Cabo Verde Hidden Gems

Itinerary

DAY 1
Arrival to São Vicente

Arrival at São Vicente Airport and transfer to Mindelo (app. 20 min). If time allows, an introductory walk will be offered to visit downtown.
Mindelo is Cabo Verde’s second-largest city and the proud birthplace of the world-renowned morna singer and national treasure Cesária Évora. She’s honoured with a massive contemporary art mural signed by the Portuguese artist Vihls.
There is a surprising amount to do and see in this small town, always very tidy and welcoming, with colourful colonial facades and a bustling cosmopolitan ambience.
Discover the fish market, the farmers market, side by side 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 vendors offer their goods – clothes, electronic items, bric-a-brac, plus fresh fruit and vegetables from Santo Antão share the space in a joyous atmosphere.
The city is nestled in a deep-water bay surrounded by mountains, and the marina or the sandy beach of Laginha are perfect places to enjoy the sunset with a drink.

DAY 2
Santo Antão
We leave Mindelo on the early ferry to Santo Antão (1 h journey in a modern ship).
The arrival in Porto Novo marks the beginning of a scenic journey along Santo Antão’s dramatic coastline. Leaving the harbour behind, the route follows the island’s newer road bordering the Atlantic, where volcanic cliffs meet the deep blue ocean, and each curve reveals another striking view.
We stop at Farol de Fontes Pereira de Melo, an isolated lighthouse standing proudly above the rugged coast. Nearby, the dark volcanic landscape of Promontório de Areia Preta offers sweeping ocean vistas and a chance to feel the power of the Atlantic winds.
Continuing north, the road leads into the end of the lush Paul Valley, where the scenery invites a relaxing break – perhaps with a fresh tropical fruit juice or a local coffee while taking in the coastal views.
Our journey ends in the charming fishing village of Ponta do Sol. Colourful houses line the waterfront, fishing boats rest in the harbour, and the sound of waves welcomes you to our week of discovery of this enchanted Island.
DAY 3
Santo Antão: Fontaínhas & Xôxô
Today we’ll have one of the Santo Antão’s most memorable experiences. From Ponta do Sol, we’ll climb along a dramatic road, following the cliffs toward Fontaínhas, a candy coloured village perched high above the Atlantic.
As we wind upward along the road, breathtaking views unfold at every turn, with steep mountains on one side and the endless ocean far below.
In Fontaínhas, the charming houses cascade down the hillside, creating one of the most iconic scenes of Santo Antão. A short walk through the quiet lanes reveals gardened terraces and sweeping views of the rugged coastline.
There will be time to explore this enchanting village, which earned recognition from National Geographic magazine as the village with the second-best view in the world.
Our day continues inland toward Xôxô, where the landscape softens into green valleys and cultivated fields. Here, life moves at a peaceful rural pace, surrounded by dramatic volcanic peaks.
Before heading back, there will be time to enjoy a coffee or a refreshing drink while taking in the surrounding scenery – an ideal ending to a day of cliffs, villages, and unforgettable island views.

DAY 4
Santo Antão: Pico da Cruz & Cova
High above in the valleys of Santo Antão, today’s journey to Pico da Cruz reveals some of the Island’s most breathtaking sights.
From the top, the world seems to open in every direction – deep green valleys, dramatic volcanic ridges, and clouds drifting slowly across the mountain peaks. It’s a place where the air feels cooler, the light softer, and the vast landscape invites quiet moments of wonder.
Nearby lies the peaceful volcanic crater of Cova. Our gentle walk follows the bottom of the crater, revealing the natural amphitheatre of green fields and steep mountain walls.
Here, in this African island in the middle of the Atlantic, nature feels both powerful and serene. The silence is broken only by the wind and distant birds, making every step around Cova an unforgettable walking experience.
DAY 5
Paúl Valley
Today, our walk runs along the fertile Paul Valley, one of the most vibrant landscapes of Santo Antão.
Narrow paths wind gently through traditional villages and terraced slopes, carefully cultivated with sugarcanes, bananas, coffee, and tropical fruits.
As we walk through the valley, stone paths lead past small farms and colourful homes, with farmers tending their crops on steep terraces that climb the mountainsides. These are testimonies of the Cabo-Verdean people’s resilience, who struggle to grow their sustenance in this difficult geography.
Water channels are abundant, quietly running between the fields, bringing life to the fertile valley.
Surrounded by towering volcanic peaks and lush greenery, this walk offers a glimpse into the island’s hard way of life, where nature and tradition blend beautifully in one of Cabo Verde’s most scenic valleys.

DAY 6
Mindelo: Baía das Gatas & Salamansa
We take the morning ferry back to Mindelo, leaving with the wonderful Santo Antão Island in our minds.
Back to são Vicente, and a short drive from Mindelo, we’ll discover Baía das Gatas, a natural lagoon protected by volcanic rocks that houses calm, crystal-clear waters. Its wide bay with golden light sand has a peaceful atmosphere and is one of the most beloved seaside spots on the island.
Just along the coast lies the fishing village of Salamansa, where colourful boats rest on the sand, and the steady Atlantic breeze draws windsurfers and kite boarders to its long, open beach.
Here, the rhythm of the island life feels wonderfully simple – fresh seafood, ocean views, and the sound of waves rolling gently onto the shore.
We’ll celebrate our experience with an included lunch at a local restaurant in Baía das Gatas.
DAY 7
Mindelo
Today, we’ll explore Mindelo and its charming colonial streets, visit landmarks like Praça Amílcar Cabral, and admire historic monuments while enjoying the vibrant local atmosphere.
There is a surprising amount to do and see in this small town, with colourful colonial facades (royal blue, yellow, candy pink, bright green). It features an attractive combination of faded grandeur with a bustling cosmopolitan ambience.
Let’s discover the Municipal Market, which also houses a series of handicraft shops, set in a charming building dating back to 1874. Here, you’ll find genuine Cabo-Verdean products and have the chance to chat with vendors selling baskets, fresh produce and medicinal herbs.
Being a port city, Mindelo’s fish market is worth a visit. In Praça Estrela, we’ll find a multitude of street vendors offering a mix of goods: clothes, electronic items, bric-a-brac, and fresh fruit and vegetables from Santo Antão.
The Belém Tower (a small-scale replica of the Lisbon one) is a curious sight, as is the National Centre of Art, Crafts and Design, a striking building covered in vibrant and colourful circles that resemble drum lids.
At the end of the afternoon, we propose a traditional match of Oril, followed by a typical local drink to say farewell to Cabo Verde.

DAY 8
Return to Lisbon
Transfer to São Vicente Airport to take the return flight.