Charismatic Cabo Verde – São Vicente & Santo Antão

Flight to São Vicente, Cape Verde. Arrival at 11:30 am (local time), if travelling with TAP Air Portugal. Completion of entry formalities. You will be met by a representative and taken to your hotel in Mindelo.

Once you have checked in at the hotel, you’ll have free time to explore the historic city centre, known as the cultural capital of Cape Verde. Stroll through the colourful streets of Mindelo, visit Porto Grande Bay, Praça Nova, the Municipal Market, the Belém Tower and the colonial quarter, where Cape Verdean music, art and daily life are part of everyday life.

The colonial architecture and the narrow, colourful cobbled streets that surround the entire bay lend Mindelo an overseas charm, enhanced by the vegetable and fish markets and the small Laginha beach. In the evening, dine at a local restaurant with live traditional music.

Meals: lunch

After breakfast, we set off on a complete tour of the island of São Vicente. We begin in the north, passing through volcanic landscapes and small local communities.

Visit to:
• Baía das Gatas, famous for its crystal-clear waters and the International Music Festival.
• Calhau, an old fishing village with views of the volcanoes and the island of Santa Luzia.
• Praia Grande, one of the island’s most beautiful beaches.
• Monte Verde, the highest point on São Vicente, offering a panoramic view over Mindelo, Porto Grande and the neighbouring islands (weather permitting).

During the trip, you’ll meet local communities, hear stories about life on the island and have opportunities to take photographs. Return to Mindelo in the late afternoon.

Meals: breakfast, lunch

After breakfast, we set off for a unique experience on the coast of São Vicente. Accompanied by local guides, we head to São Pedro beach, where you can spot sea turtles in their natural habitat.

Before the activity begins, there will be a briefing on these species, conservation work and the importance of protecting the oceans in Cape Verde. There will be time for snorkelling in crystal-clear waters, observing marine life and enjoying unforgettable moments with the turtles.

After the activity, lunch by the sea, with the chance to sample fresh fish or traditional Cape Verdean dishes. Return to Mindelo in the afternoon.

Meals: breakfast, lunch

After breakfast, transfer to the port of Mindelo to board the ferry to Santo Antão. The boat trip takes about an hour and offers fantastic views of the island’s mountains and cliffs.

Arrival in Porto Novo and the start of your exploration of Santo Antão with a complete island tour.

We will visit:
• Estrada da Corda, one of the most breathtaking scenic roads in the world.
• Cova, an ancient volcanic crater transformed into farmland.
• Paúl Valley, considered one of the greenest valleys in Cape Verde.
• Ribeira Grande, the island’s historic centre.

Viewpoints offering spectacular views of mountains, deep valleys and traditional villages. Along the way, you’ll meet local farmers and have the chance to sample local specialities such as grogue, punch, coffee and tropical fruits.

Check in at your accommodation.

Meals: breakfast, lunch at local restaurant

Breakfast at the guesthouse. A day dedicated to the nature, culture and authenticity of Santo Antão.

A drive to explore some of the island’s most iconic spots:
• Ribeira da Torre Valley, surrounded by huge volcanic mountains.
• Delgadinho, one of Cape Verde’s most famous viewpoints.
• Ponta do Sol, a former fishing village with a unique location by the ocean.
• Fontainhas, considered one of the most beautiful villages in Cape Verde, nestled amongst mountains and valleys.

During the day we will learn about traditional agriculture, the terraced cultivation systems and the way communities live in harmony with nature. Possibility of lunch with a local family — an opportunity to experience true Cape Verdean hospitality and the famous morabeza.

Meals: breakfast, lunch at local restaurant

Breakfast at the guesthouse. Today we explore one of the island’s most authentic and least-visited areas. We set off towards the south-west of Santo Antão, passing through volcanic landscapes, traditional villages and rural areas.

Visit to:
• Tarrafal de Monte Trigo, a remote seaside community boasting some of the island’s most breathtaking scenery, with viewpoints overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
• Agricultural areas where a traditional way of life is still practised.

This route reveals another side of Santo Antão: wilder, more peaceful and more authentic. Here, visitors discover an island where time passes slowly and where every encounter with the locals becomes a special memory.

Return to the accommodation at the end of the day.

Meals: breakfast, lunch at local restaurant

Breakfast at the guesthouse. After breakfast, transfer to Porto Novo to board the ferry to São Vicente. Arrival in Mindelo and free time to buy souvenirs, visit the craft market or spend some final moments by Porto Grande Bay.

Transfer to the airport in accordance with your flight schedule. The tour ends at the airport, where you will check in, go through security and board your flight home.

Adeus Cabo Verde!

Meals: breakfast