Self-Guided Walking in Cape Verde
Cape Verde has some fantastic walking trails and you’ll often be the only one doing the walk that day! The majority of the walking routes in Cape Verde require a local guide, in part because the maps aren’t sufficiently detailed, and also because many of the paths are unmarked mountain tracks. However, there are a handful of really excellent walks that are well established enough to be enjoyed independently.
All of the most suitable self-guided walks are on Santao Antao. We’ve given a brief outline of each walk, but do get in touch if you would like a more detailed description, or advice on which of the walks might be the most enjoyable for you.
Cruzinha to Ponta do Sol
Perhaps the most spectacular self guided walk is the coastal trail from Cruzinha to Ponta do Sol on Santo Antão. Starting off in the small fishing village of Cruzinha, you follow the dramatic coastal path that contours around to the picturesque mountain village of Fontainhas. You’ll definitely want to stop and spend a little time looking around the colourful houses perched on the hillside. Its a really tranquill place. Your final destination is Ponta do Sol, the former capital of Santo Antão. This walk can be done in either direction but we generally recommend starting from Cruzinha, simply because Mamiwata is such a lovely place to stay! This moderate walk takes five to six hours and is suitable for adults and active children. You will find plenty of coves and beaches to stop at along the way, and can enjoy a picnic lunch.
Cova Crater to the Paul Valley
A private transfer will drive you up the bouncy, cobbled road to Cova crater. This is where you start your walk. You’ll first make your way down into the giant bowl volcanic crater, which is now used by farmers to grow fruit and vegetables. The path makes its way around the edge of the crater before snaking its way up to the crater rim on the opposite side to where you got dropped off. From the rim, you follow a steep, cobbled path that zigs zags its way down into the fertile green Paul Valley. Its possibly the prettiest site in all of Cape Verde, with towering cliffs and tropical vegetation: sugar cane, mango and dragon trees. The walk takes around 5 hours and can be hard on the knees, so we recommend walking poles. Most people stay within the Paul Valley but you can opt to be collected at the end of the Paul Valley if you’re heading on elsewhere.
Short walks in the Paul Valley
The Paul Valley is particularly beautiful and we always recommend that people consider staying a couple of nights. A good base for enjoying some valley walks is Casa Cavoquinho, in a little village called Cha de Manual in the heart of the Valley. Its a really laid back place to stay and you have elevated mountain views from the terrace. The owners are really friendly and will point you in the direction of some good walks. There’s also a grogue distillery in the valley that you can visit, where they make an alcoholic drink from the sugar cane.
How can I arrange to do one of these walks?
If you are booking your holiday to Cape Verde with Archipelago Choice, we can make all of the arrangements for you to enjoy one or more of these walks. We can suggest places to stay and will arrange for a private transfer to take you to the start of your walk and collect you at the end. We will also provide you with the route details within Foothpath App, which tracks your progress as you walk along. If you have questions you would like to ask about any of our guided or self-guided walks in Cape Verde, do get in touch.
