São Vicente, Santo Antão and Sal: culture, mountains, beaches
An eight-day journey through São Vicente, Santo Antão and Sal, combining volcanic landscapes, mountain valleys, local traditions, island culture and relaxed beach time in Santa Maria.
Experience three distinct islands without repeating the same landscapes.
Travel through Santo Antão’s valleys, ridges and dramatic mountain roads.
Meet island communities and discover traditions beyond the main resorts.
End with Sal’s beaches, ocean views and unstructured free time.
Upon arrival at Cesária Évora International Airport, meet our team and enjoy a private transfer to your accommodation in Mindelo. After check-in, the rest of the day is free to relax or start exploring Mindelo at your own pace.
Climb Monte Verde, the island’s highest point at around 750m, for panoramic views (weather permitting). Continue through Salamansa, a small fishing community, and the famous Baía das Gatas, then along the coast past Praia Grande to Calhau, between wild beaches and volcanic landscapes. Before returning to Mindelo, pass through the fishing village of São Pedro, where you can optionally swim with sea turtles with local professionals.
In the morning, transfer to Mindelo port and ferry crossing to Santo Antão. Upon arrival in Porto Novo, meet your guide and begin the island discovery along the famous Estrada de Corda, one of Cape Verde’s most spectacular mountain roads. Climb to the Cova Crater, an old volcanic crater surrounded by mountains, then continue to the impressive Delgadinho viewpoint overlooking the deep valleys of Ribeira Grande and Ribeira da Torre. Head towards the north coast to discover Fontainhas, a small village built on the mountainside. End the day in Ponta do Sol, an old fishing village by the Atlantic, where you will spend the night.
After breakfast, leave Ponta do Sol for a day dedicated to the valleys, villages and landscapes of northern Santo Antão. Pass through Chã de Igreja and Cruzinha before heading towards Ribeira Grande and the spectacular Xôxô Valley, known for its imposing mountain formations and rural communities. Continue to the lush Paul Valley, one of the island’s most fertile agricultural regions, and visit a traditional distillery to learn how sugar cane is turned into Santo Antão’s famous grogue. Continue along the scenic Janela coastal road to Porto Novo, then take the evening ferry back to São Vicente and transfer to your hotel in Mindelo.
According to your flight schedule, transfer from your accommodation to Cesária Évora International Airport for your domestic flight to Sal Island. Upon arrival, meet our local team and transfer to Santa Maria. Check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure — walk through the town, enjoy the beach or simply relax by the ocean.
Discover the fishing village of Palmeira and the volcanic formations of Buracona, where, light permitting, you can see the famous Blue Eye. Cross the desert landscapes of Terra Boa, pass through Espargos and continue to Shark Bay, where lemon sharks can be observed in shallow waters. Finish at Pedra de Lume, where historic salt pans lie inside the crater of an extinct volcano. Return to Santa Maria at the end of the excursion.
After the mountains and the experiences of the last few days, this day is entirely free. Enjoy Santa Maria Beach, walk through the town and the fishermen’s pier, or simply relax by the ocean. Optional activities such as a boat trip or snorkelling can be arranged.
After breakfast, enjoy some free time depending on your flight schedule. At the agreed time, a private transfer will take you from your accommodation to Amílcar Cabral International Airport, marking the end of your Cape Verde journey.
