Summary
Exploring Cape Verde's southern islands is a great way to appreciate the diversity of Cape Verde's Islands, from the bustling markets and old settlements of Santiago to Fogo's starkly volcanic landscape, and Maio's quiet beaches.
Highlights
- Diverse Santiago with lush valleys and bustling towns.
- Stark, spectacular Fogo volcano and friendly Sao Filipe.
- Maio, hidden beach-paradise gem.
The Details
Our Highlights of Cape Verde’s Southern Islands holiday starts in Santiago, with island hops to neighbouring Fogo and Maio. This holiday is the perfect way to appreciate the diversity of the islands of Cape Verde, from the hustle and bustle of the markets on Santiago, to the starkly volcanic landscape of Fogo, and the quiet and idyllic beaches of Maio.
Starting on Santiago, you’ll visit Cidade Velha, the oldest settlement on Cape Verde. You’ll also enjoy a private full-day tour of the island with it’s jagged peaks, deep valleys and bustling market towns.
The volcanic nature of Cape Verde is most evident on the island of Fogo, whose landscape is dominated by a huge volcanic cone. You’ll explore the moon-like crater of Cha das Caldeira with a guide, where you can see fingers of lava that once flowed from various eruptions. You stay in the town of Sao Filipe, a charming town with colourful buildings that hark back to the Portuguese colonial era.
After the cultural and scenic experiences of Santiago and Fogo, you’ll have time to relax on quiet Maio. Maio is is a true hidden gem, with incredible white-sand beaches that easily equal the more famous beaches of Sal and Boavista. On Maio, you get the beaches to yourself, and perhaps a handful of other visitors.
Suggested Itinerary
Depart Heathrow and fly via Lisbon to Santiago in Cape Verde. On arrival transfer to the Oasis Atlantico on the ocean front of Praia city, where you'll stay for three nights.
After breakfast, you will be picked up by your English speaking guide and drive to the oldest settlement in Cape Verde - Cidade Velha. Here the guide will take you on a historical stroll to Rua Banana, the Nossa Senhora do Rosario church and the Pelourinho (pillory). You may also wish to visit the fort which overlooks the bay. On the way back, you will be shown around bustling Praia and the colourful Sukopira market.
Another busy day, when your guide takes you on an in-depth tour of the island. This includes visits to the colourful African market in Assomada, where not only fruit and vegetables are being sold, but also chickens and other livestock. You will then be driven to the Serra Malagueta Natural Park where you could do an optional short walk. Continue on to Tarrafal for lunch and where you have the opportunity to swim in the beautiful cove with its white sandy beach. Don't forget your swimming gear! Return to Praia via the Northeast coast.
Transfer to the airport and fly to Fogo, on arrival transfer to the Colonial Guesthouse in Sao Filipe where you will stay for three nights. In the afternoon you could explore the pretty town with its pastel coloured houses and Sobrado architecture (buildings from the Portuguese colonial era), set amongst cobbled roads.
Your guide will pick you up again from your hotel and you be going on a full day tour to the imposing volcanic crater of Cha das Caldeiras. You can go for a short hike on the Bordeira (crater rim) with magnificent views of the crater below - or you can go for a short walk in the crater along the lava fields. Lunch is included today.
After breakfast, you will be picked up again by your guide and this time you will go on a full day tour of the rest of the island. You will visit Cova Figueira, Mosteiros and Salinas before you head back again to Sao Filipe. Lunch is included today.
Free time until it's time for your transfer to the airport and fly via Santiago to Maio. On arrival, you will be transferred to your apartment where you'll stay for three nights. Your apartment is close to the stunning white sandy beach.
The day is free to explore this beautiful, quiet and least visited island, It has lovely beaches, and offers a great variety of water sports activities. If you like bird watching then you should head for Salina de Porto Ingles, which apart from being the biggest salt lake in the archipelago also has a nearby wetland. In the evening you could visit the attractive town of Vila do Maio (the main town on the island), with its colourfully painted houses and narrow cobbled streets.
Free day - you could either relax locally or perhaps take a jeep safari around the island and discover more hidden beaches. There are also some pleasant short walks that you can do around the salt pans. If you're on the island during the UK's late winter/early spring then you might spot humpback whales with their new-born calves from the shore.
Free time until it's time for your pick up to the airport for your return flight to Santiago, where on arrival you will be transferred to the Oasis Atlantico for one night. The rest of the day is free.
Free time until it's time for your transfer to the airport. Fly home via Lisbon.
Suggested places to stay
Gallery
From £2,850 per person
Price included
The price is based on two people sharing a twin or a double room, activities as described and includes flights from the UK.
For a personalised itinerary and full list of what's included, please get in touch.
