Is an adventure trip in Cape Verde possible? Of course, we tell you about it.
We usually associate adventure travel with extreme sports that require a lot of equipment. We will show them to you in the coming weeks. However, adventure in Cape Verde contemplates other possibilities. We are talking about getting as far away from the crowds as possible by accessing remote areas yet to be discovered. A totally new territory where we can still feel like great explorers.
This time, our perfect adventure trip is located in the Windward Islands, located in the north of the archipelago. The starting point is the international airport Cesaria Évora, in Sao Vicente. Once we arrive in Mindelo, the cultural capital of Cape Verde, we can see large mountains on the horizon.
It is the island of Santo Antao, located just 45 minutes away by ferry.
The green island is breathtaking, as it seems that you are in a lost world. Deep valleys where cliffs of hundreds of meters start, mountains full of forests on the northern slopes, and lunar landscapes with arid slopes on the southern slopes. The best environment to spend a week of authentic adventure travel.
"By the way, if you like photography, don't leave your camera at home or you'll regret it for the rest of your life."
We can begin our visit in Santo Antao by entering its northern valleys for a multitude of trekking:
- Pinhao – Sinagoga: A nice trekking of medium difficulty that runs between hills of sugar cane plantations until reaching the ocean at the long beach of Sinagoga.
- Cruzinhas – Ponta do Sol: The island’s trail par excellence. 14 kilometers along a rugged coastline of volcanic walls, dotted with pristine beaches of sand and rocks. The trail also passes through small villages half-hung between terraces of mango and papaya plantations.
- Paul Valley: the most iconic place on the island for having all the ingredients of Santo Antao. A long valley that runs from the sea to the mountains of almost 2,000 meters. In it, we observe villages, infinite plantations, grogue distilleries, streams and small reservoirs that serve as swimming pools for the valley’s children…
After a few days on the greenest and wettest slopes of Santo Antao, it is time to head south to the high plateaus of the extinct Topo Cora volcano and the remote fishing villages of Tarrafal and Monte Trigo.
Spectacular view at Fontainhas
Tropical green valley
This part of the island is very different from the previous one. The green gives way to brown tones and the cool environment becomes dry and warmer. Even so, we are in 100% adventure travel territory, with the highest peaks of the island, and without a doubt, far away from conventional tourism. In addition, and as if that were not enough, in Tarrafal we will find the best beach on the island and authentic villages where time seems to have stopped.
In this second part of our adventure trip we can do all these activities.
Authentic and environmentally committed experiences on our adventure trip:
- Topo Coroa: Stepping on the roof of the island of Santo Antao will be a thrill like few others. After a 3-hour climb up the slopes of the ancient volcano, we will reach the summit with unique 360-degree views and the ocean literally at our feet.
- Travesía Tarrafal – Monte Trigo: only 10 kilometers separate the two villages. By land, a small path that goes up and down without stopping leaves us in Monte Trigo in just a couple of hours. We recommend the return trip by sea, with one of the fishermen who continuously make the journey between the two fishing villages. An experience to get into the local life and continue enjoying this adventure trip.
- Get in the water with the locals! From snorkeling to fishing to surfing. The locals love the sea and spending their free time in it. It is easy to establish contact and conversations with them. Keeping a friendly and respectful tone, the local communities will be happy to have you join them.
- Loggerhead Turtles: As Tarrafal has a long and quiet beach, turtles come here every summer to make their nests. You can help the locals in their preservation and care during the long summer nights. A very special experience.
Fishing boat trip
These are some of the main recommendations that for us make this visit to Santo Antao. Incredible landscapes, remote places and 100% local experiences make for a perfect adventure trip.
