Santo Antão Highlights: Day Trip by Car with Ferry from SV

Full-Day Santo Antão Island Tour from Mindelo

This full-day tour departs from Mindelo, São Vicente, and is ideal for nature lovers and cultural explorers seeking to experience Santo Antão Island’s landscapes and local life.

Tour Highlights

• Explore Paradise Island’s natural beauty and panoramic views
• Experience the warm hospitality of Santo Antão residents
• Travel the Old Mountain Road to Cova de Paúl volcano crater
• Visit historic towns and coastal villages including Ribeira Grande and Ponta do Sol
• Enjoy a traditional Cape Verdean lunch and a visit to a sugarcane liquor distillery

Description

The day begins with an early pick-up from your accommodation in Mindelo followed by a transfer to the harbor for a scenic ferry ride to Santo Antão, lasting approximately one hour. Keep an eye out for dolphins or flying fish along the route.

On arrival at Porto Novo, your local guide will lead a full-day island tour. Travel along the Old Mountain Road to the volcanic crater of Cova de Paúl, with striking views of the island’s terrain. Stop at Delgadinho mountain ridge to view lush valleys below.

Continue through towns and villages including Ribeira Grande, Ponta do Sol, Sinagoga, and Paúl. Lunch is at a local restaurant serving traditional Cape Verdean dishes (not included; expect €10–20, cash only in euros or escudos). The tour includes a visit to a distillery to learn about Grogue, the island’s famous sugarcane liquor.

Return to Porto Novo via the New Coastal Road, passing cliffs and ocean views before boarding the ferry back to São Vicente. A transfer awaits at the harbor to return you to your Mindelo accommodation.

Schedule

• 06:15–06:30 – Pick-up from accommodation in Mindelo (address confirmation required) or meet at Mindelo Ferry Terminal
• 07:00 – Ferry departs São Vicente to Porto Novo, Santo Antão
• 08:00 – Arrive in Santo Antão; meet your guide at Porto Novo terminal
• Full-day island tour by car, visiting:
  • Porto Novo
  • Old Mountain Road
  • Volcano Crater of Cova de Paúl
  • Pico da Cruz (1,585 m / 5,200 ft)
  • Delgadinho ridge
  • Povação
  • Ribeira de Torre / Xôxô
  • Ribeira Grande
  • Ponta do Sol
  • Sinagoga
  • Paúl Valley
  • Vila das Pombas
  • Janela (via coastal road)
• 13:00 – Traditional Cape Verdean lunch at a local restaurant (not included; cash payment only)
• 15:20 – Return to Porto Novo
• 16:00 – Ferry departs Porto Novo to São Vicente
• 17:00 – Arrive Mindelo; transfer back to accommodation

Includes

• Transfers between hotel and harbor in Mindelo
• Roundtrip ferry tickets
• Professional local guide
• Transportation during the tour
• Entrance to Grogue distillery
• Liability insurance

Excludes

• Lunch
• Personal expenses
• Gratuities

Important Information

• Provide the following 24 hours before departure:
  • A photo or details of your passport including full name, passport number, birth date, expiration date, and issuing country (photo mandatory for children under 12)
• Travel is mostly by van with stops to explore on foot
• Bring your passport for ferry travel
• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, plus a hat and sunglasses for sun protection
• Pack a sweater for cooler temperatures, especially November to March
• If prone to seasickness, prepare accordingly; ferry conditions vary with winds
• The tour travels at high altitude with scenic stops
• Lunch venues accept euros and Cape Verdean escudos only; no credit cards
• Notify in advance about any dietary restrictions or allergies

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.