Itinerary · São Vicente & Santo Antão · 8 days / 7 nights
Mountains & Morna
Mindelo’s music, culture and creative energy, then the extraordinary mountains and valleys directly across the channel.
The idea
Two islands. One unforgettable journey.
A harbour city built on music, then the terraced valleys directly across the channel. It is the most complete short introduction to the north of the country, and the contrast is the whole point of it: three or four nights in Mindelo for the streets, the market and the live morna, then the crossing to Porto Novo and up over the rim at Cova into the green side of Santo Antão.
Everything below is a starting shape, not a fixed package. Walking days are matched to the walker, rest days go where you want them, and every connection is reconfirmed against current schedules before anything is booked.
Day by day
How the eight days are shaped.
Day 1
Arrival on São Vicente
Airport welcome and transfer to Mindelo. Dinner, and a first evening of morna.
Day 2
Mindelo and the island
The colonial centre, the fish market and Monte Verde, then out to Baía das Gatas or Calhau. Live music in the evening.
Day 3
Across to Santo Antão
The ferry to Porto Novo, about one hour. The cobbled mountain road up to the Cova crater, then down into the Paul valley.
Day 4
From the crater to the Paul valley
The classic descent through terraced fields. A visit to a grogue distillery.
Day 5
The north coast
The trail from Ponta do Sol to Fontainhas, one of the most beautiful villages in the country, then on towards Cruzinha.
Day 6
Ribeira da Torre, or a free day
A walk through a deep valley, or time to rest and enjoy local food.
Day 7
Back to Mindelo
Ferry, a free afternoon, and a farewell dinner with live music.
Day 8
Departure
Transfer to the airport.
Highlights
- Mindelo and its live music
- Four days of guided walking
- Characterful places to stay
- A gentle, unhurried pace
Included
Accommodation, transfers, ferry, local guides and visits as per itinerary. Net rate on request, depending on group size and season.
The two islands
Read each one in full.
Both islands have a page of their own — what they are, why you would go, and the experiences we would build days around.
Request a quote
Ask us for this itinerary.
Tell us your dates and group size. We reply to every enquiry personally; agencies receive a detailed itinerary and net rate within 5 to 7 working days.