Fogo

Discover Fogo

The topography of Fogo Island is unmistakably volcanic. Fogo Volcano’s 2,829 metre-high summit cone commands your attention from every corner of the island. The sweeping Cha das Caldeiras and the vertical rock walls of the Bordeira were sculped many thousands of years ago, when part of the volcano collapsed into the Atlantic ocean. This dramatic landscape makes Fogo one of Cape Verde’s most captivating islands to explore.

Things to do on Fogo

The Chã das Caldeiras is unquestionably one of Fogo’s best attractions. You walk into the caldeira and can even stay overnight at one of the casas. It’s a really peaceful experience to watch the sun go down over the mountain, and see the volcano cone silhouetted against a star-filled sky. As with most of Cape Verde’s islands, the walking trails here are a highlight and we can talk to you about your preferences before suggesting the routes that would be ideal for you. Accompanied by a guide, you can walk along the steep Baldeiras wall, enjoy an easy walk within the Caldeira, or challenge yourself to a guided ascent of Fogo Volcano.

When you’re in the caldeira, you can choose to add on a little wine tasting experience. Unlike the wine tours and vineyards of mainland Portugal, this is a much more rustic experience. These unique vines take root in the volcanic ash, growing low to the ground. The wine is produced at a winery called Chã Vinho do Fogo, an understated but charming stone building within the Chã das Caldeiras. Those red and white wines, with their volcanic notes, will taste all the more delicious after a day out walking!

There’s plenty to explore around Fogo’s coastline too and we recommend going on a private guided tour. As you travel along the cobbled roads, you’ll pass fertile fields of exotic fruits and vegetables. You’ll see rocky coves with black sand beaches, and charming coastal towns. Pretty São Filipe is perhaps the prettiest, with its cobbled streets, colourful colonial buildings, and excellent bakery. If you’re in the mood for a refreshing dip, the natural pools at Salinas provide a safe and scenic spot for a swim.

Top places to stay on Fogo

Sao Filipe is a lovely place to base yourself when staying on Fogo. The historic centre, called Bila Baxo, is filled with brightly painted buildings, such as the iconic bright-blue catholic church, a remnant of the colonial era. Melissa’s Guesthouse is ideally located in the central square of Sao Filipe and offers comfortable rooms overlooking the ocean and the black volcanic sands of Sao Filipe’s beach. If you prefer larger establishments, then we recommend the Hotel Xaguate, which sits on a small headland on the outskirts of the town.

If you’d prefer somewhere quiet and remote, La Fora Ecolodge is a chic and comfortable retreat on the lower slopes of Fogo Volcano, sitting high above the town of São Filipe. Those who who plan to enjoy some hiking can base themselves at Casa Marisa II, a collection of circular huts in full view of Fogo Volcano. Each has its own roof terrace, so you can enjoy watching the sun go down over the mountains whilst sipping a cool glass of wine.

When was Fogo Volcano last active?

There are detection systems in place on Fogo Island that give a few days warning if the mountain is about to vent. Since the settlement of the island in the 15th century, there have been more than thirty eruptions, the most recent being the 2014 eruption that devastated Portella and Bangaeira, two small villages within the Caldeira. Though there were many houses swallowed by the lava, many locals describe it as an invent so staggering that they would not want to have missed it, despite the repercussions. Fortunately, those living within the Caldeira had plenty of time to evacuate, and half of them returned to rebuild their lives on the island.

Getting to Fogo

There are regular internal flights between Santiago and Fogo. If you have clear skies and you’re seated on the right-hand side of the plane when you’re flying in, you’ll be treated to a spectacular aerial view of the Cha das Caldeiras and the perfect cone of Pico do Fogo, the highest point in the whole of Cape Verde. Fogo’s an essential part of a trip to neighbouring Brava as the ferry departs from Sao Filipe.

And remember, all of our holidays are tailor made for you. We’ve put together a few holiday suggestions on our website, but all of them can be amended to include the parts of Cape Verde that you most want to explore.