Cabo Verde Windward Islands

Join us on this special journey starting in the cultural capital of Cabo Verde, Mindelo, before embarking on the scenic ferry trip towards Santo Antão for some epic walks. This small country off the coast of Africa offers an interesting blend of Portuguese influences, the heritage of African slaves and other peoples who lived here throughout the centuries, creating a rich and vibrant culture with an African, European and Brazilian flair. The larger Island of the archipelago, Santo Antão, is a walker’s paradise, with a dramatic geography, and still an unspoiled destination free of tourist crowds. We’ll discover its natural wonders, impressive vistas, contrasting landscapes, and learn more about the culture and ways of life of the Cabo-Verdean people.   São Vicente & Mindelo Rightly known as the cultural capital of the archipelago and birthplace of Cesária Évora, the famous morna singer, Mindelo is a captivating town with colourful colonial buildings and a faded grandeur. Boasts an urban beach  in a sheltered bay with turquoise waters, Laginha, a great opportunity for a swim upon arrival! Mindelo and view to Monte Cara Cesária Évora mural in Mindelo by Vihls In Mindelo, there’s live music daily, street markets where you can find handicrafts and fresh produce, interesting urban art, a bustling atmosphere, and a deep-water port that has been important to the town throughout the centuries. Even today, we see the marks of its rich history and diverse cultures. Laginha, the city beach of Mindelo, São Vicente National Centre of Arts, Crafts and Design in Mindelo   Produce market in Mindelo Besides the capital, São Vicente Island is known for its sandy beaches, where it’s possible to observe and swim with turtles!   Santo Antão, the Mountain’s Island The next stop is Santo Antão. If Cabo Verde were a jewel, Santo Antão would be its rarest and most valuable diamond. From lush vegetation, imposing peaks, and trails that run along cliffs by the sea or that descend along volcanic and agricultural slopes, Santo Antão is a lost paradise. It’s the complete opposite of other Cabo-Verdean tourist Islands, known as beach destinations and closed luxury resorts. Walking in Santo Antão Cabo Verde Fontaínhas is recognized as a National Cultural and Natural Heritage site Walking in Santo Antão Cabo Verde Here, you won’t find a sanitised version of Cabo Verde; instead, you’ll be gifted with authenticity and a curated itinerary of walks in diverse and pristine landscapes. Paúl Valley, Santo Antão The proverbial cordiality and gentleness of the Cabo-Verdean people here is even more genuine. Feel the morabeza!