Discover Santo Antão: Day Trip by Car or Guided Trek
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Discover the beauty of Santo Antão with one of our flexible full-day excursions. Your local guide will take you on a full-day island tour, bringing the Island’s stories to life. You can choose from 4 different options to best suit your travel plans and activity level
2 Island Highlights by Car:
* From São Vicente: Includes harbor transfers and roundtrip ferry tickets.
* From Santo Antão (Porto Novo): Ideal if you’ve already booked ferry tickets or are staying on the island.
2 Trekking Options:
* From São Vicente: Includes harbor transfers and roundtrip ferry tickets.
* From Santo Antão (Porto Novo): Perfect for those already on the island or with ferry tickets booked.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please inform us of any special dietary instructions.
In the case of a group of less than 4pax, the local guide himself may be the driver
For open group tours your guide may speak more than one language if required
Driving through roads with high altitude
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Option including Ferry Tickets: Begin with an early morning pick up at your accommodation in Mindelo, transfer to the Harbor for your adventure by Ferry to our neighboring island of the mountains, Santo Antão. On your ferry travel across the canal (up to 1 hour on ferry), you may stand on deck; if you’re lucky you will witness dolphins, pilot whales, flying fish, sea birds, and more, you can also relax on the comfortable seating inside. Check out the lighthouse on the rock in the middle of the ocean, Ilhéu dos Pássaros (Bird’s Island)!
Porto Novo
Option Excluding Ferry tickets: Arrive to Porto Novo, as you enter the Garemaritima terminal you will be met by your local guide who will take you to all the Island Highlights in one day by car! Begin your journey ascending through the mountains
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Pickup and drop-off at starting point
OPTION: *Ferry Tickets (roundtrip) included from São Vicente, excluded beginning in Santo Antão
Entrance: Grogue (Rum) distillery
Local Professional guide (English, French, Spanish, Portuguese)
Lunch
Personal expenses
Alcoholic Beverages
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Trek Cova Paúl 3h, (Ferry INC)
Trek Cova Paul +/- 3h trek: Trek Volcano Crater of Cova de Paúl to Cabo d Ribeira, 3h Walking Distance: +/- 5 km
Total
Ferry tickets included: We need traveller passport details at least 24 hours before our excursion: Name, DOB, Country of issue, Doc number, Exp date
Duration: 11 hours: Elevation gain: +/- 115 m
Elevation loss: -/+ 948 m
Max Elevation: +/- 1,294 m
Min Elevation: +/- 415 m
Trail type: One wa
Visit grogue distillery : Have a tasting of our local rum at the distillery and see how it's made
Begins in Mindelo and returns : Begin with an early morning adventure to the Island of the Mountains on this most beautiful and invigorating trek
Harbor transfers in Mindelo: Let us know your pick up location and we will pick up and drop off at your accommodation
Pickup included
Trek Cova Paúl 5h (NO ferry)
Pick up at Porto Novo: Enjoy a refreshing trek into one of the most beautiful valleys on earth, connect with the lifestyle and people of Santo Antão
Walking Distance: +/- 11 km
: Total Walking Duration: +/- 5 hours Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: +/- 231 m
Elevation loss: -/+ 1,450 m
Duration: 7 hours: Max Elevation: +/- 1,294 m
Min Elevation: +/- 7 m
Trail type: One way
Visit grogue distillery: Have tasting of our local rum at the distillery and see how it's made
Cova Paúl to Villa das Pombas: Descending into crater, be careful of areas which may be slippery if there is mist
Excludes ferry tickets
Starting point:
Gare Marítima porto de Porto Novo - ENAPOR, 2W9R+2CP, Porto Novo, Cabo Verde
Pickup included
Highlights by Car (NO ferry)
Meet at Porto Novo
Excludes Ferry tickets
Duration: 7 hours
Highlights of Santo Antão : Porto Novo, Old Road, Volcano Crater of Cova de Paúl, Walk Cova de Paúl Volcano, Ribeira de Torre, Xôxô, Ponta do Sol, Sinago
Mini bus
Book your ferry for 07:00: Please book your ferry ticket to depart Mindelo by 07:00, to arrive to Porto Novo by 08:00. Your guide will be waiting.
Starting point:
Gare Marítima porto de Porto Novo - ENAPOR, 2W9R+2CP, Porto Novo, Cabo Verde
Trek Cova Paúl 3h (NO Ferry)
Pick up at Porto Novo: Meet your local guide at Porto Novo, ready to join you on a refreshing trek into one of the most beautiful valleys on earth
Walking Distance: +/- 5 km
: Walking Duration: +/- 3 hours Degree of difficulty: Easy to moderate
Elevation gain: +/- 115 m Elevation loss: -/+ 948
Duration: 7 hours: From Porto Novo, transfer to Cova for trek, enjoy a lunch at local restaurant, return to Porto Novo (or your location)
Cova Paúl to Cabo d' Ribeira: Max Elevation: +/- 1,294 m
Min Elevation: +/- 415 m
Trail type: One way
Book your ferry for 07:00: Please book your ferry ticket to depart Mindelo by 07:00, to arrive to Porto Novo by 08:00. Tell us your drop off location
Starting point:
Gare Marítima porto de Porto Novo - ENAPOR, 2W9R+2CP, Porto Novo, Cabo Verde
Pickup included
Highlights by car (INC Ferry)
Harbor transfers in Mindelo: One of the most beautiful valleys in the world, Paul! Be enchanted with a walk, meet the locals, taste local fruits, coffee..
Ferry tickets included: We need traveller passport details at least 24 hours before our excursion: Name, DOB, Country of issue, Doc number, Exp date
Duration: 11 hours
Visit Grogue distillery: Tasting of our local rum at distillery
Mindelo - Porto Novo roundtrip: Adventure begins at sunrise ⛰️ Get up and out for an exciting trip to Santo Antão from São Vicente A Must Experience!
Day Trip by car, can customize: You can pick you dates of return travel if you will sleep over Santo Antão. Contact us!
Pickup included
Trek Cova Paúl 5h (Ferry INC)
Harbor transfers : Pick up and drop off at accommodation in Mindelo
Ferry tickets included : We need traveller passport details at least 24 hours before our excursion: Name, DOB, Country of issue, Doc number, Exp date
Duration: 11 hours: Duration: +/- 5 hours Walking Distance: +/- 11 km
-
Degree of difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation gain: +/- 231 m
Visit grogue distillery: Have a tasting of our local rum and see how its made
Route : Elevation gain: +/- 231 m
Elevation loss: -/+ 1,450 m
Max Elevation: +/- 1,294 m Min Elevation: +/- 7 m
Trail: One way
Important information: If there are any health or mobility issues who should know of, please inform
Pickup included
Reviews
89 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Gorgeous island
dochobbs12,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour of Santo Antão was truly unforgettable—an easy 5-star experience that exceeded every expectation. From the very beginning, the day felt like an adventure. The journey itself, arriving from São Vicente, set the tone with stunning ocean views before we even reached the island. Once on Santo Antão, the scenery completely transformed—lush green valleys, towering mountains, and winding roads that revealed breathtaking views around every corner. We explored the famous Paul Valley, which was absolutely magical. The contrast of vibrant greenery against the rugged volcanic landscape was something I’ve never seen before. Walking through small villages and seeing local life up close made the experience feel authentic and deeply personal. Our guide was phenomenal—knowledgeable, engaging, and clearly proud of their island. They shared stories, history, and hidden gems that we never would have found on our own. Every stop felt thoughtfully chosen, and we never felt rushed. There was plenty of time to soak in the views, take photos, and truly appreciate the beauty around us. What stood out most was how untouched and peaceful Santo Antão feels. It’s raw, dramatic, and breathtaking in a way that’s hard to describe—you just have to experience it. If you’re visiting Cape Verde, this tour is an absolute must. It’s the perfect blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty—and without a doubt one of the highlights of our entire trip. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Good excursion planning, beautiful scenery and very professional guide
David I,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We have been lucky and it has made us very good weather, which, together with the professionalism of our guide Madú and the good planning by the organizers, has allowed us to enjoy a great day on the island of Santo Antão.
Great tour with an amazing guide
Travel42187737334,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was such a great experience! The whole team was amazing and very thoughtful and caring, from the pick up to the drop off you were made to feel included and small facts were shared throughout. Madu was fantastic and very insightful, a true S Antão native which made the experience much better.
Very smart guy who show is the Island
Thomas S,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very smart guy who show is the Island
highly recommendin green line tours cv!
karinh2995,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00it feels like a sin to visit the hiking paradise of santo antao for a day trip in a car, but if you're like me - not very sporty but interested in island life and plants, or if you're short on time - this trip is really worth it to get a first impression. the company and their staff are of course highly professional and organized, but they are also sincerely passionate about their island(s) and about offering an enjoyable trip to everyone. from good and clear pre-trip communication to early morning pick-up and organising ferry tickets for everyone to the outing on santo antao itself, they delivered! example: the 6.15 am pick-up to catch the early ferry was already waiting in front of my guesthouse when i stepped out because they knew - without me mentioning anything - that the area i was in was a bit dicey at night and they wanted to make very sure i did not have to wait in the street all alone. how thoughtful is that! they also offer hiking tours on santo antao and sao vicente/mindelo tours, go check out their website!
Very well organized island day trip
884gerhardb,Dec 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Today we took the day trip from Sao Vicente to Santo Antão. It's all very well organized. Paulo received us at the ferry in Mindelo and handed us our tickets. In Porto Novo the island guide Madú has already been waiting for us. He had really bright eyes and we immediately felt that he enjoyed his work. He brought us closer to the island and he is very knowledgeable. He had an answer to every question and so we could learn a lot today. We drove the basalt stone road north through the mountains and then back the coastal road to the east. Unfortunately, it was very noisy in the van, but that's really the only flaw. The driver was very calm and safe. The tour description fits exactly and it is not promised too much.
Full-Day Tour of Santo Antao Island
antoinedhossche,Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience with Green Line tours! Pick up at the bottom of our hotel for transfer to the ferry terminal. As soon as we arrived on the island of Santo Antao, we were greeted by Madu, our guide for the day. He is a true lover of his island, he wanted to make us discover the landscapes, the history and the authenticity of his island. His French is impeccable 👌 I highly recommend this experience, soothing, rewarding and accompanied by adorable people!
Amazing experience
299marcandr d,Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thanks to our guide Raquel, she did a great job! It was an amazing day. Beautiful sights & calming. To eat fresh local food. It's something I would recommend for those who enjoy heights and walking.
The tour was great in...
Claire W,Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was great in itself, but what really stood out was the owner and guide on Santo Antao Madu. Both were just so friendly and elevated the tour and experience. Highly recommended!
Highly recommendable
329anikaf,Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This Trip was truly Amazing and Perfectly Balanced between a beautiful hike, local cuisine and a stunning view Along the Coast Ride Our Host Madu was absolutly georgious and very authentic
From €95.00
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Operated by Green Line Tours Cabo Verde