the place to completely escape from the world.