Walk from the Cova crater to Paul

Duration: approx. 4 hours

This walk starts in Covacrater and is perfect as the first walk after arriving by ferry. At the crossroads, take the path off to the left and walk for about 15 minutes along the crater floor, often covered in mist, to a turn-off on the right-hand side of the road. From there, climb up the north wall of the crater. On a clear day, you can enjoy a fantastic view over one of Cape Verde’s most fertile valleys – the Val do Paùl.

The descent follows an unmistakably winding path until after about an hour you reach the small village of Cabo de Ribeira. Treat yourself to a refreshment or snack at the “O Curral” restaurant on the left-hand side of the road, about 10 minutes after leaving Cabo de Ribeira. The rest of the way follows the same tarmac road via Chã de Manuel Santos via Eito to sea level Vila das Pombas

Walk from the Cova crater to Pico da Cruz

Duration: approx. 2.5 hours

From Cova crater, take the right-hand climb towards the small village of Pico da Cruz. This walk offers breathtaking views both to the left and below Vila das Pombas and to the right, towards the coast. On a clear day it is possible to see the neighboring island of São Vicente. The approximately hour-long journey to the summit is usually shrouded in cold, damp mist. At the 1585 meter high summit you can expect a breathtaking panoramic view. The way back is via the same route back to Cova crater.

Hike from Boca de Ribeiras –  Chã de Pedras to Lagoa

Duration: aprox. 5-6 horas

This more strenuous hike leads upwards, but the breathtaking views and ever-changing landscapes you experience make up for any difficulty. You start in the riverbed at Boca da Ribeiras, from where you leave halfway up to face the steep climb from Caibros to Chã de Pedras. The panoramic view that opens up over the Chã da Pedras mountain is unique. The walk is on a paved path through a partially wooded area. Huge views and narrow paths along the mountainside change every minute. After more than an hour, you reach the summit, where you are faced with a completely new landscape. The green-covered plateau you reach after half an hour is strongly reminiscent of a temperate European zone. On the last part of this varied hike, there is a well-travelled path in red sandstone. Through lush pine forests and larger collections of wild-growing medicinal Artemisa (wormwood), you reach Lagoa, the end point of the walk.

Coastal walk from Ponta do Sol –  Fontainhas to Cruzinha da Garça

Duration: aprox. 5-6 horas

The walk from Ponta do Sol via Fontainhas to Cruzinha da Garça is one of the absolute highlights of Santo Antão and is considered the queen of coastal walks. It starts in the fishing village of Ponta do Sol and follows the tarmac road towards Fontainhas. The impressive walk to Fontainhas takes about an hour and is characterized by the huge mountain slopes on the left and the steep chasms on the right. The village of Fontainhas, which looks like an eagle’s nest hanging from the mountainside, is one of the most impressive places in Cape Verde and a must-see for all visitors to Santo Antão. You can also reach Fontainhas by car. The other path from Fontainhas to Cruzinha da Garça is only accessible on foot. 30 minutes after leaving Fontainhas you come to a spectacular basalt column. From here you continue along cobbled streets to Corvo and Forminguinhas accompanied by huge rock formations on your left and violent waves on your right. From Forminguinhas you continue along impressive winding paths to Aranhas.