Trip code: W07CV 4.9 (7 reviews)
Private guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Flights
available
37.0Kg CO2e
Relish the beauty of Cape Verde's northern islands; our eight-day walking tour combines history and culture with a spectacular and untouched landscape - perfect for hiking enthusiasts. You'll spend time with local families, sampling their fresh homegrown produce, all the while appreciating the unmatched beauty of these stunning islands. You'll also have the support of an English-speaking guide and driver throughout, private to your party.
We've chosen the most unique yet impressive island locations on Sao Vicente and Santo Antao, where you'll have the chance to explore the Penede valley, hike through beautiful mountain villages along steep paths in some places, and gaze at vibrant-coloured fishing boats. You'll observe the splendour of the Ribeira Grande and Garca valleys, walking along an impressive paved path with spectacular ocean views. As you continue on this path, you'll encounter the peaceful green valley of Corvo, a serene and idyllic spot to enjoy lunch. This path will also take you through the hilltop village of Fontainhas, a green mountainous location famous for its colourful houses and spectacular sea views.
If you are more enthused by volcanic landscapes, prepare to be entralled by the Ribeira da Torre area located on the island of Santo Antao. Here, in the middle of the island, you'll encounter a large volcanic peak, adorned with cane fields and cultivated terraces. As you proceed on your coastal walk, you'll confront a volcanic peak almost 2,000 metres high, plunging directly into the ocean.
Whilst on the island of Santo Antao, you'll also have the opportunity to explore Monte Trigo, a small fishing village with around 6,000 habitants that is only accessible on foot or by boat. A cabotage trip with local fishermen from Monte Trigo back to Tarrafal will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience to end your Cape Verdean adventure!
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.
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.
You stay at Terra Lodge.
Visa
Pool
WiFi
With breath-taking views of the bay of Mindelo and surrounding colourful houses, Terra Lodge has just 12 rooms. Combining contemporary comfort with the charm of historical heritage, guests can enjoy the peaceful gardens and swimming pool or watch the fantastic sunsets. There is also a bar located on the panoramic terrace serving cocktails, juices, and snacks. Breakfast is made from local products such as homemade pastries, cold cuts and jams from Santo Antao, and Fogo coffee roasted and ground on site.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
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). Your guide will lead you through the lunar landscapes of the southern foothills to the roof of the island. Starting from the Cova Crater, you walk along ridges planted with pine and mimosa trees. The trail winds through this area of desert hills, between corn, sweet potato and bean fields and small forests, offering panoramic views over each of the island's slopes when the weather is clear.
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.
You stay at Hotel Paul Mar.
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TV
Aircon
Safe
Set on the island of Santo Antao, Hotel Paul Mar provides a simple yet good quality offering. With views over the sea and towards Paul Valley, guests can enjoy the terrace, bar, and shared lounge. Breakfast is served in the adjoining restaurant.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
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.
You stay at Hotel Paul Mar.
VisaWiFiTVAirconSafe
Set on the island of Santo Antao, Hotel Paul Mar provides a simple yet good quality offering. With views over the sea and towards Paul Valley, guests can enjoy the terrace, bar, and shared lounge. Breakfast is served in the adjoining restaurant.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
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.
You stay at Tiduca Hotel.
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Perched on Ponta do Sol's harbourfront, Tiduca Hotel has spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. The restaurant serves a la carte or buffet style Cape Verde cuisine. Enjoy a drink on the roof terrace watching the waves roll in.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
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.
You stay at Casa Baobab.
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Offering a choice of studios and rooms, Casa Baobab is situated in a quiet, peaceful area of Tarrafal Monte Trigo. Guests can enjoy the large terrace overlooking the sea, garden bar, and a continental breakfast.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
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!
You stay at Casa Baobab.
VisaWiFi
Offering a choice of studios and rooms, Casa Baobab is situated in a quiet, peaceful area of Tarrafal Monte Trigo. Guests can enjoy the large terrace overlooking the sea, garden bar, and a continental breakfast.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
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!
You stay at Terra Lodge.
VisaPoolWiFi
With breath-taking views of the bay of Mindelo and surrounding colourful houses, Terra Lodge has just 12 rooms. Combining contemporary comfort with the charm of historical heritage, guests can enjoy the peaceful gardens and swimming pool or watch the fantastic sunsets. There is also a bar located on the panoramic terrace serving cocktails, juices, and snacks. Breakfast is made from local products such as homemade pastries, cold cuts and jams from Santo Antao, and Fogo coffee roasted and ground on site.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
You'll be collected from your accommodation and transferred to Sao Vicente airport (approx.15mins) for your flight home.
These tour prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £164.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Sao Vicente via Lisbon airport. We can provide transfers from the airport, please contact us for details and prices.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment.
Santo Antão, a lush Cape Verdean island, boasts stunning valleys, rich agriculture, and untouched landscapes. Journalist Anna, highlights its incredible biodiversity, while Creole culture and soulful music add to its charm. A hidden gem for winter sun seekers.
Private guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Flights
available
37.0Kg CO2e
