HIKING AND BATHING

Individual Hiking Tour

São Vicente, Santo Antão, Sal

On this trip, you will discover the north of the archipelago, with its perfect combination of active elements and relaxation. First of all, you will get to know the lively and friendly harbour town of Mindelo on São Vicente before heading to Santo Antão, one of the most spectacular islands of Cape Verde by far. There you’ll undertake five hikes, each more beautiful than the last. No wonder, as you will pass beautiful mountain landscapes and green valleys with tropical vegetation. Besides, you will get a good impression of the rural life of the friendly inhabitants. You can then round off your holiday on the sand and bathing island, where the dream beach of Santa Maria awaits you.

It is bookable throughout the year at the date of your choice!

DAY 1: SÃO VICENTE – Arrival in Cape Verde

On arrival on the island of São Vicente, transfer to Mindelo to youraccommodation.
Enjoy the music, the carnival, and the sailors’ pubs of Mindelo, thecultural capital of the country… and remember the view of the bay,considered one of the 30 most beautiful in the world. As Cesaria Evora once sang, “If you don’t know Mindelo, you don’t know Cape Verde”. The barefoot diva brought great attention to the city where she was born and where she died.

DAY 2: SÃO VICENTE – Port City Mindelo

Start the morning by exploring Mindelo. You’ll discover lively markets and historic squares, and get to know the city from its cultural side.
In the afternoon, you have free time. Would you like to relax on the city beach Laginha and take a bath in the Atlantic Ocean?

DAY 3: SÃO VICENTE – SANTO ANTÃO / First Hike

Hike Altomira – Curral das Vacas // approx. 3.5 hours // 7.4 km // +/- 520 m // level 2-3

In the morning, a ferry ride to the green neighboring island of Santo Antão and transfer to the west, an area that is remote and offers numerous discoveries. Since the road to Alto Mira has been built, the beautiful old mule track is hardly used by the locals nowadays. Fortunately , at least y o u g et to see the fascinating landscapes.

DAY 4: SANTO ANTÃO – Off to the Green North

Hike in 3 stages // approx. 2.5 hours // +/- 180 m // level 2

Today you will first drive up the old trade road that crosses the island from south to north and offers forests and spectacular views. Along it, we undertake three short hikes to the most beautiful viewpoints. Afterward, you will drive to Caibros, where you will move into a pleasant guesthouse.

DAY 5: SANTO ANTÃO – Over the pass to Chã de Igreja

Hike to Chã de Igreja // approx. 4 hours // 8.9 km // + 850 m / – 1,100 m // level 3

Continuing on your way to Chã de Igreja, the first thing we do is cross a pass before taking a path past green terraced fields to the village of Mocho, where Dona Joana will be waiting for you for lunch. When you reach your destination, you will again move into hospitable accommodation.
Stay overnight without your main luggage, which will be taken to the accommodation where you will stay the next day.

DAY 6: SANTO ANTÃO – Along the cliffs

Hike to Fontainhas // approx. 4 hours // 12 km // + 780 m / – 880 m // level 3

One of the most spectacular hikes in the archipelago: on secured donkey trails along the bizarre cliffs of Cruzinha to the picturesque village of Fontainhas. Enjoy the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the coastline. Stay in the friendly fishing village of Ponta do Sol.

DAY 7: SANTO ANTÃO – In the green Paúl Valley

Hike in the Paúl Valley // approx. 3 hours // +/- 250m // level 2-3

With your guide you drive from Ponta do Sol to the greenest valley of Cape Verde, the Paúl Valley. On your next hike, you will pass through spectacular mountain scenery and tropical vegetation.
You’ll pass sugar cane and banana fields and discover mango and papaya trees. After these beautiful hours, you’ll enjoy the national dish of Cape Verde, cachupa, in the middle of the valley before walking to your accommodation, located in the middle of the valley. It doesn’t get more beautiful than this …

DAY 8: SANTO ANTÃO – Recreation in the Aldeia Manga

The Aldeia Manga is considered one of the most beautiful accommodations on Santo Antão. Peace and quiet at its best …

DAY 9: SANTO ANTÃO – SAO VICENTE

Then in the afternoon ferry back to São Vicente, with another overnight stay due to flight schedules.

DAY 10: SÃO VICENTE – SAL

You will fly to the seaside island of Sal, and be taken to your friendly, family-run hotel in Santa Maria. Only a few minutes walk will take you to the beautiful beach.

DAY 11: SAL – Relaxation on the Sand Island

Get relaxed in the sun, stroll along the beach, take a bath … Enjoy a few days of real holiday! Experience the impressions of the last few days and discover a new side of Cape Verde: the island of Sal itself offers kilometers of sandy beaches, water sports, souvenir shops, and a lot more…

DAY 12: SAL – Relaxation on the Sand Island

An optional half-day excursion:
The white sandy beaches, salt flats, and relaxation.
This half-day excursion reveals the most beautiful face of Sal Island. It begins the day by driving through the Santa Maria salt flats towards Serra Negra, which is the only small mountain on the island and home to a wide variety of birds. From here, the view is impressive.
Get to know more about the sport, which has greatly increased all over the world and on the island, while passing the “Kite Beach” and heading towards Pedra da Lume – the salt flats that gave the island its name. Go around the Pedra da Lume crater in an off-road vehicle to enjoy the view of the island’s salt flats and their ancient installations ( not going into the crater) before you return to Santa Maria via Palmeira, a fishing village.

DAY 13: Slowly saying goodbye to Cape Verde

Who we are:

We have been organising trips to the Cape Verde Islands for more than 15 years with a German/Cape Verdean team of almost 20 people. Together with our drivers and guides, we work hand in hand on all nine inhabited islands of the archipelago. Looking forward to a trip organised by people who know the local area inside out and also have a lot of fun at work.

What you can expect from us:

• Competent advice on planning your trip
• Consideration of your individual wishes when creating the travel offer
• Carefully selected accommodation and drivers
• Qualified English speaking guides
• Varied excursions
• Detailed travel documents
• A 24-hour service number on-site during your trip

Services Included

• Domestic Flights with Bestfly Cabo Verde São Vicente > Sal
• Tarif Flex R; incl. taxes and fees and main luggage of 23 kg
• Ferry São Vicente – Santo Antão – São Vicente
• 12 nights in a double room with breakfast including accommodation tax
• Dayuse room on day 13 of your travel
• Other meals: 3x packed lunch, 2x lunch, 5x dinner
• Programme as described: 1x city tour with guide, 5x walking tour with guide; maybe optional excursion in Sal; For your information: Guides are English speaking
• All airport, port and all other transfers in Cape Verde as per itinerary
• Travel documents
• 24/7 service hotline

Not Included Services

• Hotel and Transfers in Lisbon
• Travel insurance
• Drinks and tips
• Any other not-mentioned service

Booking request individual hiking tour:

Hiking and bathing