Cape Verde, as beautiful as it is mysterious. A child born of the volcanic fury. Those 10 islands were uninhabited before the Portuguese stumbled upon them in 1456. Since the country has developed unique mixed culture of people that have kept the beauties of its land for generations. We will explore two or those islands. Sao Vicente and Santo Antao may be neighbors, but they contrast starkly. Sao Vicente’s rugged hills and coastline hide deep caves and high waterfalls. The island has many superb sandy beaches and offers some great coastal views. It is also known for its lively nightlife and culture. Santo Antao is really green and fertile and braided with mountains and valleys. The Cape Verde islands benefit from perfect average annual temperatures between 20°C and 30°C. Holidays to Cape Verde offer long, uninterrupted sunshine hours and low humidity, part of the reason why so many people return time and time again.
Highlights:
- Fontainhas - a fairytale village of colored houses located on an edge of hundreds of meters deep cliff. National Geographic, says it is one of the villages with the most beautiful view.
- São Vicente Island and Mindelo - the cultural capital of Cape Verde
- The colonial architecture of Pombas, Ribeira Grande and Ponta do Sol
Itinerary:
Day 1. Sao Vicente Island
Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Mindelo. You will be welcomed by our driver in the airport Cesaria Évora in Sao Vicente and take you to your hotel in Mindelo. The First night in the hotel. -/-/-
Day 2. Sao Vicente
In a day trip you see the best the Island of Sao Vicente has to offer. We visit the historical sites of the city of Mindelo and offer a spectacular tour around the island, taking in spectacular sights such as Verde and the beautiful Baía das Gatas, beach where annually runs the most famous music festival of the country. To enjoy an appetizing lunch of fresh fish we visit Calhau, a charming fishing village. You will be accompanied by one of our highly knowledgeable drivers on your journey who will provide the information and history on the area. Overnight at hotel. B/L/-
Day 3. Sao Vicente / Santo Antao Island: Walk Cova - The Valley of Paul
We pick you up in your hotel and drive you to the harbor, for an hour boat trip. Then we will welcome you at Porto Novo harbor and in less than 20 minutes you will be in Cova, volcano crater at 1522 meters altitude, where you start the descent to the majestic valley Paul, accompanied by a local guide to tell the history of the beauty surrounding you. You have a picnic lunch that you can enjoy on the route. Transfer to Ponta do Sol to spend the night. Dinner at restaurant. B/P(picnic)/D
Walking time: 5hrs; Distance: 12,5 Km; Elevation: +300m / -1320m
Day 4. Ribeira Grande - Ribeira da Torre - Ponta do Sol
Today we look forward to some fantastic relaxing walk. We head down to Ribeira da Torre valley and we will stop in Xôxo for the lunch under the trees. In the late afternoon we return to Ponta do Sol. Dinner at restaurant. B/L/D
Walking Time: 3h30; Distance: 8 Km; Elevation: +560m / -710m
Day 5. Lin d'Corvo - João Afonso
After breakfast, transfer following the path of the mountains (stopping in the sights of Corda) to Lagoa, semi-desert altitude plateau, for the starting point of the hike, in Lin d’Corvo. From there, a scenic trail (we cross the sugarcane crops and small rural hamlets) descends towards João Afonso, where we spend the night. You have a picnic lunch that you can enjoy on the way. Dinner prepared by the inhabitants of the valley. B/L/D
Walking Time: 4h; Distance: 10,7 Km; Elevation: +170m / -820m; Type of accommodation: Homestay
Day 6. Cha Igreja - Cruzinha - Fontaínhas - Ponta do Sol
After breakfast, transfer to the starting point of the hike in Chã de Igreja. Superb ride along the fantastic coast, passing through rugged cliffs and wonderful small rural villages; Cruzinha, Corvo and Fontaínhas. Continue to Ponta do Sol, to spend the night. B/L/D
Walking time: 4h30; Distance: 11 Km; Elevation: +690m / -710m
Day 7. Santo Antao / Sao Vicente
After breakfast, head back to Porto Novo harbor via newly built island coastal road. At 10h00 the ferry will get you back to São Vicente Island. At 11h00 we transfer you back to your hotel. You are free to discovery Mindelo, the cultural city of Cape Verde or to enjoy the beach. B/-/-
Day 8. São Vicente Island Airport (Departure)
Transfer from your hotel to Airport Cesaria Évora. Our guide will pick you up and transfer you to the airport wishing you a nice flight home. B/-/-
This program depends on weather conditions and may be modified by us on site for your safety.
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Currency fluctuations might cause correction of price at any time.
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