Santo Antão is the best hiking island in Cape Verde and one of the finest walking destinations in the Atlantic. Centuries-old cobbled paths link valley villages that roads never reached, and the terrain changes from desert to cloud forest within a few kilometres. These are the routes worth building a trip around.
1. Cova crater to Paul Valley
The signature walk. Start at the rim of the Cova crater, drop over the edge and descend through the Paul Valley to the sea at Vila das Pombas. Roughly 3–4 hours, almost all downhill, on cobbles and dirt. Moderate but hard on knees. Arrange an aluguer to drop you at the rim and meet you at the bottom.
2. Ponta do Sol to Fontainhas (and on to Cruzinha)
A cliff path carved into the coast, with drops straight to the sea and the village of Fontainhas perched on a spur. To Fontainhas is about an hour each way and spectacular; continuing to Corvo and Cruzinha da Garça makes a committing 4–5 hour coastal traverse. Not for those uneasy with exposure. See our Ponta do Sol guide.
3. Ribeira da Torre
A deep, dramatic valley behind Ribeira Grande, less walked than Paul and arguably wilder. Paths climb between terraces and hamlets with towering rock walls on both sides. Half a day, moderate, with some rough sections — a good choice if you want the Paul experience with fewer people.
4. Ribeira da Cruz and the west
The drier western side offers a completely different landscape: bare rock, deep canyons and long views, with far fewer visitors. Routes here are more exposed and less obvious, so a local guide matters more than elsewhere.
5. Coastal path from Cruzinha
A rugged shoreline route along the north coast linking fishing hamlets, with sea cliffs, black-sand coves and almost no other walkers. Transport at either end needs arranging in advance, as public aluguers are infrequent.
Practical advice for all routes
- Cobbles are hard and uneven — proper shoes with grip are essential.
- Carry 2+ litres of water; refill points are unreliable.
- Start early; cloud often builds over the ridges by afternoon.
- Arrange aluguer pick-ups in advance — most walks are one-way.
- Hire a local guide for unmarked or western routes.
- Best months are November to March — see best time to visit.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best hike on Santo Antão?
The Cova crater to Paul Valley descent is the classic — about 3–4 hours, mostly downhill, through lush terraced valleys to the sea.
Do you need a guide to hike on Santo Antão?
Not for the main routes like Cova–Paul or Ponta do Sol–Fontainhas, which are clear. For the western valleys and linking routes, a local guide is well worth it.
How difficult is hiking on Santo Antão?
Most classic routes are moderate: long, steep and on hard cobbles, but not technical. Good footwear and a head for heights on the cliff paths matter most.