Santo Antão is the greenest and most mountainous island of Cape Verde, offering scenery that rivals the Andes or the Alps. It is not an island for beach lounging, but rather for exploration and nature. Access is part of the adventure: there is no airport, so families must take a one-hour ferry ride from neighboring São Vicente. The arrival in Porto Novo reveals a dry landscape, but as you drive upward on the historic cobblestone Estrada de Corda (Rope Road), the world transforms into a mist-covered forest of pine and cypress.
The highlight for families is the Paúl Valley (Vale do Paúl). It is a lush, tropical amphitheater filled with sugar cane, banana trees, mangoes, and papayas. The hiking trails here often follow flat levadas (irrigation channels), making them accessible even for younger children who are comfortable walking. You can walk through villages where locals still live in thatched stone houses and process sugar cane into molasses. Guides can show kids how coffee is roasted or let them taste fresh fruit picked straight from the tree. For a dramatic view without the hike, a stop at the Cova de Paúl—an extinct volcanic crater now used as farmland—offers a view where you look down into the clouds.
On the coast, the town of Ponta do Sol has a charming, end-of-the-world feel. Visitors can watch the sun set into the vast ocean while kids play on the promenade. A short drive away is Fontainhas, a village clinging to the cliffs that looks like a fairytale illustration with its colorful houses stacked on terraces. Note that the roads in Santo Antão are steep, winding, and often cobbled; travel times are slow, and hiring a local driver is highly recommended over renting a car yourself.
Accommodation here tends to be in small, family-run guesthouses (pensions) rather than large hotels, offering a warm, personal welcome. The food is farm-to-table fresh, with distinct local specialties. While the ocean is generally too rough for swimming on the north coast, the freshwater pools in the valleys and the sheer majesty of the landscape provide plenty of entertainment for nature-loving families.
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Activities & Best Times
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
A world-class trekking destination featuring the dramatic 'ribeiros' and terraced volcanic slopes that offer a unique, non-commercialized experience for sophisticated adventurers. Peak months provide perfect hiking temperatures (19-24°C) and dry conditions, while the rainy season (Aug-Sep) can make steep mountain trails slippery and humid.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
The 'Estrada da Corda' is a legendary cobblestone route winding along jagged mountain ridges, offering some of the most spectacular scenic vistas in the Atlantic. Excellent visibility and dry roads from November to June ensure a world-class driving experience, whereas seasonal clouds in August and September often obscure the dramatic canyon views.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Offers fascinating insights into traditional Macaronesian terraced agriculture and complex volcanic geology for curious families. Educational explorations of the 'ribeiro' farming systems are best undertaken during the dry season when mountain hamlets are most accessible and the weather is stable for outdoor learning.
Events, celebrations, seasonal attractions
The São João festival in June is a vibrant, authentic celebration of Cape Verdean culture with traditional music and processions. While June is the peak for cultural immersion, the surrounding shoulder months offer a glimpse into the preparations and rural traditions.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
The sports offering is essentially mountain trekking and trail running — the same activity driving the 'excellent' adventure_nature rating. No organized water sports, cycling infrastructure, or diverse sporting facilities. 'Good' avoids double-counting the trekking under two categories.
Beach resorts, marine activities: diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, wind surfing, sailing
Though primarily a mountain destination, coastal paths near Ponta do Sol offer rugged, authentic sea views and small swimming spots. Peak months align with the warmest water and calmest winds, while the windy winter months (Jan-Apr) make coastal conditions too rough for family swimming.
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
While lacking world-class museums, the authentic 'morabeza' (hospitality) and colonial charm of Ponta do Sol offer a genuine cultural experience. June is peak for the traditional São João festivals, though the island's primary appeal remains its rural landscapes rather than urban cultural infrastructure.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
No wellness infrastructure in the DB — no thermal baths, spas, or wellness centers. Eco-lodges providing a quiet atmosphere is the baseline for any rural destination, not a wellness-specific offering. 'Marginal' is appropriate.
Attractions (31 total)
Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Cova de Paúl
Porto Novo
A stunning extinct volcanic crater featuring a patchwork of traditional vegetable farms that families can explore on foot.
Vale do Paúl
Paúl
Cape Verde's lushest valley where families can walk through vibrant terraces of coffee, banana, and sugarcane.
Trapiche Ildo Benrós
Paúl
An authentic traditional mill where visitors can see the process of making grogue and learn about the island's agricultural heritage.
Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Cova de Paúl Crater
Porto Novo
A massive, extinct volcanic crater featuring a fertile floor patterned with agricultural fields and surrounded by pine-covered slopes.
Fontainhas
Ponta do Sol
A world-renowned mountain village perched precariously on a cliffside, famous for its colorful houses and dramatic coastal scenery.
Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário
Ribeira Grande
A historic colonial-era church that serves as a central landmark in the island's most vibrant urban center.
Delgadim Ridge
Ribeira Grande
A spectacular mountain pass on the Estrada da Corda where the road narrows to a ridge, offering views into two separate deep valleys.
National Park / Nature Reserve
Cova de Paúl Natural Park
Paúl
A stunning extinct volcanic crater filled with agricultural fields that serves as the gateway to the island's most lush hiking trails.
Tope de Coroa Natural Park
Porto Novo
Home to the island's highest peak, this park features a starkly beautiful volcanic landscape with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Moroços Natural Park
Porto Novo
A protected mountainous reserve known for its unique endemic flora and dramatic, jagged peaks that offer challenging yet rewarding treks.
Hiking & Cycling Routes
Cova de Paúl to Vila das Pombas
Cova de Paúl
12km moderate descent, 4 to 5 hours duration, featuring a 1,300m descent from the volcanic crater into the lush Paúl Valley. The trail winds through coffee, banana, and sugarcane plantations. Guide services: Nobai (nobai.com).
Visit website →Ponta do Sol to Cruzinha Coastal Trail
Ponta do Sol
15km challenging day hike, typically taking 5 to 7 hours with approximately 1,000m of total elevation gain. This iconic path follows dramatic cliffs and passes through the village of Fontainhas. Equipment/Guide: Nobai (nobai.com).
Visit website →Tarrafal de Monte Trigo to Monte Trigo
Tarrafal de Monte Trigo
10km (one way) challenging coastal hike, 4 to 5 hours, traversing rocky volcanic terrain and arid slopes at the base of Topo de Coroa. Extremely remote with no road access to the destination. Guide services: Nobai (nobai.com).
Visit website →Xôxo to Águas das Caldeiras
Ribeira Grande
8km challenging ascent, 4 hours duration, with nearly 1,000m of elevation gain. This route features steep stone staircases and spectacular views of the Ribeira da Torre valley. Guide services: Nobai (nobai.com).
Visit website →The Corda Road Cycling Route
Porto Novo
36km expert cycling route along the historic cobblestone spine of the island. Features 1,400m of elevation gain if starting from the coast. Steep gradients and sharp hairpins. Bike rental and tours: Nobai (nobai.com).
Visit website →Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Delgadinho Ridge (Estrada da Corda)
Ribeira Grande
An iconic mountain ridge offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the island's most dramatic canyons and steep volcanic slopes.
Paúl Valley (Vale do Paúl)
Paúl
The greenest valley in Cape Verde, famous for its tropical fruit trees, terraced agriculture, and gentle walking paths suitable for all ages.
Fontainhas Village Viewpoint
Ponta do Sol
A world-renowned scenic spot featuring colorful houses perched on a narrow ridge overlooking a deep valley and the Atlantic Ocean.
Ribeira da Torre
Ribeira Grande
A dramatic canyon known for its towering volcanic rock formations and fertile valley floor where sugar cane and coffee are grown.
Road Trips & Scenic Drives
Estrada da Corda (The Cord Road)
Porto Novo
36km historic cobblestone mountain pass (1.5-2 hours) connecting the south to the north. Features the Cova de Paúl volcanic crater, pine forests, and dramatic hairpin turns over the Ribeira da Torre valley.
Visit website →Paúl Valley Scenic Drive
Vila das Pombas
10km cobblestone road (30 minutes) ascending deep into the greenest valley in Cape Verde. Passes through banana and coffee plantations, traditional grogue distilleries, and towering jagged peaks.
Visit website →Ponta do Sol to Fontainhas Road
Ponta do Sol
4km narrow cobblestone track (20 minutes) often cited as one of the world's most scenic drives. It clings to vertical cliffs leads to the colorful village of Fontainhas perched on a mountain ridge.
Visit website →Porto Novo to Janela Coastal Road (EN1-SA-01)
Porto Novo
25km paved asphalt coastal highway (45 minutes) hugging the rugged eastern shore. Highlights include the Janela rock formation, tunnels carved through volcanic cliffs, and panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Visit website →Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Fontainhas Village
Ponta do Sol
Perched on a narrow ridge over deep ravines, this iconic village features colorful houses and dramatic terraced views ranked among the world's most beautiful.
Ponta do Sol Historic Center
Ponta do Sol
A charming coastal town with colonial Portuguese architecture, featuring the yellow Town Hall and a historic square once serving as the island's main port.
Ribeira Grande (Povoação)
Ribeira Grande
The administrative heart of the north, this historic settlement features narrow alleys, colonial churches, and vibrant local markets set between towering cliffs.
Vila das Pombas
Paúl
A colorful seaside town acting as the gateway to the lush Paúl Valley, known for its colonial 'sobrado' houses and relaxed atmosphere.
Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Tarrafal de Monte Trigo Beach
Tarrafal de Monte Trigo
A remote black sand beach surrounded by dramatic cliffs and palm trees, known as the most tranquil swimming spot on the island.
Sinagoga Natural Pools
Sinagoga
Natural swimming pools carved into volcanic rock formations, providing a scenic and sheltered spot to enjoy the Atlantic Ocean.
Praia de Curraletes
Porto Novo
A popular volcanic sand beach located just outside Porto Novo, offering clear waters and a relaxing environment for families.
Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Church of Our Lady of the Rosary
Ribeira Grande
The island's oldest church, this 16th-century colonial structure stands as a testament to early Portuguese settlement and offers a peaceful historic visit.