Cape Verde's Northern Islands - With Private Guide

Walking information

Please note: Due to the nature of this trip and the rough/steep terrain, it may operate on an amended itinerary if weather conditions pose any risk; your private guide will determine the best route.

Day 1: Arrive on Sao Vicente

You'll be met at Sao Vicente airport and transferred to your first accommodation in Mindelo (approx. 15mins); here you'll receive your briefing from your private guide.

Spend your evening exploring the colourful cobbled streets and colonial architecture of this charming fishing village before watching a beautiful sunset over the beach.
Overnight Terra Lodge, Mindelo.

Day 2: Travel to Santo Antao & onto Ribeira de Janela (7km/4.3mi)

Travel by boat from Mindelo (Sao Vicente) to Porto Novo on Santo Antao Island (1hr - included) and transfer to the start of your walk (30mins) at Ribeira de Janela. Your guide will lead you from the seafront, climbing across the Penede valley and crossing over a high balcony to join the Janela.

Here you begin your descent, passing coffee farms and mountain villages, but never losing sight of the blue ocean below bobbing with colourful fishing boats. In the afternoon, you will be transferred from the end of your walk to Vila das Pombas where you'll spend the next two nights.
Overnight Hotel Paul Mar, Vila das Pombas (breakfast, lunch & dinner included).

Day 3: Paul, Cabo de Ribeira & Figueriral (9km/5.6mi)

A short transfer will bring you to the lush valley of Paul. Follow the small paths from hamlet to hamlet, passing through cultivated terraces in the area of Cabo de Ribeira. Here, the locals harvest coffee, oranges, guavas, and vegetables, depending on the season; this is also where the delicious rum is distilled!

Enjoy a special lunch in the small valley of Figuerial where you'll be welcomed by a local family to sample their homegrown produce. After lunch, your walk returns you to the spectacular coastline of the Atlantic Ocean.
Overnight Hotel Paul Mar, Vila das Pombas (breakfast, lunch & dinner included).

Day 4: Ribeira Grande, Corvo & Fontainhas (14km/8.7mi)

A morning transfer takes you through the mountainous valleys of Ribeira Grande and Garca to the coastal village of Cruzinha. Here your walk begins along an impressive path overlooking the shimmering ocean. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the peaceful green valley of Corvo before continuing to Fontainhas, a hilltop village famous for its colourful houses. Your day ends in Ponta do Sol, the northernmost city on the island of Santo Antao.
Overnight Tiduca Hotel, Ponta do Sol (breakfast, lunch & dinner included).

Day 5: Ribeira da Torre & Tarrafal (5km/3.1mi)

Your day begins with a short transfer to Ribeira da Torre, one of the greenest and most spectacular areas of the island, home to an imposing volcanic peak. Take some time to discover this incredible landscape before beginning your walk. Lunch is hosted by a local family before continuing your walk through cane fields, following irrigation canals towards the bottom of the valley. You will be transferred to Tarrafal on the western shore of Santo Antao, where you'll discover the summit of the North Plateau before descending to the coast and onto your seaside accommodation.
Overnight Kasa Baobab, Tarrafal (breakfast, lunch & dinner included).

Day 6: Monte Trigo (10km/6.2mi)

Today you'll walk along the coast in the shadow of the islands summit, a volcano almost 2,000m high that plunges into the ocean, before arriving in Monte Trigo, the westernmost settlement of Santo Antao. This small fishing village is completely isolated from the world, only accessible on foot or by boat. Its sweeping black sand beach and spectacular views over the Cape Verde Islands are well worth the effort of reaching this hidden gem. Return to Tarrafal by cabotage with the fishermen (40mins) - a unique experience in itself!
Overnight Kasa Baobab, Tarrafal (breakfast, lunch & dinner included).

Day 7: Tarrafal Valley (2km/1.2mi)

Enjoy a short morning walk through the fields of Tarrafal Valley, marvelling at the local farmers as they compete in ingenuity to build their terraces and irrigation channels. In the afternoon, you'll be transferred back to Porto Novo for your return boat to Mindelo (1hr - included) where you'll spend your final night on Sao Vicente - hopefully with fond memories of the unforgettable Cape Verdean islands!
Overnight Terra Lodge, Mindelo (breakfast & lunch included).

Day 8: Depart Mindelo

You'll be collected from your accommodation and transferred to Sao Vicente airport (approx.15mins) for your flight home.