The Three Valleys loop from Coculi is the gentlest of Santo Antão's classic walks, and a good first day on the island. It wanders through the farmland behind Ribeira Grande — sugar cane, banana plantations, dry-stone terraces and thatched stone houses — always with the jagged walls of the interior overhead, and without the cliff edges or big climbs of the other routes.
Three Valleys hike at a glance
| Start and finish | Coculi, in the valley above Ribeira Grande |
|---|---|
| Elevation | Between about 100 m and 370 m |
| Surface | Mostly dirt tracks and farm paths, a short steeper mountain path and some road |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate; no exposure |
| Best for | A first day on the island, families, a half-day walk |
| Navigation | komoot route |
Who this walk is for
Choose this loop if you want to see everyday rural life on Santo Antão without committing to a long descent or a cliff path. It suits families, walkers who are nervous of heights, and anyone who wants an easy half day before tackling the Cova–Paul hike or the coastal path to Cruzinha.
It is not a wilderness walk: you pass houses, farms and people working the fields for most of the way, and the last stretch follows the road.
The loop, step by step
Into the fields
From Coculi the route climbs gently out of the village past small irrigated plots, a wind pump and grazing goats. Within the first kilometre the track narrows into a path between black stone walls and tall sugar cane, which on Santo Antão is grown mainly to make grogue, the local rum.
Views over the valleys
The only real climb of the day takes you to about 330 m after 2 km, with views across the valley floor to the sheer walls of the interior. From here the route stays high for a couple of kilometres, crossing terraced hillsides on narrow paths.
Stone houses and banana plantations
Around the high point, after about 4.5 km, the path passes traditional stone houses with thatched roofs, some still lived in, before descending slowly through banana plantations back towards the valley floor.
Back to Coculi
The final few kilometres follow the road back down the valley to Coculi. It is the least interesting part of the loop, and easy to cut short: if your legs have had enough, flag down an aluguer.
Elevation profile
The profile is based on komoot's planned route and a digital elevation model, so treat heights as approximate.
Getting there
Coculi lies in the valley above Ribeira Grande, the island's main northern town. Aluguers run between Ribeira Grande and Coculi, and a taxi is a short ride. From Ponta do Sol, take an aluguer to Ribeira Grande first.
Tips for the walk
- This is a low-altitude route and can be hot: start early and carry plenty of water.
- There are small shops in Coculi at the start, but little along the way.
- The paths cross private farmland: stay on the path and ask before photographing people at their homes.
- Combine it with a visit to a grogue distillery in the Ribeira Grande area; see grogue and trapiche distilleries.
More advice on transport, navigation and safety: Santo Antão hiking tips.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Three Valleys hike from Coculi?
About 11 km as a loop, with around 370 m of ascent. komoot estimates roughly 3.5 hours of walking, excluding breaks.
Is the Three Valleys hike easy?
It is the easiest of the main Santo Antão routes: one climb of about 180 m in the first 2 km, then mostly gentle walking and a long, gradual descent. There are no exposed cliff sections.
Is the Coculi loop suitable for families?
For children who are used to walking a few hours, yes: there are no dangerous drops, and the farms, animals and banana plantations keep things interesting. It can be hot, so start early and bring plenty of water.
How do you get to Coculi?
Coculi lies in the valley above Ribeira Grande. Aluguers run between Ribeira Grande and Coculi, and a taxi is a short ride.
Do you need a guide for the Coculi Three Valleys walk?
Most walkers do not. The route follows farm tracks, paths and a stretch of road; with the route downloaded to your phone it is easy to follow.