Mindelo & Santo Antão Hiking, Cape Verde
Starting and ending in Mindelo, the capital of Morna music, take a ferry to Santo Antão to hike through volcanic craters, terraced valleys, and coastal paths.
Cape Verde's most established hiking route. Start by enjoying the music and a scenic drive around São Vicente Island from Mindelo, then take the ferry to Santo Antão. Hike from the Cova Crater down into the Paul Valley, explore the Torre Valley, and walk the spectacular coastal path from Ponta do Sol to Cruzinha. Stay in two different locations on the island instead of doing day trips. Suitable for hikers with moderate fitness or above. A buffer day is kept in Mindelo at the end, and the remote western village of Monte Trigo is excluded.
Rain from August to October can make the cobblestone paths slippery, and some trail sections may occasionally be washed out.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrive in Mindelo and enjoy local music
Mindelo & Santo Antão（Mindelo、Mercado Municipal do Mindelo、Praça Nova (Praça Amílcar Cabral)）
Take a taxi from the airport to the city center (approx. 15 minutes). The old town, markets, and squares are all within walking distance.
Stay: Mindelo Town Centre
Day 2 · Day trip around São Vicente Island
Mindelo & Santo Antão（Monte Verde、Salamansa、Baía das Gatas、Calhau）
Take a private transfer or join a tour around the island (approx. 6 to 7 hours), traveling via Monte Verde and the northern bays to Calhau.
Stay: Mindelo Town Centre
Day 3 · Ferry to Santo Antão and hike Cova to Paul Valley
Mindelo & Santo Antão（Cova Crater、Paul Valley, Santo Antão）
Take the morning ferry to Porto Novo (approx. 1 hour), take a private transfer up to the Cova Crater, and hike down to the Paul Valley (approx. 4 to 5 hours).
Ferry schedules differ on Sundays; the mountain top is often foggy, so bring a windproof jacket.
Stay: Paul Valley
Day 4 · Torre Valley to Ponta do Sol
Mindelo & Santo Antão（Ribeira Grande (Povoação)、Ribeira da Torre & Xôxô、Ponta do Sol）
Drive along the coastal road to Ribeira Grande (approx. 30 minutes), take a short hike in the Torre Valley, and continue to Ponta do Sol.
Stay: Ponta do Sol
Day 5 · Coastal path to Cruzinha
Mindelo & Santo Antão（Fontainhas、Cruzinha）
Walk along the dramatic coastal path to Cruzinha (approx. 5 to 7 hours), then take a private transfer or shared minibus (aluguer) back to Ponta do Sol.
The cliffside path is narrow and not recommended for those with a fear of heights; arrange your return transport in advance.
Stay: Ponta do Sol
Day 6 · Return to Mindelo via the east coast road
Mindelo & Santo Antão（Coculi） → Janela → Mindelo & Santo Antão（Porto Novo）
Take a private transfer along the scenic east coast road to Porto Novo (approx. 2 hours), and take the afternoon ferry back to Mindelo (approx. 1 hour).
Aim for the afternoon ferry and double-check the ferry schedule for the day before departing.
Stay: Mindelo Town Centre
Day 7 · Rest day and beach in Mindelo
Mindelo & Santo Antão（Casa Cesária Évora、Torre de Belém (Mindelo)、Laginha Beach）
Explore the city on foot; Laginha Beach is about a 15-minute walk from the old town.
This day also serves as a buffer day in case of ferry cancellations.
Stay: Mindelo Town Centre
Day 8 · Farewell to Mindelo and departure
Mindelo & Santo Antão（Palácio do Povo）
Enjoy free time in the morning, then take a taxi to São Vicente Airport (approx. 15 minutes).