SAL + SANTIAGO + SAO VICENTE + SANTA ANTAO Tour 4
14 nights
Visit Sal, see the beaches, the volcanic crater and the lava flows. Sao Vicente is the capital of music and culture in the
Cape Verde Islands. It has a huge natural harbour, and beaches.
From Mindelo, you can take a ferry to Santa Antao, one of the most
remote and spectacular islands. With steep mountains, and breathtaking
views, it is a chance to get away from hussle and bustle. Visit the volcanic craterand the most southerly vinyard in the Northern Hemisphere in Fogo.
There are some spectacular mountain ranges in Cape Verde on a number of islands with the highest peak reaching 2989m.
Prices are from £1405 per person and are based on 2 sharing and include:
- Return flights from Gatwick to Sal including all taxes
- Inter-island flights and transfers
- Accommodation in a twin room on bed & breakfast
- The services of our local agents and representative
- More info
Where you will stay during the 14 nights
Prices are based on double occupancy, bed and breakfast. All prices are subject
to change. Exact combinations of hotel and flights may have to be
changed according to availability.
More information
There are some spectacular mountain ranges in Cape Verde on a number of islands with the highest peak reaching an impressive 2989m.
São Vicente is a dusty, mountainous island. Monte Verde, the highest point on the island has some impressive views from the summit. The best view of the capital Mindelo is from Fortim d'El Rei, the old fort located on the headland to the east of the city. On the other side of the harbour is Monte Cara or 'Face Mountain' as it is known, a mountain with a human profile sculptured into it by erosion.
In Santo Antão, the jagged peaks, deep crevices, harsh volcanic walls, jaw dropping ravines and villages clinging to the sides of mountains are some of the most impressive sights in the archipelago. Although most tourists come to Santo Antão to hike the ribeiras, the views from the precarious roads can be appreciated by all. Highest Peak 1979m.
Santiago has two mountain ranges, the more northern Serra da Malagueta and the central Serra do Pico do Antonio (reaching 1392). It benefits from several permanent water sources and has lush green valleys and thriving plantations. The drive through the centre of the island is spectacular, with craggy cliff tops and views down the mountains on either side of the road. A trip to Santiago wouldn't be complete without spending some time exploring the capital Praia and taking a trip to the old capital Cidade Valha.
Fogo is the ultimate peak. At 2989m Fogo rises sharply from the ocean. Cha das Caldeiras isthe active volcano's crater and is home to people descended from a 19th century French nobleman. As well as the many walks on the island there are also some interesting lava tubes to explore. The islanders produce their own wine with a most distinctive flavour which is well worth tasting.
- Day 1 Fly to São Vicente via Sal
- Day 2 & 3 In São Vicente
- Day 4 Ferry to Santo Antão
- Day 5 In Santo Antão
- Day 6 Ferry to São Vicente and fly to Santiago
- Day 7 & 8 In Santiago
- Day 9 Fly to Fogo
- Day 10 In Fogo
- Day 11 Fly to Sal via Santiago
- Day 12-14 In Sal
- Day 15 Fly to UK
More detailed itinerary
Day 1 - Day 4 (Thursday to Sunday)
Once you have landed in Sal you will take your onward flight to São Vicente. From here you will be taken to the Porto Grande Hotel overlooking the central square of vibrant Mindelo. Mindelo, the capital of São Vicente is generally considered to be the cultural capital of the Islands and is proud of its rich traditions in art and music. The cobbled squares, wide streets and 19th century European architecture is reminiscent of colonial times past.
You will spend three nights here which gives you plenty of time to explore the Island. We offer a full or half day tour of the Island including a visit to Monte Verde, the highest place on São Vicente at 750m and boasting spectacular views. Visits to Mindelo and local markets are also included, please see our representative for more details.
Day 4 - Day 6 (Sunday to Tuesday)
Today you will head for the beautiful neighbouring Island of Santo Antão with its rugged peaks and green valleys. You will be picked early from your hotel to take you to the Port of Mindelo where you will board a ferry to Santo Antão. The crossing is approximately 1 hour and will take you to Porto Novo. From here you will have a transfer to Pedracin Village. There is a great walk that combines the volcanic crater Cova, to Vale do Paúl, Janela and Vila das Pombas. We recommend that you wear appropriate footwear as the descent is very steep. For more details please see your representative.
You will spend two nights in Pedracin village.
Day 6 - Day 9 (Tuesday to Friday)
Today your trip takes you to Santiago via São Vicente. You will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the ferry port to make your short crossing back to São Vicente. From here you will take another transfer to São Vicente Airport and an onward flight to Santiago.
Our representative in Santiago will meet you at the airport and take you to the Praiamar Hotel located in Prainha, near the capital Praia. You will spend three nights here. We highly recommend the full day excursion during your stay which will take you through the mountains and up to the beautiful bay of Tarrafal where you have lunch and a chance to swim in the clear water. Santiago offers some rewarding hikes in the interior of the Island with its craggy mountains, ribeiras and plantations. A local guide can be arranged to lead you on a hike, please see our representative for more details.
Don't miss the ultimate dining experience at Alex's restaurant which is located in the Pestano Tropico hotel, reputadly the best restaurant in Praia..
Day 9 - Day 11 (Friday to Monday)
This morning you will be picked up and taken to Santiago Airport for your internal flight to Fogo. You will spend two nights in the Xaguate Hotel in São Filipe which boasts a spectacular position on the headland.
Fogo rises sharply from the ocean and is an active volcano whose name comes from the word 'Fire'. We recommend a visit to the volcanic crater at Chã das Caldeiras. Since 1785 all its eruptions have been inside the crater. This crater is one of the highlights of Cape Verde and has very fertile land. Coffee is grown on the outside slopes whilst the vines used to produce the famous Fogo wine are grown inside the crater. The drive to the crater is not for the fainthearted with twisting roads and steep hairpin bends! A picnic lunch will be served in a rustic guesthouse in Chã das Caldeiras.
São Filipe, a pretty town full of Portuguese squares, cobbled streets and sobrados, pastel coloured houses decorated with quality wood and tiles from Portugal is also worth a visit if you have time. The views from the promenade are of the island of Brava and a severe drop down to the black sands below.
Day 11 - Day 15 (Sunday to Thursday)
Your flight from Fogo will take you to your final destination, Sal. On arrival on Sal Island you will be met by one of our representatives who will direct you to your coach. A short transfer will take you to the Pontão Hotel located in the main tourist town of Santa Maria.
Whilst in Sal you may wish to go on the half day tour of Sal Island which includes visits to: Santa Maria Market where you will experience true Cape Verdean local life, Espargos, Porto de Palmeira and the Pedra de Lume Salt flats. Visitors are allowed to bathe in the salt lakes so make sure you take appropriate gear e.g. swimwear, towel and swimming shoes as the lake's salt bottom can be quite uncomfortable on your feet. Bathing here is extremely good for you and massages afterwards are available for a small supplement. My only advice is that if you do intend to go in, don't shave that morning as it may sting a bit!
You will spend four nights here which will give you enough time to enjoy the white sandy beaches, wide range of watersports, choice of local restaurants, many of which are by the beach, and evening entertainment..
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