Current as of: May 17, 2024 - 10:18

Cape Verde’s Northern Islands – Privately Guided

Cape Verde's Northern Islands - Privately Guided Trip Notes

  • Ways to Travel: Private Guided
  • Destination: Cape Verde
  • Programmes: Walking & Trekking
  • Activity Level:

    3 out of 7 - Moderate

  • 8 Days: Land Only
  • Ages: 16+
  • Trip Code: W07CV

Trip Overview

Relish the beauty of Cape Verde’s northern islands; our walking tour combines history and culture with a spectacular and untouched landscape – all with the benefit of a private guide.

You’ll spend time with local families, sampling their fresh homegrown produce, all the while appreciating the unmatched beauty of these stunning islands. You’ll also have the support of an English-speaking guide and driver throughout, private to your party.

We’ve chosen the most unique yet impressive island locations on Sao Vicente and Santo Antao, where you’ll have the chance to explore the Janela and Penede valleys, hike through beautiful mountain villages, and gaze at vibrant-coloured fishing boats. You’ll observe the splendour of the Ribeira Grande and Garca valleys, walking along an impressive paved path with spectacular ocean views. As you continue on this path, you’ll encounter the peaceful green valley of Corvo, a serene and idyllic spot to enjoy lunch. This path will also take you through the hilltop village of Fontainhas, a green mountainous location famous for its colourful houses and spectacular sea views.

If you are more enthused by volcanic landscapes, prepare to be entralled by the Ribeira da Torre area located on the island of Santo Antao. Here, in the middle of the island, you’ll encounter a large volcanic peak, adorned with cane fields and cultivated terraces. As you proceed on your coastal walk, you’ll confront a volcanic peak almost 2,000 metres high, plunging directly into the ocean.

Whilst on the island of Santo Antao, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore Monte Trigo, a small fishing village with around 6,000 habitants that is only accessible on foot or by boat. A cabotage trip with local fishermen from Monte Trigo back to Tarrafal will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience to end your Cape Verdean adventure!

Highlights

  • Explore Cape Verde's iconic northern islands on foot
  • Spend time with local families enjoying homegrown produce
  • Pass by peaceful green valleys, volcanic peaks, and serene coastal hamlets

Adult min age: 16

Min group size: 1

Max group size: 4

Itinerary

Land Only

  • Start City: Sao Vicente
  • End City: Sao Vicente

Flight Inclusive

  • Start City: London
  • End City: London

Land Only Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive on Sao Vicente

You’ll be met at Sao Vicente airport and transferred to your first accommodation in Mindelo (approx. 15mins); here you’ll receive your briefing from your private guide.

Spend your evening exploring the colourful cobbled streets and colonial architecture of this charming fishing village before watching a beautiful sunset over the beach.

Overnight Terra Lodge, Mindelo.

Day 2
Travel to Santo Antao & onto Ribeira de Janela

Travel by boat from Mindelo (Sao Vicente) to Porto Novo on Santo Antao Island (1hr – included) and transfer to the start of your walk (30mins) at Ribeira de Janela. Your guide will lead you from the seafront, climbing across the Penede valley and crossing over a high balcony to join the Janela. <p>Here you begin your descent, passing coffee farms and mountain villages, but never losing sight of the blue ocean below bobbing with colourful fishing boats. In the afternoon, you will be transferred from the end of your walk to Vila das Pombas where you’ll spend the next two nights.

Overnight Hotel Paul Mar, Vila das Pombas.

Distance covered: 4mi (7km)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3
Paul, Cabo de Ribeira & Figueriral

A short transfer will bring you to the lush valley of Paul. Follow the small paths from hamlet to hamlet, passing through cultivated terraces in the area of Cabo de Ribeira. Here, the locals harvest coffee, oranges, guavas, and vegetables, depending on the season; this is also where the delicious rum is distilled! <p>Enjoy a special lunch in the small valley of Figuerial where you’ll be welcomed by a local family to sample their homegrown produce. After lunch, your walk returns you to the spectacular coastline of the Atlantic Ocean.

Overnight Hotel Paul Mar, Vila das Pombas.

Distance covered: 6mi (9km)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4
Ribeira Grande, Corvo & Fontainhas

A morning transfer takes you through the mountainous valleys of Ribeira Grande and Garca to the coastal village of Cruzinha. Here your walk begins along an impressive path overlooking the shimmering ocean. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the peaceful green valley of Corvo before continuing to Fontainhas, a hilltop village famous for its colourful houses. Your day ends in Ponta do Sol, the northernmost city on the island of Santo Antao.

Overnight Tiduca Hotel, Ponta do Sol.

Distance covered: 9mi (14km)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5
Ribeira da Torre & Tarrafal

Your day begins with a short transfer to Ribeira da Torre, one of the greenest and most spectacular areas of the island, home to an imposing volcanic peak. Take some time to discover this incredible landscape before beginning your walk. Lunch is hosted by a local family before continuing your walk through cane fields, following irrigation canals towards the bottom of the valley. You will be transferred to Tarrafal on the western shore of Santo Antao, where you’ll discover the summit of the North Plateau before descending to the coast and onto your seaside accommodation.

Overnight Kasa Baobab, Tarrafal.

Distance covered: 3mi (5km)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6
Monte Trigo

Today you’ll walk along the coast in the shadow of the islands summit, a volcano almost 2,000m high that plunges into the ocean, before arriving in Monte Trigo, the westernmost settlement of Santo Antao. This small fishing village is completely isolated from the world, only accessible on foot or by boat. Its sweeping black sand beach and spectacular views over the Cape Verde Islands are well worth the effort of reaching this hidden gem. Return to Tarrafal by cabotage with the fishermen (40mins) – a unique experience in itself!

Overnight Kasa Baobab, Tarrafal.

Distance covered: 6mi (10km)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7
Tarrafal Valley

Enjoy a short morning walk through the fields of Tarrafal Valley, marvelling at the local farmers as they compete in ingenuity to build their terraces and irrigation channels. In the afternoon, you’ll be transferred back to Porto Novo for your return boat to Mindelo (1hr – included) where you’ll spend your final night on Sao Vicente – hopefully with fond memories of the unforgettable Cape Verdean islands!

Overnight Terra Lodge, Mindelo.

Distance covered: 1mi (2km)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8
Depart Mindelo

You’ll be collected from your accommodation and transferred to Sao Vicente airport (approx.15mins) for your flight home.

Accommodation

Terra Lodge, Mindelo

Cape Verde’s Northern Islands – Privately Guided

With breath-taking views of the bay of Mindelo and surrounding colourful houses, Terra Lodge has just 12 rooms. Combining contemporary comfort with the charm of historical heritage, guests can enjoy the peaceful gardens and swimming pool whilst watching the fantastic sunsets. There is also a bar located on the panoramic terrace serving cocktails, juices, and snacks. Breakfast is made from local products such as homemade pastries, cold cuts and jams from Santo Antao, and Fogo coffee roasted and ground on site.

Hotel Paul Mar, Vila das Pombas

Set on the island of Santo Antao, Hotel Paul Mar provides a simple yet good quality offering. With views over the sea and towards Paul Valley, guests can enjoy the terrace, bar, shared lounge, and on-site shops.

Tiduca Hotel, Ponta do Sol

Perched on Ponta do Sol’s harbourfront, Tiduca Hotel has spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. All rooms have either a sea view or mountain view, many with a balcony or terrace. The restaurant serves a la carte or buffet style Cape Verde cuisine. Enjoy a drink on the roof terrace watching the waves roll in.

Casa Baobab, Tarrafal

Offering a choice of studios and rooms, Casa Baobab is situated in a quiet, peaceful area of Tarrafal Monte Trigo. Guests can enjoy the large terrace overlooking the sea, garden bar, and a continental breakfast.

What To Take

Practical Information

Visa

Cape Verde

 Most European nationalities do not require a visa to enter Cape Verde, whilst most other nationalities can get a visa on arrive. All visitors, however, do need to pre-register online at https://registration.cv.zetes.com/(S(5qvbmt4v4fscolba0shiutk4))/Pages/CapeVerde/PersonalInfo.aspx . 

An Airport Security Tax (TSA) of 3,400CVE (approx GB£25/€30/US$35) is payable in cash upon arrival at the airport. 

Vaccinations and Health

Cape Verde

Most travellers will need to consider a course or booster of Hepatitis A and Typhoid as there is a risk of these diseases across most parts of the world.

Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.

Local Time

Cape Verde's time zone: Atlantic/Cape_Verde (UTC -01:00)

Electricity

Cape Verde's electricity: On Cape Verde the power sockets are of type C and F. The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. You can use your electric appliances on Cape Verde, because the standard voltage (220 V) is (more or less) the same as in the United Kingdom (230 V). Manufacturers take these small deviations into account. So you don't need a voltage converter on Cape Verde, when living in the United Kingdom.

Cape Verde’s Northern Islands – Privately Guided

Money

Cape Verde's currency: The national currency of the Cape Verde Islands is the Escudo, which is tied to the Euro at a currency value of Esc 110.265 = 1 Euro. Banks will exchange hard currencies. Large hotels and restaurants accept some credit cards and payment in euros.

Responsible Travel

At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here