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Exploring Nature in Cape Verde: Adventures Beyond the Sea

Cape Verde is a true paradise for nature and adventure lovers. In addition to the paradisiacal beaches and aquatic activitiesThe archipelago offers impressive landscapes, challenging trails and unique outdoor experiences. 

Each island has its own geographical profile and thus different opportunities to explore nature in different ways. If you're one of those who also like to explore beyond the beautiful beaches, come with us to discover a side of Cape Verde that goes far beyond the obvious. 

1. Mountains and Trails: A Hiker's Paradise

If you're a fan of hiking, get ready to feel at home. Cape Verde's mountainous islands offer trails for all levels, with incredible scenery.

1.1 Santo Antão: The Hiking Destination par Excellence

Santo Antão is Cape Verde's most mountainous island and a paradise for trail lovers. Here, every step is a new discovery, with deep valleys, lush green streams and mountains that seem to touch the sky.

  • Ribeira Grande trails: A walk that passes through small villages, sugar cane plantations and breathtaking landscapes.
  • Pico da Cruz: One of the highest points on the island, with a spectacular view of the Atlantic.
  • Torre Stream: A walk through cultivated terraces, streams and a hidden waterfall.
  • Mountain bike descent through the Cova: An exciting adventure for more experienced cyclists, with steep descents and challenging landscapes.

 

1.2 São Nicolau: Wilderness and Isolation

If you're looking for an authentic and isolated experience, São Nicolau is your destination. The island, little explored by mass tourism, preserves unspoiled nature and offers challenging trails for the most experienced adventurers.

  • Monte Gordo Natural Park: One of the best hiking spots on the island, with trails that wind between mountains and lush vegetation.
  • Fajã Route: A trail that connects remote villages and reveals dramatic landscapes.
  • Carbeirinho: One of the 7 wonders of Cape Verde, with its rock formations and unique natural beauty.

 

1.3 Santiago: Trails and History

In SantiagoThe largest island in Cape Verde, nature meets history. Here, you can explore trails amid stunning landscapes and get to know the island's rich cultural heritage.

  • Serra da Malagueta: One of the best places for hiking, offering breathtaking views and incredible biodiversity.
  • Rail Old Town: A walk that mixes nature and history, linking the old colonial capital to impressive natural landscapes.
  • Tour of the Plateau: In Praia's city center, you can visit the vibrant Municipal Market, the Amílcar Cabral Museum and other historical sites.

 

1.4 Fire: The Adventure of Climbing a Volcano

If you're looking for a unique adventure Fogo is your destination. Here, you will have the opportunity to climb a active volcano and explore impressive volcanic landscapes.

  • Climb to Pico do Fogo: A demanding but rewarding hike to the highest point in the archipelago, overlooking the impressive volcanic landscape.
  • Operation of Chã das Caldeiras: Visit the villages built at the base of the volcanic lava and taste the local wine grown on volcanic soil.
  • Monasteries: Land of coffee, with lush green landscapes and the opportunity to get to know the production of this much-loved bean up close.

 

1.5. Brava: The Island of Flowers and Viewpoints

In BravaThe smallest inhabited island in Cape Verde, nature reveals itself in its most delicate form. Here, you'll find trails between mountains and picturesque villages, with landscapes that inspire peace and tranquillity.

  • Fajã de Água Trail: Hiking between mountains and picturesque little villages.
  • Viewpoint of Nossa Senhora do Monte: One of the best places to contemplate the sunset and the view over the ocean.
  • Walk through Nova Sintra: With its colonial architecture, romantic air and welcoming atmosphere.

 

2. Adventures Beyond the Mountains

Cape Verde offers much more than trails and mountains. If you want to explore the archipelago in a different way, other islands offer exciting activities and unique landscapes.

 

2.1 Sal Island: Adrenaline and Unique Tours

In Saladventure meets adrenaline. Here, you can experience the thrill of a zipline, explore the dunes and beaches on horseback and learn about the island's history on a tour of the Sal route, with its salt flats and unique landscapes.

  • Zipline Cape Verde: A thrilling experience for adventure lovers located in the Serra Negra reserve.
  • Horseback riding along the dunes and beaches: A peaceful and charming way to explore the island.
  • Salt route tour: A tour of the old salt pans and the historic roads used to transport the so-called "white gold".

 

2.2 Boavista: The Cape Verdean Desert

In Boa Vistathe desert meets the sea. The dunes of the Viana Desert, with their arid and surreal landscapes, are perfect for hiking and buggy rides. And wildlife watching, with migrating whales and sea turtles, is an unforgettable spectacle.

  • Exploitation of the Viana Desert: An arid and surreal landscape, ideal for hiking and buggy rides.
  • Wildlife watching: Boavista is one of the best places to watch migrating whales.
  • Paradise beaches: Its white sands and crystal-clear waters are perfect for relaxing and swimming.

 

2.3. May: Oasis of Tranquillity

MaioDespite being one of the most arid islands in Cape Verde, it is home to the largest patch of forest in the archipelago, with 3,500 hectares of acacia trees. Here, you can go hiking amidst the challenging nature of the aridity, explore sand hills and observe various species of sea and land birds.

  • Hiking through the largest patch of forest in Cape Verde: Trails surrounded by vegetation adapted to the arid climate, providing a unique setting to explore.
  • Exploitation of the sand heaps: Small hills formed naturally by the wind, providing unusual scenery for walks.
  • Birdwatching: Birdwatching spots to admire the rich variety of sea and land birds that inhabit the island, such as herons, cormorants and hawks.
     

     

2.4 São Vicente: Culture, Sunsets and Incredible Landscapes

In São Vicenteculture meets nature. The sunset at Monte Cara is a spectacle in itself, with colors that tint the sky and sea with magical hues. A hike to Monte Verde offers panoramic views of the island, while a tour of the city of Mindelo provides an insight into the rich history and culture of the area.

  • Sunset at Monte Cara and San Pedro: One of the best places to watch the sunset.
  • Hike to Monte Verde: A rewarding climb that takes you to the highest point on the island, with panoramic views of the city of Mindelo and the neighboring islands.
  • Tour of the city of Mindelo: Get to know the island's urban waterfront, passing by the iconic Fish Market, the Porto Grande waterfront (emblematic for its role in the island's history) and Laginha Beach.

 

2.5 Saint Lucia: The Desert Island

Cape Verde's only uninhabited island and the least accessible. The nature conservation group Biosfera occasionally organizes excursions to Santa Luziawith a focus on environmental protection. On these visits, participants have the rare opportunity to explore this unspoiled island and learn about the importance of preserving nature.

Conclusion

Cape Verde is much more than a beach destination. It is a place where nature reveals itself in imposing mountains, verdant valleys, golden sand deserts, volcanoes and more. Each island offers a unique experience, inviting visitors to explore, discover and connect with the essence of the archipelago. 

Which island will you explore first? Contact us if you would like to know more about the possibilities of activities in Cape Verde.