The Ribeira do Paul — the Paul Valley — is the classic Santo Antão hike and, for many, the most beautiful walk in all of Cape Verde: a deep green ravine tumbling from the Cova crater down to the ocean.
The walk
The trail descends through a riot of sugar cane, banana, mango and taro, past tiny hamlets and terraced fields, following old cobbled paths. It's mostly downhill and takes around three to four hours to the coast at Vila das Pombas, where a cold drink waits.
Grogue & tips
Along the way you can stop at small trapiche distilleries to see grogue (sugar-cane rum) made the traditional way. Wear proper shoes for the cobbles, carry water, and consider a guide to link the best paths.
Walking down the valley
Most walkers descend from the Cova crater rim, but the valley rewards any pace and any entry point: the cobbled spine path passes through hamlets stacked on ledges — Cabo de Ribeira, Passagem, Eito — where sugar cane rustles overhead, irrigation channels run beside the trail, and every switchback reframes the amphitheatre of peaks. Count 3–4 hours top to bottom, far less coming up from Vila das Pombas to Passagem for a taste.
Grogue, coffee and lunch stops
Paul is Santo Antão's garden, and its produce is the pleasure of the walk: family grogue distilleries welcome visitors for tastings straight from the still, tiny cafés pour local coffee grown on the slopes above, and a handful of valley restaurants serve lunches of grilled fish and root vegetables that taste like the landscape looks. Carry small notes; nowhere takes cards.
Practical information
- Aluguers run the valley road between Vila das Pombas and Cabo de Ribeira.
- Trail is cobbled and steep in places: proper shoes, poles for the descent.
- Allow time to linger — this is not a valley to rush.
- Sleeping in the valley is magical; see where to stay.
- Route detail: hiking routes.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Paul Valley hike?
The classic descent from the Cova crater to the coast takes about 3–4 hours and is mostly downhill.
Is the Paul Valley hike difficult?
It's moderate — long but mainly downhill on cobbled paths. Good shoes and plenty of water are essential.
What can you see in the Paul Valley?
Lush sugar cane, banana and mango terraces, tiny hamlets and traditional grogue distilleries.