How to Spend a Day in Santo Antão
- Justine
- Jan 9
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 23
When I was building my vacation itinerary for Cabo Verde, I knew I wanted to visit Santo Antão. This island is famous for its agriculture, lush green forests, and stunning mountains. I came across pictures of the breathtaking views from hiking around the island, and I was convinced—Santo Antão had to be on my list!
When I travel to a new destination, I usually start with a fancy hotel and then switch to a more affordable one to get a feel for the city vibe. My first stop was Casa Santa Barbara Deluxe, a wonderful high-end bed and breakfast. It features a pool with lounge chairs, a beautiful garden adorned with flowers and hammocks, and spacious rooms equipped with air conditioning and a mini-fridge stocked with two water bottles. They even offer laundry service, which I love because it helps reduce the amount of clothing you need to pack. Their breakfast was enormous, with a variety of sweet and savory treats. Plus, the location is excellent—just a 15-minute walk to the city center.
For lunch, I ventured downtown to a small, woman-owned restaurant run by a mother and her daughter. I enjoyed a savory pie accompanied by rice, salad, and small sausages—a healthy and delicious meal. I’m not sure how those sausages are made, but they were incredible! I’ve had similar ones in Brazilian restaurants before. Unfortunately, I forgot the name of the place (I do remember it included the owner’s name), but the food was so good that I returned for dinner the same day.
After lunch, I hired a guide who took me to the natural swimming pools at Praia de Sinagoga. We took a “yass” (a local transportation method) to get there, as it’s located near the downtown area ( 15 minutes drive maximum). These natural pools are essentially holes formed in volcanic rocks near the beach, filled and replenished by ocean waves. The ocean here is very rough, so the waves constantly feed these pools with fresh seawater. I doubt they ever go dry!
The area also features an actual beach, though it’s not easy to access. The path is unclear and requires navigating a narrow trail, climbing, and even jumping. Without a guide, I’d never have found it. On a difficulty scale of 1 to 10, I’d rate it an 8. I still vividly remember jumping from a rock stair onto the beach while waves crashed around me—a crazy but fun experience!
The beach itself is truly unique. The sand is black, and there was no one else around. It’s a perfect spot for a photoshoot without any interruptions. However, swimming wasn’t ideal due to the strong waves and rocky terrain. Rocks + heavy waves + an empty beach = something I wasn’t planning on finding out 😂.
After spending time on the beach, I tried the pools. They were amazing! The cold water was refreshing in the hot weather. I saw a few people there—a group of teenagers, a couple, and a man enjoying the solitude. It’s clearly a spot that appeals to people of all ages. I recommend wearing water shoes because some of the rocks were sharp, and you might step on something in the pool. I went without them and was fine, but I would have felt more at ease with proper footwear.
Next to the natural pools, there’s a small bar where you can buy soft drinks and alcoholic beverages. There are also a few tables where you can sit, relax, and enjoy your drink while watching the Atlantic Ocean. It was an afternoon well spent.
I’d choose natural pools over hotel pools any day. Hotel pools might be luxurious, but they’re not unique. Natural pools, on the other hand, are a rare and special experience. My first afternoon in Santo Antão was truly unforgettable.
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