Santo Antão Island is the second largest of the Cape Verde archipelago. Known for its mountains of incomparable natural beauty, the landscape is carved by lush valleys that attest to the fertility of the land. Time reconciles with the clock, and at its own pace, visitors gain a peace that penetrates the soul.
This tranquillity, combined with the generous nature that flaunts its splendour in every corner of the island, makes Santo Antão the perfect retreat for nature lovers, especially those who enjoy discovery through hiking. The paths crisscross the island, passing through its five protected areas.
In this article, you’ll discover the 7 natural wonders of the island, which can be a starting point for creating your own holiday itinerary in Cape Verde.
Santo Antão Island
You can reach Santo Antão by ferry departing from the neighbouring island of São Vicente. Porto Novo welcomes you.
A great way to immerse yourself in the island’s culture is to visit the cultural village “Nôs Reíz”, which reveals some of the traditions of Santo Antão, such as the making of grogue, a nectar of the gods made from sugarcane.
In addition to grogue, Santo Antão Island is also home to coffee production, with the harvest starting between December and February.
Take advantage of the opportunity to bathe in the waters of Porto Novo’s beaches.
The City of Ribeira Grande
Santo Antão Island is a gift from Nature
Ribeira Grande, the main city on this Cape Verdean island, is an excellent starting point for exploring Santo Antão.
With its narrow streets and colonial architecture, the city offers a charming glimpse into Cape Verdean life, marked by its singular hospitality, translatable only into the Creole expression morabeza.
The city is surrounded by mountains and valleys, offering a spectacular backdrop from any vantage point.
Sport fishing on Santo Antão Island
In its waters, visitors will find a rich marine biodiversity, making Santo Antão Island an excellent destination for sport fishing, although most boats are rented on the neighbouring island of São Vicente.
However, if artisanal fishing is your preference, speak with local fishermen and enjoy a guided tour of the island’s best spots.
Adventure and nature at your fingertips
In the Cape Verde archipelago, Santo Antão Island is renowned for its hiking trails that pass through incredible landscapes. Santo Antão is a recognised destination for trekking, with trails leading to deep valleys, high peaks, and lush forests.
The 7 natural wonders of the island, which you’ll discover next, are a testament to its beauty and ecological diversity.
#1 Wonder of Santo Antão Island: Tope de Coroa
Tope de Coroa is the highest point on Santo Antão Island, rising 1,979 metres above sea level. This extinct volcano offers spectacular panoramic views, making it a highly regarded destination for hiking and trekking.
Contemplating its forms is a moment of relaxation
Exploring Tope de Coroa will immediately provide an unforgettable experience in Cape Verde. The trails to the top are challenging, best suited for experienced hikers and always with a local guide. But the effort is rewarded with breathtaking views of the islands of São Vicente and São Nicolau, as well as the deep blue Atlantic Ocean.
The summit views are perfect for photography lovers, so bring your camera and don’t worry if you’re not a professional. Nature does all the work for you, ensuring perfect photos!
#2 Wonder of Santo Antão Island: Lagoas/Espanadá Volcanic Crater
In Ribeira Grande and Porto Novo, the Lagoas Volcanic Crater, also known as Espanadá, is an impressive geological formation revealing eruptions that occurred thousands of years ago.
The crater offers a fascinating glimpse into the volcanic activity that shaped the island and is of great interest to geologists and nature enthusiasts.
Parque Natural de Moroços | Photo: Omar Camilo/©Omar Camilo/UN Cape Verde, via Facebook United Nations Cape Verde
Visit the Lagoas Volcanic Crater and enjoy an adventure with panoramic views, perfect for nature contemplation. You can also spot the Parque Natural de Moroços, one of Santo Antão Island's protected areas.
#3 Wonder of Santo Antão Island: Esmarcela Caves
The Esmarcela Caves are a complex of caves located on the coast of Santo Antão, in Porto Novo. The caves are known for their impressive rock formations and the diverse wildlife they harbour.
Access to the main section is via abseiling. In the middle, there is a lagoon, with water temperatures around 0°C.
It is advisable to visit this natural wonder of Cape Verde with a local guide to safely explore this cool and mysterious refuge.
#4 Wonder of Santo Antão Island: Cruzinha-Ponta do Sol Coastal Area
Stretching approximately 10 kilometres, the Cruzinha to Ponta do Sol Coastal Area is a stunning stretch of coastline offering spectacular views of the ocean and rugged coast. This area is perfect for coastal walks and exploration.
In Ponta do Sol, start at the Cove, also known as Boca de Pistola, an artisanal fishing port with a spectacular view of the sea, which puts on a unique show with its waves, especially during times of greater swell.
On the way to Cruzinha, explore the villages of Fontaínhas, Corvo, and Formiguinhas and admire the houses embedded in the mountains! From this spot, you’ll have the privilege of witnessing what was considered the 2nd most beautiful view in the world by National Geographic. The sea, the mountains, and the houses, like tiny dots of colour, transport visitors to an idyllic setting.
The 2nd most beautiful view in the world reveals the colourful houses nestled in the mountains
At the fishing village of Cruzinha da Garça, take the opportunity to watch the fishermen’s boats returning from their catch.
The walk along the coast is peaceful and awakens a sense of calm, with the sound of the waves and the sea breeze. It’s an ideal spot for capturing stunning photos and enjoying the natural beauty of the coastline, with its black sand beaches.
On this Santo Antão Island route, you may observe animals such as turtles that choose Cape Verde to lay their eggs between July and October, and whales between February and April. This is why diving and snorkelling are highly sought-after activities. The marine biodiversity in Santo Antão’s waters is enchanting.
#5 Wonder of Santo Antão Island: Tarrafal do Monte Trigo Beach
Tarrafal do Monte Trigo Beach is one of the most beautiful and isolated beaches on Santo Antão and one of the main artisanal fishing spots in Porto Novo. It features black sands and crystal-clear waters, providing a tranquil refuge for those seeking relaxation and serenity.
It is one of the must-see places on Santo Antão Island, filled with beauty and life
Visiting Tarrafal do Monte Trigo Beach is like discovering a hidden paradise. The crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming and snorkelling, offering the ideal escape from the fast pace of daily life. The beach’s black sands create an impressive contrast with the blue sea, making the spot even more special.
The beach is part of Tarrafal de Monte Trigo Bay, perfect for family exploration. In addition to swimming in the sea and natural pools, you can engage in artisanal and sport fishing and even spot animals such as the beautiful Red-tailed Tropicbird (seabird) and turtles that choose this paradise for nesting.
You’ll also have the opportunity to visit Monte Trigo, Cape Verde’s first village with 100% sustainable energy.
#6 Wonder of Santo Antão Island: Cruzinha Paleodunes
The Cruzinha Paleodunes are ancient dune formations offering a fascinating glimpse into the geological history of the island. These fossilised dunes are a testament to Santo Antão’s natural evolution and a popular destination for geologists and tourists.
Visiting this part of Cape Verde is like travelling back in time. The rock formations and desert landscape are incredible for those who enjoy hiking and photography.
It is advisable to visit this Santo Antão Island spot with a local guide to learn more about the geological history of the dunes, adding an extra layer of fascination to the visit. The paleodunes are a surreal landscape, with their forms sculpted by the wind over millennia.
#7 Wonder of Santo Antão Island: Cova Volcanic Crater
The Cova Volcanic Crater, also known as Cova do Paúl, is the crater of an extinct volcano. The crater’s soil is extremely fertile, allowing for the cultivation of various crops that blanket the landscape with a green mantle.
The landscape painted in shades of blue, green, and white is simply magical!
In this part of Santo Antão Island, the journey offers spectacular panoramic views, especially from the Bordeira viewpoint, a highly appreciated starting point for hikes by visitors. The view of the Paúl Valley and the fog and clouds that sometimes “invade” the crater make the place magical, making Cova do Paúl a must-visit.
From Cova to the Paúl Valley, it’s about 10 kilometres of hiking. This is one of the best regions for the production of grogue, the sugarcane spirit, one of the most typical drinks of Cabo Verde.
In Paúl, you’ll discover traditional sugarcane mills that keep local history and culture alive. In Vila das Pombas, there’s a sugarcane mill that has been operating for around 400 years, preserving tradition.
In Eito, there is a traditional mill that is currently out of use. Visitors can explore the yard, learn about the production process, and enjoy a breathtaking view of Paúl Valley while tasting the authentic traditional grogue.
Other wonders worth a visit
There is no end to the wonders in Santo Antão. And for that reason, we leave here 2 other suggestions of places that are worth a visit.
Ribeira da Torre: a valley with life and tradition
Ribeira da Torre is a setting where the strength of nature meets human dedication. This deep valley, surrounded by steep mountains, is dominated by the famous “Penha Águia” rock, a point that seems to embrace the sky.
The valley, which integrates the Paul, Cova and Ribeira da Torre Natural Park, is also an important agricultural ecosystem. Here, fertile land supports the production of sugar cane, bananas, cassava, papaya and sweet potatoes.
The region is dotted with small villages that seem suspended in time, and it is possible to see some old warehouses, others used in the production of grog.
Delgadim: the road to the clouds
Delgadim offers one of the most spectacular settings in Cabo Verde. This iconic mountain pass is an invitation to get lost among the deep valleys and impressive peaks. The winding road, known as “Estrada do Delgadim”, winds through the mountains, revealing impressive landscapes at every turn.
Along this route, the contrast between Delgadinho on one side and the valleys on the other creates an unforgettable visual spectacle. Every look is a new discovery, and every moment, an opportunity to fall in love with the exuberant nature of Santo Antão.
Visit Santo Antão Island on your next holiday in Cabo Verde!
Santo Antão Island is a must-visit holiday destination in Cape Verde. It is the perfect combination of natural beauty, adventure, and tranquillity.
If you’re planning to spend your holidays in Cape Verde, take the time to explore the 7 natural wonders of Santo Antão. Each is a unique experience: challenging trails, relaxing beaches, connection with nature and animals, stunning landscapes, and excellent cuisine.
Take the opportunity to discover one of the most beautiful islands in Cape Verde and participate in activities that allow for a deep connection with nature. The 7 wonders of Santo Antão Island are just the beginning of your holiday in Cape Verde, promising an adventure that will enchant and surprise you.
Immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Santo Antão and surrender to the unmistakable beauty of the island.
Sources:
Catalogue of the Natural and Territorial Heritage of Cape Verde.
