Fogo

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The island of Fogo offers a unique experience. After all, it has arrived where there is an active volcano. The island is the most unique of all the islands in Portugal. An island made of lava that has shown a sequence of eruptions over the last few decades. The magic of the active volcano, the name of the island of Fogo, rises abruptly from the sea due to the powerful movements of volcanic eruptions such as the one that happened recently. The island is more than an active volcano, but also a diversity of colours offered by nature. Fogo is life, history, a prodigy of creativity and the survival of a community with a deep cultural essence. São Filipe was the initial baptism when the navigator Diogo Gomes touched down here in 1460. The original name only lasted a short time, such was the impression made by the mountain and the movements in the bowels of the earth. The island was renamed Fogo, and São Felipe became the name of the capital. Discovered in 1460, Fogo was the second island to be populated. The island had great potential for planting cotton, wine and heather. The constant activity of the volcano caused some families to abandon the island, which led to its decline. However, the introduction of coffee cultivation and the boost in trade with Brazil made the island prosper again in the mid-19th century.

Explore the island

Island map

Island attractions

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Matriz church

Located in the center of São Felipe, this church is surrounded by houses. It was built in the 19th century and is still a center of excellence for religious worship on the island.

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Baixo Cemetery

Also known as the cemetery of the whites, it was built in 1949 by wealthy families to bury their dead. The oldest graves date from 1953, but all of them are impressive due to their large tombstones and decorative elements.

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Flag Houses

This is the main center of the traditional feast of San Felipe, which animates the town for a week. The House of Flags celebrates the island and gathers some of the remains of those involved in the flag festivities on 1 ...

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Vulcão do Fogo

The volcano is located in the center of the island and is the island’s most important feature, shaping the daily life of Fogo’s inhabitants. The imposing Fogo volcano is considered one of the wonders of Cape Verde and ...

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Cha das cadeiras

Located in the center of the island, the natural park covers the area of the Bordeira volcano and the Monte velha forest perimeter. It is the largest protected area in Cape Verde and covers the three municipalities (Santa Catarina, Sã ...

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Mosteiros

The second city on the island of Fogo, facing the sea, Mosteiros also occupies a mountainous area. In one of its neighborhoods you can find Fogo’s only coffee plantations.

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São Felipe Salt Flats

Located 20 kilometers from the city of São Felipe, these natural pools are carved into the volcanic rocks. Ideal for a refreshing dip.