Santo Antão Travel Guide

Discover the best of Santo Antão in Cape Verde with our comprehensive travel guide featuring top attractions, outdoor activities, hiking/biking routes, recommended accommodations, local cuisine, cultural traditions, safety tips, transportation options, and more.


Introduction to Santo Antão

Santo Antão is the second-largest island in Cape Verde, a volcanic archipelago located off the northwest coast of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean. Known for its stunning natural beauty, rugged terrain, and unique culture, Santo Antão attracts travelers seeking outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. The island boasts scenic hiking trails through lush valleys, towering peaks, and charming villages, as well as pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life. Santo Antão is also home to a rich history and culture, with museums, art galleries, and architectural landmarks showcasing the island’s heritage.

List of Places to Visit in Santo Antão

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Museu da Tabanka: A cultural museum located in the village of Pombas, showcasing the island’s history, traditions, and customs.
  • Casa das Artes: An art gallery and cultural center in the city of Porto Novo, featuring local artisans and their works.
  • Igreja da Nossa Senhora do Rosário: A beautiful church located in the heart of Ribeira Grande, featuring stunning architecture and a rich history.

Natural Attractions of Santo Antão: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Cova Crater: A breathtaking volcanic crater located in the Cova Valley, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Pico da Cruz: A challenging hiking trail that takes you to the island’s highest peak, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Canyon de Ribeira do Paúl: A scenic hiking trail through a lush valley with stunning waterfalls and natural pools.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Santo Antão

Santo Antão is a hiker’s paradise, with numerous trails of varying difficulty levels that take you through stunning landscapes and charming villages. The island also has some great biking routes.

  • Ribeira da Torre: A gorgeous hiking trail that takes you through scenic valleys, gorges, and forests of pine and eucalyptus trees.
  • Corda Ridge Walk: A challenging hiking trail along a mountain ridge offering panoramic views of the coast and valleys.
  • Coastal Biking Route: A scenic biking trail along the island’s beautiful coastline, passing through small fishing villages and past stunning beaches.

Best Things to Do in Santo Antão: Activities and Tours

  • Scuba Diving and Snorkeling: Explore the island’s underwater world with a guided scuba diving or snorkeling tour, and discover colorful fish, coral reefs, and shipwrecks.
  • Visit local markets and Festivals: Get a glimpse of the island’s vibrant culture by visiting local markets and festivals, where you can meet locals, sample local cuisine, and buy souvenirs.
  • Go Wine Tasting: Santo Antão is famous for its wine production, with several vineyards producing award-winning wines. Take a tour and taste some of the island’s best wines.

Week-Long Itinerary for Santo Antão

Day 1: Arrival in Santo Antão, check-in at your hotel in Ribeira Grande.

Day 2: Hike the Ribeira da Torre trail and explore the charming villages of the Cova Valley.

Day 3: Go scuba diving or snorkeling, followed by a visit to the historic Igreja da Nossa Senhora do Rosário.

Day 4: Take a tour of a local vineyard and enjoy some wine tasting, followed by a visit to Museu da Tabanka.

Day 5: Take a challenging hike on the Corda Ridge Walk, followed by a visit to Casa das Artes.

Day 6: Rent a bike and explore the island’s scenic coastal route, stopping at beaches and fishing villages along the way.

Day 7: Take a relaxing day to soak up the sun on one of the island’s stunning beaches.

Food and Drink Scene of Santo Antão

Must-Try Dishes

  • Cachupa: A hearty stew made with corn, beans, cassava, fish, or meat.
  • Lagosta Grelhada: Grilled or roasted lobster served with garlic butter and rice, a local delicacy.
  • Mouraninha: A traditional pork blood pudding served with cassava, onions, and peppers.

Local Beverages

  • Grogue: A potent, locally distilled rum made from sugarcane.
  • Fogo Coffee: Grown on the nearby island of Fogo, this coffee is famous for its strong, rich flavor.

Where to Stay in Santo Antão: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Pension Rosa: A charming guesthouse located in the heart of Ribeira Grande, known for its welcoming hosts and comfortable rooms.
  • Hotel Paul Mar: A modern, beachfront hotel featuring spectacular views of Santo Antão’s coastline.
  • Guesthouse Equilibrium: A peaceful, eco-friendly guesthouse located in the scenic valley of Ribeira da Torre.

What to Buy in Santo Antão: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Handicrafts: Made by local artisans, including blankets, baskets, and pottery.
  • Cape Verdean Music: A unique blend of African, Brazilian, and Portuguese influences, with many musicians from Santo Antão.

Local Culture and Customs of Santo Antão

Santo Antão is a fascinating mix of cultures, with African, European, and Brazilian influences. The island is also known for its vibrant music and dance scene, including the Tabanka Festival, a celebration of African roots and Cape Verdean identity. Santo Antão is also home to a rich culinary tradition, with a focus on fresh seafood, spices, and locally grown produce.

Best Time to Visit Santo Antão

The best time to visit Santo Antão is from November to May, as this is the dry season and the weather is sunny and warm. June to September is the rainy season, but the showers are usually short and the island is still beautiful during this time.

Do’s and Don’ts of Santo Antão

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions: The island has a rich heritage, and you should be respectful of local customs and traditions.
  • Learn some Portuguese or Creole: While many locals speak some English, Portuguese or Creole can be useful for communicating with locals.

Don’t:

  • Litter: The island’s natural beauty is a major draw, so be sure to keep it clean by disposing of your trash properly.
  • Waste water: The island has limited resources, so be mindful of water usage and avoid wasting it.

Safety and Health

Safety in Santo Antão

Santo Antão is a safe destination for travelers, with low levels of crime. However, you should take normal precautions, like not walking alone at night and keeping your valuables safe.

Health in Santo Antão

Santo Antão has adequate healthcare facilities, but visitors should still take precautions to prevent illness. It is recommended that travelers get up-to-date vaccinations before visiting the island, including hepatitis A and B, and typhoid. Mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue fever and malaria are rare on Santo Antão, but visitors should still take precautions to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes.

Getting to Santo Antão: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Santo Antão

The closest airport to Santo Antão is São Pedro Airport on the island of São Vicente, which has regular flights to Praia, the capital of Cape Verde. From São Vicente, you can take a ferry or a domestic flight to Santo Antão.

Bus Stations Near Santo Antão

Ribeira Grande and Porto Novo have bus stations, which offer regular service to other parts of Santo Antão.

Other Options

You can also rent a car or a motorcycle to explore the island on your own. Taxis and shared minibusses, known as alugueres, are also available.

How to Get Around in Santo Antão

Many of the island’s attractions are accessible by hiking or biking trails, but if you prefer a more comfortable mode of transportation, car rentals, taxis, and alugueres are available. There are also guided tours available for those who prefer to be shown around.

Where to Go Next from Santo Antão: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

From Santo Antão, you can visit nearby islands such as São Vicente, Sal, and Boa Vista, all of which have their own unique attractions and experiences.

Conclusion

Santo Antão is a hidden gem in Cape Verde, offering visitors a rich variety of cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and stunning natural beauty. With its vibrant music scene, unique culinary traditions, and fascinating history, Santo Antão is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an authentic and unforgettable travel experience.

Between Porto Novo and Ribeira Grande Between Porto Novo and Ribeira Grande Ponta de Tumbo Lighthouse Ponta de Tumbo Lighthouse Ponta de Sol Ponta de Sol The beach at Tarrafal de Monte Trigo The beach at Tarrafal de Monte Trigo