Summary
Our Ultimate Cape Verde Walking Holiday is aimed at those who enjoy the challenge of a high summit and includes high paths through the mountains, and coastal routes.
Highlights
- Hike on four Cape Verde islands with a local guide.
- Summit the astounding Fogo volcano.
- Walk into the Paul Valley on Santo Antao
The Details
Discover Cape Verde’s dramatic volcanic landscapes on our Ultimate Walking Holiday, designed for those who relish challenging mountain hikes. Your journey spans four islands, each offering unique terrain and stunning views.
You’ll be accompanied by a private, English-speaking local guide throughout your trip, ensuring a personalised and enriching experience. We have carefully crafted the itinerary to be well paced, with warm-up walks before all major summits, cultural stops, and a full rest day to recharge.
Your adventure begins on Santiago, where you’ll explore the earliest Portuguese settlement at Cidade Velha, and hike to Pico d’Antonia. From there, you’ll fly to Fogo, starting with a trek inside the vast Cha das Caldeiras crater. The following day you wake for a dawn start up the steaming sulphuric slopes of Fogo Volcano, Cape Verde’s highest peak at 2,829m. It’s an incredible experience to stand on the summit and your efforts are rewarded with a thrilling run down the soft ashy flanks of the mountain.
Next you’ll visit Sao Vicente to enjoying a coastal walk and drive to the summit of Monte Verde, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the island . Mindelo’s vibrant music scene is a winning ingredient after a full day of walking.
The final leg of your adventure takes you to Santo Antao and we’ve included four full days of walking here, because it’s a paradise for walkers. You’ll hike through the Cova crater, the lush Paul Valley, and along the dramatic Atlantic coast. Your last challenge is Tope de Coroa, the island’s highest point, followed by a relaxing stay in remote Tarrafal at the western end of the island. The trip concludes with a ferry back to Sao Vicente and a final night in Mindelo before your return home.
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Suggested Itinerary
Depart the UK and fly via Lisbon to Praia on the island of Santiago in Cape Verde. On arrival, you will be met by your driver and a representative and taken to your hotel on the ocean front of Praia city.
All of the guided time this trip is private, so it’s just you and your English-speaking guide. In the morning you’ll be picked up by your guide, who’ll take you on a three hour walk from Calabaceira to Cape Verde’s oldest settlement – Cidade Velha, nowadays a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll be walking through a canyon passing palm trees and sugar cane fields. After the walk and lunch (included) there will be time to visit Cidade Velha. You’ll then be taken through Santiago's central mountains to Rui Vaz where you’ll stay for the next three nights.
Your guide will pick you up for a drive north, to the market in Assomada, colourful with fruit and vegetables and also livestock and fish. Then it's on into the mountains for a walk in the Serra Malagueta Natural Park. Today's walk is moderate and very scenic as you descend the northern hills from mountain to valley, where your transfer is waiting for you. A packed lunch is included.
It’s an early start today as you’ll be walking to the highest peak on the island – Pico d’Antonia (1392m). Depending on your walking experience your guide will take you up the most suitable route. There is some scrambling and loose rock on the walk to the peak - if you would prefer an easier route then let us know as there's an option that skirts the mountain side instead of ascending to the top.
Accommodation: Quinta da Montanha. You will be taken back to the airport and fly to Fogo, where on arrival you will be met by your driver and taken to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore the lovely little town of Sao Filipe.
The Caldeira of Fogo is one of the most amazing places to visit in the Cape Verde islands. You’ll meet your guide after breakfast and drive up to Cha das Caldeiras where you will explore the crater. Lunch and dinner are included today, and you will be staying overnight in the Caldeira. There is no light pollution up here, so at night make sure you go outside to see the stars.
Accommodation: Casa Marisa. Fogo summit day! You’ll need to get up at dawn this morning. From the casa, it’s only a short walk to the start of the climb, but it’s a challenging trek to the top of Pico do Fogo. Up here you’ll get a birds-eye view of the astonishing crater, it’s subsidiary cones and the cliff of the Bordeira crater wall. Most of the descent is on fine volcanic ash which you descend like fine scree. We recommend you bring your own walking poles for the ascent and your own gaiters for the scree running descent. A well-deserved lunch is included when you arrive back in Portela, after your 5-6 hours walk.
Today you’ll fly via Santiago to the island of Sao Vicente. You’ll be spending two nights in Mindelo, a place popular for its music and culture. Your hotel is within walking distance of many restaurants, where in the evenings, local musicians may perform live.
Sao Vicente’s highest peak is Monte Verde (744m). Unfortunately due to storm damage there isn't currently a suitable option for a walk to the summit. The best part of the walk to the summit is the view and so we've worked with our local guides to come up with a walk we all think is nicer than the ascent, and then you'll be taken to the Monte Verde summit by vehicle to see the amazing view. You’ll also see the environmental project at Simili - learn how Simili not only removes plastic from the beaches, but also actively involves local community members to develop innovative solutions (upcycling).
Accommodation: Oasis Atlantico Porto Grande.You’ll be picked up by your driver after a very early breakfast and taken to the ferry port for your crossing to the island of Santo Antao. On arrival, another guide will meet you and you’ll be taken to the start of your walk – Cova Crater. From here you descend into the beautiful Paul Valley (4 to 5 hrs). The cobbled path can be very steep at times, so do bring your poles as it can be hard on your knees. At the end of the walk, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for the next two nights. Lunch is included.
You'll transfer through the Ribeira Grande valley to Cruzinha. From here you and your guide will follow the dramatic Atlantic Coast back to Ponta do Sol. There are a few steep sections along this route, especially at the end when you get to the pretty mountain village of Fontainhas, high above a deep Ribeira. Lunch is included.
Accommodation: Tiduca. An early start as you'll transfer to the western part of the island to climb the Tope de Coroa (1979m), summit of Santo Antao. You’ll be in for a real treat, especially when it’s a clear day, as you’ll be able to see some of the other islands and the walk will have more of an alpine feel to it, that the previous walks you have done. Glowing hills, with some high cliffs and no real paths up to the top of Santo Antao. After your ascent you’ll transfer to the western coast for a stay in remote Tarrafal.
Accommodation: Casa Baobab. A well-earned rest day on the remote western coast of Santo Antao.
Accommodation: Casa Baobab. Transfer and catch the afternoon ferry back to Sao Vicente. You’ll be met by your driver and taken to your hotel. The rest of the day is free.
Accommodation: Oasis Atlantico Porto Grande. After a leisurely breakfast, it’s time for your transfer to the airport. Fly home via Lisbon
Suggested places to stay
From £3,775 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.
