Fogo and Santo Antão

Individual Round Trip

In this round trip, you’ll experience the volcanic landscape of the island of Fogo and the green mountains of the island of Santo Antão. After a visit to the first settlement of Cape Verde on the island of Santiago, on the island of Fogo you will explore the crater landscape around the volcano. Enjoy a panoramic drive across the island and visit the friendly island capital São Filipe to get a rich impression of the island. While on Santo Antão, you will visit the picturesque hillside mountain village of Fontainhas, explore spectacular mountain scenery on two panoramic drives, and visit the green Paúl Valley. Finally, a walk through the lively harbour town of Mindelo on the island of São Vicente rounds off your trip.

Would you like to be more active? We also offer this round trip as a hiking tour.

It is bookable throughout the year at the date of your choice!

Day 1: SANTIAGO – Arrival in Cape Verde

When you arrive at Santiago airport, you will be transferred to your accommodation in the capital, Praia. Your hotel is on the plateau, which is the historic centre of the town. From here you can easily find the vegetable market and numerous shops, restaurants, and bars on foot.

Day 2: SANTIAGO – First Capital Cidade Velha

After breakfast, you will set off for Cidade Velha, the oldest town in Cape Verde, which was once the country’s capital and was an important centre of the international slave trade. The town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009.  You will tour the centre and visit the fortress Fortaleza Real de São Filipe.

Day 3: FOGO – Up to the crater

Journey to Santiago airport and a short flight to the neighbouring island of Fogo. On arrival there, you will set off for the famous volcanic crater: By car, you will drive in serpentines past small villages, hilly country, and lava formations up to an altitude of 1,700 m. This spectacular area will be your home for the night. You will stay overnight in this spectacular area.

Day 4: FOGO – Exploring the lava fields

Exploring the landscapes of the volcano is well worth the effort. With your guide showing you the lava flows of various eruptions the crater has experienced – namely 1951, 1995 and the last one in November 2014 on this moderate hike, you will walk on cooled lava fields and through ruins of destroyed houses. Throughout the day, enjoy the energy that this mountain, 2,800m above sea level, exudes and that won’t let you go easily.

Day 5: FOGO – Island tour

You will leave the crater area and explore Fogo today. Towards the east of the circular island, you’ll pass through bizarre lava landscapes that have been created by various volcanic eruptions over the past centuries. You will enjoy lunch in Mosteiros, which is located in the green north of Fogo. Then you will drive along the ring road in the west of the island to São Filipe, from where you will move into your next accommodation.

Day 6: FOGO – Island capital São Filipe

Along with your roadbook in German, you will explore the friendly island capital of the fire island of Fogo. The colonial, small-town charm of São Filipe will delight you: no matter whether you pass quiet, well-kept squares or historic stately homes – it is difficult to resist the appeal of the place.

Tag 7: SÃO VICENTE

With a short transfer to Fogo airport, you’ll fly to Sao Vicente via Santiago. From the airport, you will be met by your next driver who will take you to your accommodation in the centre of the colonial port town of Mindelo, where you can easily walk to the historic centre and nearby restaurants and shops.

Day 8: SANTO ANTÃO – Over the historic pass road

Once you have arrived at the port, you will be greeted by your driver, who will take you to Santo Antão by ferry. You’ll drive together over the spectacular historic pass road towards the north – along the way, you’ll have fascinating views of the fantastic mountain landscapes time and again.

The pleasant fishing village of Ponta do Sol is your destination.

Day 9: SANTO ANTÃO – The Green North

You are picked up from your accommodation by your guide after breakfast. During the second day on Santo Antão, you will have a closer look at the green north of this island. The journey takes you first to Fontaínhas. The picturesque village on a hillside is one of the most beautiful in Cape Verde and invites you to take a break. You will then drive through the breathtaking Ribeira Grande valley to Chã de Igreja, the village of the church, where you can enjoy a typical lunch with a hospitable family. You will return to your accommodation in the afternoon.

Day 10: SANTO ANTÃO – Two dreamlike valleys

On the third day, you will enjoy beautiful landscapes. With your guide and driver, you’ll explore two of the most beautiful valleys in Cape Verde – the Ribeira da Torre and the Ribeira de Paúl. Having experienced these incredible impressions, regain your strength with lunch in a rustic restaurant in the middle of the Paúl Valley.

Day 11: SANTO ANTÃO – Relaxation in Cidade das Pombas

Today is at leisure.

Day 12: SANTO ANTÃO – In the southwest of the island

During the last day on Santo Antão, it is our intention to show you the southwest of the island by round trip. You’ll get to know a new side of Santo Antão: It rarely rains in this area, but bizarre mountain formations alternate with deep gorges and small, friendly villages. In some places, one is reminded of lunar landscapes. Along the way, a traditional lunch will fortify you. You will end your stay in Santo Antão in Porto Novo.

Day 13: SÃO VICENTE – Mindelo

In the morning, the shared taxi will take you to the port of Porto Novo, from where the ferry will take you back to São Vicente.

You then explore – together with your roadbook – the colonial port city of Mindelo. Be enchanted by the lively markets and historic squares.

Day 14: SÃO VICENTE – Return to Europe

Transfer to São Vicente airport. We wish you a safe journey home.

Who we are:

We have been organising trips to the Cape Verde Islands for more than 15 years with a German/Cape Verdean team of almost 20 people. Together with our drivers and guides, we work hand in hand on all nine inhabited islands of the archipelago. Looking forward to a trip organised by people who know the local area inside out and also have a lot of fun at work.

What you can expect from us:

• Competent advice on planning your trip
• Consideration of your individual wishes when creating the travel offer
• Carefully selected accommodation and drivers
• Qualified English speaking guides
• Varied excursions
• Detailed travel documents
• A 24-hour service number on-site during your trip

Services Included in the price:

• Domestic flights Santiago – Fogo – São Vicente incl. taxes and fees
• Ferry Santo Antão – São Vicente – Santo Antão
• 13 nights in a double room with breakfast including accommodation tax
• Other meals: 4x lunch, 1x packed lunch, 2x dinner
• Programme as described: 4x excursions with a guide, 2x excursion with the driver, 1x easy hike with a guide, 2x city tour with road book; for your information: guides and drivers are English-speaking.
• All airport, port, and other transfers as per itinerary
• Travel documents

Services Not Included:

• Airport tax (3,400 ECV or €31)
• International flights.
  *You are welcome to book your international flights through us: With TAP Air Portugal, from an airport near you.

Booking request individual round trip:
Fogo and Santo Antão