Things to Do in Santo Antão

Santo Antão is Cape Verde's second-largest island and arguably its most spectacular, renowned for its dramatic mountainous terrain, lush valleys, and exceptional hiking opportunities. This rugged paradise offers some of the most breathtaking landscapes in West Africa, with towering peaks reaching over 1,900 meters, deep ribeiras (valleys) carved by ancient volcanic activity, and terraced agricultural fields that cascade down steep hillsides. The island's diverse microclimates create everything from arid desert-like conditions in the south to verdant tropical vegetation in the north. Unlike some of Cape Verde's more developed islands, Santo Antão remains authentically rural and unspoiled, making it a haven for adventure travelers and nature enthusiasts. The island's economy is largely based on agriculture and fishing, with local communities maintaining traditional ways of life that have remained unchanged for generations. Visitors come primarily for world-class hiking, cultural immersion, and the chance to experience one of Africa's most unique and pristine island environments.

Santo Antão's dining scene centers around fresh seafood, locally grown tropical fruits, and traditional Cape Verdean dishes featuring corn, beans, and root vegetables. Most meals are served in small family-run restaurants and guesthouses rather than formal establishments. Signature dishes include cachupa (the national stew), fresh tuna and wahoo, locally grown bananas and papayas, and grogue-based cocktails. The Paul and Janela valleys produce exceptional sugarcane, tropical fruits, and vegetables thanks to their fertile volcanic soil and irrigation systems. Dining costs are modest, with full meals typically ranging €8-15 per person.

The optimal time to visit Santo Antão is during the dry season from November to June, when hiking conditions are ideal and ferry crossings are most reliable. December through March offers the coolest temperatures and clearest skies, perfect for trekking and photography. The brief rainy season (August-October) transforms the landscape into lush green paradise but can make hiking trails muddy and dangerous, while some remote areas become inaccessible. Trade winds provide natural cooling year-round, but the harmattan winds from the Sahara can create hazy conditions from December to February.