Guided tours in Cape Verde
If you are looking for the best way to explore the wonderful islands of Cape Verde, then we recommend our private guided tours. Travelling by vehicle means you get to explore the different parts of each island at your pace. Your local guide will take you to scenic spots, fishing villages, markets, and historical and cultural and highlights. The day is all yours, so chat to your guide before you head out because you may want to ask them to factor in a little swim, a short walk, or time to wander around one of the villages.
We’ve listed four of our most popular island tours to give you a flavour of what to expect, but you an enjoy a private guided tour with us on all nine of Cape Verde’s islands.
Guided Tour of Santo Antao
Santo Antão is an incredibly beautiful island. One of the absolute highlights that you simply cannot miss is the cobbled mountain pass that takes you all the way from Porto Nova to Cova do Paul. This road is famously known as Estrada da Corda (rope road) and is part of most of our day tours. You will be picked up from the ferry port in Porto Novo (or you hotel) and taken up to the crater rim of Cova de Paul. You’ll visit picturesque towns and villages, such as Ribeira Grande, Fontainhas mountain settlement, and Ponta do Sol on the coast. And, of course, we always include a visit to the beautiful Paul Valley, which is intensely green and the perfect picture of Cape Verdean rural tranquillity. You may want to take a little walk in the valley to stretch your legs.
Guided Tour of Fogo
You’ll be picked up in the morning to explore Fogo by car. Fogo is the most obviously volcanic of Cape Verde’s island and the Caldeira of Fogo is an incredible place. You’ll get a fantastic views of this giant stratovolcano from the caldeira, which has lava and ash fields, and subsidiary cones and vents from eruptions over the years. As you drive around the island, you’ll pass agricultural fields growing exotic fruits and vegetables. And there’s plenty of time to stop at the pretty villages of Cova Figueira, Mosteiros, and Sao Filipe. And if you fancy a dip in the sea, there’s a suitable spot at Sao Filipe, or the harbour of Salinas.
Guided Tour of Santiago
Santiago is the most densely populated of Cape Verde’s nine islands and, consequently, is considered to be one of the most culturally authentic. There are several half day tours that you can enjoy on the island but the most popular option is to combine a visit to Cidade Velha with the Tarrafal. Cidade Velha, is the oldest settlement in Cape Verde and you can visit the historical fortress and walk through the cobbled streets of Rua Banana. In the afternoon, you will drive north to Tarrafal on the coast, stopping at Assomada’s vibrant market and the Museum of Resistance. You’ll definitely want a bit of time on Tarrafal’s sheltered beach, either to watch the fisherman at work, or jump in for a swim. From Tarrafal, you’ll head to the nearby Serra Malagueta mountains, where you can enjoy the scenery from various view points, or perhaps taking a short walk.
Guided Tour of São Vicente
We offer a range of full-day tours across São Vicente, all of which can be tailored to include the experiences you’re most interested in. Discover the island’s diverse landscapes, from coastal dunes and black sand beaches to picturesque villages, and take in sweeping views from Monte Verde, the island’s highest peak. In Mindelo, you can enjoy a guided walking tour, visit a local guitar-making workshop, take part in a cooking class, or browse the vibrant markets. For a unique wildlife experience, we can also arrange a trip to São Pedro Beach, where you’ll have the opportunity to swim with sea turtles. As it isn’t possible to include everything in a single day, we’ll discuss your preferences with you in advance to create a personalised itinerary.
How do I book my private guided tour of Cape Verde’s islands?
If you are booking your holiday to Cape Verde with Archipelago Choice then you can include any activity you like within your holiday package. We’re here to offer genuine descriptions of each activity, so you can decide which options are best for you. So do get in touch if you would like us to create a customised holiday package that aligns with all of the experiences you enjoy.
Have a chat with Max or Jake, on: team@archipelagochoice.com.
