Scenic Hike in Santo Antão

Hiking in Paul Valley - Santo Antao

On my second day in Santo Antão, my plan was to hike through the mountains and immerse myself in the natural beauty of Cabo Verde. I booked a guided tour, and we explored the breathtaking Paul Valley. Starting early in the morning and ending late in the afternoon, the tour allowed me to see a lot of its stunning landscape. We visited Passagem Chã de Manuel Santos, Figueiral, Boca de Figueiral, Eito, and concluded our journey in Vila das Pombas.

It was an incredible experience. I’m not much of a hiker, but this trek was manageable even for someone with my limited experience. The diversity of crops in the mountains amazed me. I saw almond trees, ginger plants, castor plants, eucalyptus, mango trees, and banana trees—the variety was astounding.   I’m pretty sure some people just live on the products that they grow, and those who have bigger farms sell their production. 

One thing stood out to me: Santo Antão doesn’t rely on intensive agriculture. Everything seems to be done manually. I didn’t see much machinery in the fields at all.

We also came across sugar cane plants, which are primarily grown to produce “grogue,” Cabo Verde’s national alcohol. During the tour, we visited a grogue factory and learned about the production process. The factory’s guide showcased modern equipment used today but also preserved the old machinery to demonstrate how grogue was traditionally made. It was nice to learn about Cabo verde ancestral craftsmanship. The factory’s shop offered both the original grogue and flavored versions, including hibiscus, mango, and honey varieties.

Different grogues in Santo Antao

After the factory visit, we went back to our hike. During the climb, the humid climate added to the experience: I often found myself surrounded by thick, heavy clouds—a truly magical atmosphere.

The cloud in Santo Antao

And, when I was up there, I couldn’t help but notice the unique sight of donkeys dressed in human clothes. Every inch of those donkeys' bodies was covered, it was hilarious! According to my guide, farmers dress the donkeys this way to protect them from bug bites.

Donkey in Santo Antao

Along the way, I saw a curious mix of sights: a child playing nearby, another group of tourists on a similar hike, a cow grazing peacefully, and local contractors building a small rock wall. What struck me most about the contractors was their craftsmanship. They were shaping the rocks for the wall on the spot—one group was carving the rocks, while the other was assembling the wall. It was impressive to see such traditional methods still in use. In Canada or Europe, a wall like that would likely be constructed with synthetic materials, and the rocks wouldn’t be shaped by hand. I gained immense respect for the hardworking people of Cabo Verde.

Santo Antao - Construction

This hike through Santo Antão’s mountains was an unforgettable experience, showcasing the island’s natural beauty, agricultural diversity, and the enduring traditions of its people. I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Cabo Verde.