Volcanoes & Green Valleys

From Fogo to Santo Antão

Individual Round Trip

Experience the fascinating contrasts of Cape Verde: this special round trip combines the striking volcanic landscapes of Fogo with the green mountains of Santo Antão – with carefully selected, comfortable accommodation where you can truly unwind after eventful days. Your trip begins on Santiago with a visit to the historic cradle of Cape Verdean culture. On Fogo, the unique crater landscape at the foot of the mighty volcano awaits you, along with the charming island capital of São Filipe and its colonial flair. On an excursion, you also discover the many facets of this extraordinary island. On Santo Antão, you experience what are probably the most impressive mountain landscapes in the archipelago. Spectacular panoramic drives take you through a world of deep valleys, rugged peaks and lush green terraced fields. You visit Fontaínhas, a village picturesquely nestled against a mountainside, and explore the fertile Paúl valley, regarded as the green oasis of Cape Verde. A visit to the lively port city of Mindelo on São Vicente rounds off the trip. On a walk through the country’s cultural capital, you experience the relaxed way of life and the special atmosphere of Cape Verde up close once more.

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

When you arrive at Santiago airport, you will be transferred to your accommodation in the capital, Praia. Your hotel is not far from the small town beach of Quebra Canela.

Day 2: SANTIAGO – Cidade Velha, the first capital

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

Day 3: FOGO – Up to the crater

Transfer to Santiago airport and a short flight to the neighbouring island of Fogo. On arrival, you set off for the famous volcanic crater: the road winds its way past small villages, hilly countryside and lava formations up to an altitude of 1,700 m. You spend the night in this spectacular area.

Day 4: FOGO – Exploring the lava fields

The volcanic landscapes are well worth exploring. Your guide shows you the lava flows from the various eruptions the crater has experienced – in 1951, 1995 and, most recently, in November 2014. On this moderate hike, you walk across cooled lava fields and through the ruins of destroyed houses. All day long, enjoy the energy radiated by this mountain, which rises 2,800 m above the sea and will not let you go easily.

Day 5: FOGO – Island tour

You leave the crater area and get to know Fogo today. In the east of this circular island, you pass through bizarre lava landscapes formed by various volcanic eruptions over the past centuries. In Mosteiros, in the green north of Fogo, you enjoy lunch. You then drive along the ring road in the west of the island to São Filipe, where you check in to your next accommodation.

Day 6: SÃO VICENTE

After a short transfer to Fogo airport, you fly via Santiago to São Vicente. At the airport, your next driver will be waiting to take you to your accommodation in the centre of the colonial port city of Mindelo, from where you can easily reach the historic centre and nearby restaurants and shops on foot.

Day 7: The port and cultural city of Mindelo

In the morning, you explore the colonial port city of Mindelo. You discover lively markets and historic squares, and you get to know the cultural side of Mindelo: you visit a museum or an exhibition, hear stories from the life of Cesária Évora and drop in at a guitar workshop. In the afternoon, Laginha, the town beach, invites you to relax.

Day 8: SANTO ANTÃO – Over the historic pass road

You take the ferry from São Vicente to Santo Antão, where your driver will greet you at the port. Together, you drive north over the spectacular historic pass road, enjoying fascinating views of the magnificent mountain scenery again and again along the way.
Your destination is the charming fishing village of Ponta do Sol.

Day 9: SANTO ANTÃO – The green north

After breakfast, your guide picks you up from your accommodation. On your second day on Santo Antão, you take a closer look at the green north of the island. The drive first takes you to Fontaínhas. This picturesque village on a hillside is one of the most beautiful in Cape Verde and invites you to take a break. You then drive through the breathtaking Ribeira Grande valley to Chã de Igreja, the ‘village of the church’, where you enjoy a typical lunch with a hospitable family. In the afternoon, you return to your accommodation.

Day 10: SANTO ANTÃO – Two dreamlike valleys

A third day of dreamlike landscapes awaits you. Together with your guide and your driver, you explore two of the most beautiful valleys in Cape Verde – Ribeira da Torre and Ribeira do Paúl. After these incredible impressions, you fortify yourself with lunch at a rustic restaurant in the middle of the Paúl valley, before checking in to your next accommodation.

Day 11: SANTO ANTÃO – Relaxing in Vila das Pombas

Today is at your leisure.

Day 12: SANTO ANTÃO – In the south-west of the island

On your last day on Santo Antão, we would like to show you the south-west of the island on a tour. You 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 places, you are reminded of a lunar landscape. Along the way, a traditional lunch will fortify you. In the late afternoon, you take the ferry back to Mindelo.

Day 13: SÃO VICENTE – Return journey home

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

Who we are:

We are a Cape Verde–based travel agency with over 20 years of experience organising round trips across all the Cape Verde islands. Our international team combines deep local knowledge with the reliability and clear communication standards international travellers expect.

By working directly with trusted local partners, accommodations, drivers and guides, we ensure seamless connections between islands and authentic travel experiences. We also provide on-the-ground support throughout your trip, offering flexibility and peace of mind while travelling between islands.

Our multilingual team speaks English, German, French and Portuguese, assisting travellers from the UK, Europe and around the world from the first enquiry to the end of their journey.

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:

• Flights Santiago > Fogo > São Vicente incl. taxes and fees
• Ferry tickets São Vicente – Santo Antão, return
• 12 nights incl. breakfast and tourist tax
• Other meals: 4x lunch, 1x packed lunch, 2x dinner
• Programme as described*: 4x excursion with guide, 2x excursion with driver, 1x guided walk, 1x city tour with guide. Guides are English-speaking.
• All airport, port and other transfers as per itinerary
• Travel documents
• List of our favourite restaurants
• 24/7 service hotline

Services Not Included:

• Airport tax TSA
• International flights.
  *You are welcome to book your international flights through us from an airport near you.

Request personalized offer
(free, no obligation):

Volcanoes & Green Valleys