Santo Antão

Cape Verde

Best for: Hiking, Mountains, Wilderness, Off The Beaten Path, Authentic, Countryside

Jagged volcanic peaks and terraced green valleys make Santo Antão the hiking heart of Cape Verde — a world away from the resort beaches of Sal and Boa Vista.

The trail through Ribeira Grande and Paul valley is the classic multi-day hike, linking villages by cobbled colonial-era paths. Sample grogue (sugarcane rum) at a local distillery and catch the ferry over from Mindelo on São Vicente.