Essential Santo Antão — Cova, Paúl and Ponta do Sol
Santo Antão Island · €95 per_person · 1 day (8 hours) · Rating 4.9/5 · Instant booking
A classic crossing from the Cova crater to the Paúl valley, featuring artisanal grogue, lush green streams, and the coast of Ponta do Sol.
Santo Antão is a sanctuary for nature lovers: deep valleys, sugar cane terraces, and cobblestone trails that descend to the Atlantic.
We begin at the Cova crater, at over 1,500 m, and descend on foot through the Paúl valley among mango trees, banana trees, and houses clinging to the hillside. Along the way, we visit a trapiche where traditional grogue is distilled.
The day ends in Ponta do Sol, with a fresh fish lunch and time by the cliffs before returning to Porto Novo.
Experience highlights
Accommodation
- Not included · optional extras: Full-day tour, no overnight stay.
- Not included · optional extras: Local accommodation available upon request.
Guide and group
- Maximum 8 people, local mountain guide.
Activities
- Included in the price: Cova–Paúl trail (3–4h, moderate difficulty), visit to a grogue trapiche, Ponta do Sol and Ribeira Grande.
Transport
- Included in the price: Island transport included.
- Not included · optional extras: Mindelo–Porto Novo ferry not included.
Meals
- Included in the price: Lunch at a family restaurant and water included.
Community impact: Supports mountain guides, grogue producers, and families from the Paúl valley.
FAQ
- What is the difficulty of the Cova–Paúl trail?
- Moderate. It is a 3 to 4-hour continuous descent on a cobblestone path. Hiking shoes and 1.5L of water are recommended.
- How do I get to Santo Antão?
- By ferry from Mindelo (São Vicente), approximately 1 hour to Porto Novo. We help plan the schedules after booking.