Îles Sous-le-Vent du Cap-Vert

Itinéraire

Arrivée à São Vicente

Arrival at São Vicente Airport and transfer to Mindelo (app. 20 min). If time allows, an introductory walk will cover the must-see places downtown.

Mindelo is Cabo Verde’s second-largest city and the birthplace of the world-renowned morna singer and national treasure Cesária Évora, honoured with a massive mural by the Portuguese contemporary artist Vihls.

Il y a une quantité surprenante de choses à faire et à voir dans cette petite ville, toujours très propre et accueillante, avec des façades coloniales colorées et une ambiance cosmopolite.

Discover the bustling fish market, the produce market with a series of handicraft shops, the Belém Tower (a replica of the Lisbon one), and the contemporary design centre.

At Praça Estrela, a multitude of traders offer their goods – clothes, shoes, electronic items, bric-a-brac, and fresh produce from Santo Antão.

La ville est nichée dans une baie profonde entourée de montagnes, et la marina ou la plage de sable de Laginha sont des endroits parfaits pour admirer le coucher du soleil en sirotant un verre.

JOUR 2
Santo Antão: Corda & Coculi

We take the early ferry (1 h journey in a modern and comfortable ship) from Mindelo to Porto Novo in Santo Antão.

We’ll transfer by road to the start of our exciting first walk. We’ll wind through diverse landscapes, from arid desert hills to small agricultural hamlets with corn, sweet potato and bean fields.

The panoramic views over the island slopes are breathtaking when the weather is clear. The roadtrip will serve as a presentation of the extraordinary diversity of landscapes on this magical island.

At the end of the walk, we’ll transfer to the hotel for a deserved rest.

JOUR 3
Santo Antão: Ponta do Sol & Fontaínhas

Ponta do Sol, at the island’s northern end, is a quiet fishing town with pastel-coloured houses, cobbled streets, and a small harbour where boats rest between outings.

From here, our path begins to climb the hills on a hand-built mountain road on our way to this iconic walk.

Once at the very top, we spot Fontaínhas, nestled on the rugged hills. Its picturesque nature and amazing vistas earned Fontaínhas recognition from National Geographic magazine as the second village with the best view in the world.

Narrow footpaths wind between the colourful houses, and small gardens bloom wherever space allows.

JOUR 4
Day off

Today is a day of rest. Enjoy a drink overlooking Ponta do Sol’s small harbour as fishing boats head out into the Atlantic, or explore the town, taking a stroll through cobbled streets lined with pastel houses.

You might want simply to sit down and watch the waves crash against the volcanic cliffs.

As the day unfolds, the light turns golden over the ocean, and the town settles into a quiet calm, perfect for a quiet dinner and a tranquil conversation.

JOUR 5
Santo Antão: Cova & Vale do Paúl

The Cova do Paul crater sits high in the mountains of Santo Antão – a vast, green bowl formed inside an ancient volcano.

Inside it, small production fields patchwork the fertile floor, where corn, beans, and sugarcane grow in the rich volcanic soil.

We’ll walk from the crater down towards Paul Valley, which is a dramatic descent along stone-paved paths that zigzag through towering cliffs.

As we lose altitude, the landscape shifts from cool mountain air to lush tropical greenery – banana trees, papayas, and massive sugarcanes line the valley.

The entire trail feels alive with birdsongs and running water, ending in one of the island’s most vibrant and fertile valleys, Paúl.

JOUR 6
São Vicente: Baía das Gatas & Salamansa

Today we’ll take the ferry back to Mindelo to explore São Vicente.

One of the Island’s highlights is Baía das Gatas, a wide, calm bay, known for a natural lagoon protected by a reef that keeps its waters gentle and swimmable.

Every year, on the first full moon of August, Baía das Gatas comes alive during a famous musical festival, when thousands gather by the sea for nights of live music under the stars, turning this peaceful stretch of coast into one of Cabo Verde’s most vibrant celebrations.

From here, we’ll start our walk to discover São Vicente’s northern coast towards Salamansa, a quiet fishing village where colourful boats rest on the sand and the pace of life feels slow and wind-shaped.

JOUR 7
Mindelo

Today, we’ll have a free day to discover the gentle rhythm of Mindelo, where the perfect day is simply about wandering.

Ramble the squares and colourful downtown streets, toward the harbour, where fishing boats sway, and young boys have fun jumping from the pier.

Spend the afternoon unwinding at Laginha beach, swimming in the clear blue waters, or enjoying a meal of fresh seafood by the shore.

As evening falls beneath the iconic outline of Monte Cara (cara means face, the shape of the said hill), the city fills with warm lights and the soulful sounds of morna – inviting you to slow down, explore, and simply enjoy the moment.

JOUR 8

Départ

At convenient time, departure to Mindelo Airport.