Fogo Island, an absolutely wild place

KM² (KM²)

POPULATION (K)

Fogo, an example of the will to live of a population with absolute love for a furious but generous land.

Incredible contrasts between lava rivers, black beaches of blue water and wooded valleys where we will find fruit crops, coffee and even wine production; all 55km from Santiago.

Fogo

AN ABSOLUTELY WILD PLACE

Fogo Island

Visible from other islands, it creates the postcard of a strong giant rising among the clouds. We are talking about the imposing volcano, still active, which gives its name to the island of Fogo. Despite this situation, this theoretically hostile land is home to the third largest capital of Cape Verde, Sao Filipe. Among the last eruptions, the one in November 2014 stands out, when a violent eruption wiped off the map two small villages in the crater of Cha das Caldeiras, fortunately there were no casualties. The inhabitants of the island of Fogo have always shown a more than positive attitude to survive in this threatening land, since, despite the inclemencies and the recent recommendations of the government to evacuate the villages, they have always chosen to stay and continue with their lives peacefully.

HIGHEST POINT (M)

LAST ERUPTION

LARGEST ISLAND

COBBLESTONE ROAD IN FOGO

A rooted life

Fogo Island is also an island of contrasts. In contrast to the rivers of lava, the black beaches, the imposing crater and houses under the remains of the eruptions, we will also find fertile valleys with eucalyptus forests where fruit, coffee and even volcanic wine is produced. The great attraction of the island of Fogo is the natural park with the same name, as it offers the possibility of hiking in a fascinating environment up to 2829m high. Other attractions will be to bathe in absolutely black beaches that contrast with the blue water.

Entrance doors & Transportation

Access to Fogo Island is through domestic flights and ferries from Santiago. Flights operate daily while ferries operate twice a week with a 5/6 hour trip.

In addition, the island of Fogo is the only connection with the neighboring island of Brava only by sea.

In terms of land transportation, the best option for getting around the island are private 4×4 cars, cabs or aluguers (public).

Fogo in data

478

Km2 of surface area

39000

Inhabitants residing on the island

2829

The meters of the Pico de Fogo, the highest point

2014

Year of last eruption

Km that separate them from Santiago

4ª

Largest island of the archipelago

History

The Fogo Island volcano originated hundreds of thousands of years ago, creating a mountainous structure of approximately 3500m. Approximately 10,000 years ago, the fragile, vertical walls collapsed, causing an avalanche and cutting the height of the volcano. Originally, the second inhabited island of Cape Verde was used for the cultivation of cotton and the manufacture of traditional African handicrafts by slaves. Due to continuous eruptions and internal population transfers, some of its inhabitants settled on the neighboring island of Brava. Throughout the 18th century, with the presence of American whaling ships, the Cape Verdean diaspora to the United States began. Since then, multiple eruptions have been reported, the most recent being in 1995 and 2014.

Biodiversity

A seemingly hostile island that is home to the third largest city in the archipelago, Sao Filipe.

As we have already mentioned, the island of Fogo is a clear example of the contrasts offered by a still active volcanic environment. At the flora level we can find 8 species of endemic plants, of which the Lingua de vaca, a white broad-leaved plant or the Cravo-bravo babo, a delicate pink flower with pointed leaves, stand out.

In terms of birds, the great crater of Fogo becomes a very attractive place for different species, such as the Pterodroma feae or the Halcyon leucocephala. Finally, in relation to marine animals, we can also find turtles, the well-known Caretta caretta, which uses the beaches of Fogo Island as a nest during the months of June and October.

Sao Filipe - The Capital

A very nice and well-structured capital with beautiful Portuguese houses and streets with bougainvilleas and sturdy trees. It has a small but busy market and an area with quality restaurants. Its cobblestone streets contrast with the black sand of the beaches on the horizon. Portuguese architecture is very present in the capital of the island of Fogo, either in the squares, but especially in the beautiful colonial houses with clay tiles and wooden balconies.

Other locations

Cha das Caldeiras: located at the foot of the Fogo volcano is an area inhabited by the villages of Portela and Bangaleira.
Monte Velha forest reserve: green and lush forest that descends from Cha to the sea shore in the city of Mosteiros.
Pico Grande: the highest peak of Cape Verde and one of the best trekking possible. A breathtaking view and unique sensations walking at sunrise.

Much more in:

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Experiences in Fogo

In terms of activities, one of the most recommended is hiking. Undoubtedly, visiting the volcano of Fogo Island is an absolute must, being able to climb its peak, see the crater and slide down the slopes full of lava.

It is also a good option to explore the caves generated by volcanic formations. Cycling would not be recommended because most of the roads are steep and cobblestone. Although it would not be the strong point, swimming in one of the black beaches of the island of Fogo is still a nice experience. For those who do not want to walk much, there is also the possibility of taking 4×4 tours through the volcanic area of Fogo Island.

Outstanding proposals:

Trekking to the summit of Pico Grande
Tasting of local wines from Cha das Caldeiras at Casa Ramiro
Via Ferrata de la Bordeira in Cha das Caldeiras.
Guided tour of the capital of the island with many examples of colonial architecture.
Variety of volcanic trekking through lava fields and caves in the Cha das Caldeiras area.