Cape Verde Island Hopping
Located off the west coast of Africa and made up of 10 islands in the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Verde is blessed with stunning beaches and plenty of natural wonders. You’ll get to island hop across the archipelago and learn more about its Afro-European culture, explore the green heartlands of Santiago, and discover the extinct volcanoes of Santo Antão and São Vicente. There’s also challenging walks in Serra Malagueta National Park and an ascent up Pico de Antónia – the highest point of the islands.
What you’ll love
- Discovering Cape Verde’s Portuguese influences
- Visiting Cidade Velha's historic fortress
- Spotting wildlife in Serra Malagueta Natural Park
- Ascending Pico da Antónia for breathtaking views
- Exploring bustling São Vicente
- Learning about the volcanic origins of the islands
What’s included
- Local Tour Manager who leads walks (& second leader as required)
- 11 nights’ touring accommodation across Cape Verde
- 11 breakfasts, 8 lunches & 10 dinners
- All sightseeing and entrance fees (as per itinerary)
- Outbound flights from London Heathrow including baggage and transfers
- Return flights from São Vicente including baggage and transfers
Trip Notes
Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
After an afternoon flight via Lisbon, we arrive in Praia on the island of Santiago, and a short transfer will take us to our hotel for a late check in.
Hotel Praia Mar, Santiago - Cape Verde
The Praia Mar is a low-rise hotel occupying a headland in Prainha, the capital city's embassy district. It is part of a Portuguese hotel chain and as such it enjoys good standards and a decent range of facilities. The hotel is located only five minutes' drive from Praia International Airport, the 'Plateau' with its shops and market, and the administrative and financial centre. The Praia Mar has 123 rooms in total, including four suites. All rooms have air conditioning, satellite TV, telephone, room safe, mini-bar and hairdryer.
Distance: 3 miles (5km)
Descent: 650 feet (198m)
This morning we explore Praia, the largest city in Cape Verde and capital, on a guided walking tour. We’ll see the old historic buildings such as the Presidential Palace, City Hall and the Church of Nossa Senhora da Graca in an area of the city known as the Plato. The statue of Diogo Gomes stares out to sea, reminding us of the European explorer who first made mention of these islands in 1460.
Following a drive through pleasant countryside, we start our afternoon walk. We start above the Salineiro Valley where we descend a rocky sandstone path to the valley floor. Once in the valley we follow paths which run along the river bed, through small villages and fertile terraces where we’ll see tropical fruits growing and small sugar cane plantations. The sugar cane is used to make ‘grogue’, a local drink which offers more punch than taste, which some distillers mix with honey or fruit syrup.
Lunch is at a seafront restaurant in Cidade Velha, after which we visit the old fortress. Cidade Velha stands on the site of the oldest settlement in Cape Verde, Ribeira Grande. It was classified as one of the Seven Wonders of Portuguese Origin.
Hotel Praia Mar, Santiago - Cape Verde
The Praia Mar is a low-rise hotel occupying a headland in Prainha, the capital city's embassy district. It is part of a Portuguese hotel chain and as such it enjoys good standards and a decent range of facilities. The hotel is located only five minutes' drive from Praia International Airport, the 'Plateau' with its shops and market, and the administrative and financial centre. The Praia Mar has 123 rooms in total, including four suites. All rooms have air conditioning, satellite TV, telephone, room safe, mini-bar and hairdryer.
Today we drive to Pico Antonio the highest mountain on Santiago at 4,560ft (1,392m). There are two walk options.
Option 1 - Ascend Pico Antonio
Distance: 6 miles (9.5km)
Ascent: 2,300 feet (700m)
We hike through dramatic volcanic typology and the higher you go the more vegetation likepine trees, eucalyptus, and some coffee cultivation will be seen. The trails we follow are generally well defined but the last section to the summit can be tricky, featuring narrow ledges and loose scree. The views from various points along the way and at the summit are well worth the effort with panoramic views of the whole island at the top. As this is a challenging walk it is optional and we offer an alternative easier experience. You also don’t have to go to the top to still see stunning views.
Option 2 - São Jorge
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Descent: 1,300 feet (396m)
An extra local guide will offer an alternative easier walk which descends on forest trails through native bush and reforestation projects to the village of São Jorge. This small, quiet village offers a glimpse into rural life. This area is known for its lush vegetation, agricultural landscape, and is home to the National Botanical Garden Grandvaux Barbosa. The village has several cafés and bars where you can enjoy the relaxing atmosphere with a locally grown organic coffee.
Hotel Praia Mar, Santiago - Cape Verde
The Praia Mar is a low-rise hotel occupying a headland in Prainha, the capital city's embassy district. It is part of a Portuguese hotel chain and as such it enjoys good standards and a decent range of facilities. The hotel is located only five minutes' drive from Praia International Airport, the 'Plateau' with its shops and market, and the administrative and financial centre. The Praia Mar has 123 rooms in total, including four suites. All rooms have air conditioning, satellite TV, telephone, room safe, mini-bar and hairdryer.
Distance: 6½ miles (10.5km)
Ascent: 700 feet (213m)
Descent: 3,300 feet (1,000m)
We start the day with a visit to Assomada and its lively West African style market with its smells, noise and mesmerising colours. We may do this visit later in the day, depending on local conditions.
We continue to the entrance of the Serra Malagueta National Park, where we walk through recently planted reforestation projects and down into the Gon Gon valley to the village of Hortelão. The path is easy to follow, though there are a few steeper sandy sections. The trail takes us through small villages, tropical fruit orchards and the odd ‘grogue’ distillery. Look out for grey headed kingfishers on this walk.
Hotel Praia Mar, Santiago - Cape Verde
The Praia Mar is a low-rise hotel occupying a headland in Prainha, the capital city's embassy district. It is part of a Portuguese hotel chain and as such it enjoys good standards and a decent range of facilities. The hotel is located only five minutes' drive from Praia International Airport, the 'Plateau' with its shops and market, and the administrative and financial centre. The Praia Mar has 123 rooms in total, including four suites. All rooms have air conditioning, satellite TV, telephone, room safe, mini-bar and hairdryer.
Today we fly to São Vicente where we’ll discover Mindelo on a guided walking tour. Mindelo is the jewel of this island, with a cosmopolitan atmosphere and a vibrant cultural scene. With its sheltered deep port, the British installed a coal station in 1838 which supplied ships from all around the world, leading to the town’s prosperity. On our tour we’ll see influences from the British and the Portuguese in the Governor’s Palace, the City Hall and the replica of the Belem Tower in Lisbon.
Oasis Porto Grande, São Vicente - Cape Verde
On the island of São Vicente, we stay at the Hotel Porto Grande in Mindelo. The Porto Grande sits elegantly on Mindelo's main square, a few hundred metres from the seafront and five minutes' walk to most of the principal restaurants, bars and nightspots. The town beach, known as Laginha, is a pleasant, 10 minute stroll to the east.
The hotel has a swimming pool with sunbeds, a beach bar 10 minutes’ walk away and lobby bar open all day. There are 48 rooms each equipped with air conditioning, satellite TV, mini bar and a balcony with views of the main square or the pool.
Distance: 6 miles (9.5km)
Ascent: 800 feet (240m)
Descent: 3,600 feet (1,100m)
We begin our day with a ferry ride from São Vicente to the neighbouring island of Santo Antão (1 hour crossing) followed by a scenic drive to the start of our walk overlooking the Cova da Paul - a volcano whose caldera is situated at the centre of steep cliffs at over 4,600 feet (1,400m). It is an important hiking destination known for its lush green scenery, agricultural terraces, and stunning views. After taking in the peaceful surroundings (the caldera is extinct) we head down a cobbled switchback through fertile plantations into the Paul Valley which is one of the most stunning hikes on Santo Antão. From the valley we continue on to our hotel.
Mamiwata Eco Village, Santo Antao - Cape Verde
Situated on a spectacular cliff with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, Mamiwata is a sustainable boutique hotel with terraced organic gardens and vineyards. Solar energy powers the hotel, water is recycled and fans and the natural sea breeze are used for cooling instead of air conditioners. There is a pool above the ocean and a restaurant serving fresh, vibrant organic meals and a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Rooms are simple but stylish with natural stone walls and locally made wooden furnishings. The ocean is never far from view with floor to ceiling glass doors leading on to a balcony. Facilities include a ceiling fan, storage space and en-suite with a shower. Wi Fi is available for a fee payable locally.
Distance: 7.5 miles (12km)
Ascent: 2000 feet (620m)
Descent: 2200 feet (700m)
Today we walk from our hotel to the beautiful village of Cha de Igreja in the next valley. We walk along a road on the left-hand side of the Riberia Grande for about half an hour and cross the dry river bed to a small path up the right (north) side of the valley. The path is steep, and zig zags its way up the saddle at 830m. You might spot Egyptian vultures.
From here there's a steep descent on a cobbled path to the edge of the remote village of Selada do Mocho. We continue until we reach the dry river bed of Ribeira Garca, where we can see the small village of Cha de Igreja on a promontory of land above us. A short but steep path leads to the village.
A more relaxed option is also possible: walking from the hotel, ascend through maize and sugar cane fields to the ridge visible from the hotel’s terrace before descending on cobbled tracks to the village of Cha de Pedras, seen earlier in the week.
Mamiwata Eco Village, Santo Antao - Cape Verde
Situated on a spectacular cliff with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, Mamiwata is a sustainable boutique hotel with terraced organic gardens and vineyards. Solar energy powers the hotel, water is recycled and fans and the natural sea breeze are used for cooling instead of air conditioners. There is a pool above the ocean and a restaurant serving fresh, vibrant organic meals and a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Rooms are simple but stylish with natural stone walls and locally made wooden furnishings. The ocean is never far from view with floor to ceiling glass doors leading on to a balcony. Facilities include a ceiling fan, storage space and en-suite with a shower. Wi Fi is available for a fee payable locally.
Ponta do Sol is a vibrant fishing village in the north of Santo Antão island. It is set in a landscape of dramatic cliffs, and is known for colourful boats bobbing in the harbour, colonial architecture and scenic coastal trails. The routes both walk options take end in the picturesque village of Fontainhas. This stunning remote village is often cited as having one of the world’s best views. Its colourful houses perch precariously on steep; lush volcanic cliffs and its’ slow-paced tranquil atmosphere is sure to captivate.
Option 1 - Coastal Walk
Distance: 9½ miles (15km)
Ascent: 2,150 feet (655m)
This walk starts from the adjacent fishing village of Cruzinha. We follow a dramatic coastal path which contours around to the village of Fontainhas and the former capital of Santo Antão, Ponta do Sol. This is an undulating walk, with one sustained uphill stretch just before reaching Fontainhas.
Option 2 - Circular walk Ponta do Sol
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Ascent: 650 feet (200m)
For those who would prefer to take an easier walk today, there is an option to walk from Ponta do Sol to Fontainhas village and back to Ponta do Sol.
Hotel Tiduca, Santo Antao - Cape Verde
The Tiduca is located in Ponta Do Sol right on the harbour front with stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean. On the northern most part of the island Ponta Do Sol is a historic fishing village with colonial architecture, colourful houses, street art and a boulevard perfect for sunsets. The hotel boasts a bar/lounge, a restaurant and a small spa. There is a roof terrace with a lounge bar where you can enjoy stunning views of the ocean as the sun sets. Rooms are classic style with light wooden furniture. They are air conditioned and have a flat screen TV, a safe and free Wi Fi.
Lomba Branco is a small, scenic settlement located in the northeastern part of the island. It is known for its dramatic landscapes, rugged mountains, and lush, green valleys.
Option 1 - Pinhao Valley to Lomba Branco
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Ascent: 1,050 feet (320m)
On this option we walk from the valley of Pinhao to Lomba Branco. We’ll traverse through several valleys and pass a deserted village before the final short steep ascent to Lomba Branco. This walk offers breathtaking views of the coastline, lush valleys and agricultural terraces.
Option 2 - Valleys and Grogue Distillery
Distance: 5½ miles (9km)
Ascent: 985 feet (300m)
Descent: 1,640 feet (500m)
We’ll walk from the valley of Cha de Pedras to the village of Coculi. We traverse between valleys on relatively easy cobbled paths through sugar cane plantations, farms and villages. We pass a Grogue Distillery (a potent, artisanal sugarcane spirit) and have the opportunity to sample and purchase locally made drinks and preserves. We finish our walk by descending on a small, cobbled road to the main valley.
Hotel Tiduca, Santo Antao - Cape Verde
The Tiduca is located in Ponta Do Sol right on the harbour front with stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean. On the northern most part of the island Ponta Do Sol is a historic fishing village with colonial architecture, colourful houses, street art and a boulevard perfect for sunsets. The hotel boasts a bar/lounge, a restaurant and a small spa. There is a roof terrace with a lounge bar where you can enjoy stunning views of the ocean as the sun sets. Rooms are classic style with light wooden furniture. They are air conditioned and have a flat screen TV, a safe and free Wi Fi.
Distance: 4 miles (6.5km)
Ascent: 1,200 feet (370m)
Descent: 1,650 feet (500m)
Today we walk the lesser known northwest part of Santo Antão. The walk takes us from the remote village of Alto Mira III to Cha da Morte and is interesting because of its impressive and varied rock formations and microclimatic variations which affect certain parts of Santo Antão.
Hotel Tiduca, Santo Antao - Cape Verde
The Tiduca is located in Ponta Do Sol right on the harbour front with stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean. On the northern most part of the island Ponta Do Sol is a historic fishing village with colonial architecture, colourful houses, street art and a boulevard perfect for sunsets. The hotel boasts a bar/lounge, a restaurant and a small spa. There is a roof terrace with a lounge bar where you can enjoy stunning views of the ocean as the sun sets. Rooms are classic style with light wooden furniture. They are air conditioned and have a flat screen TV, a safe and free Wi Fi.
Today we take the ferry back to São Vicente and to Mindelo where we have an optional last walk and the rest of the day at leisure to relax or explore this vibrant cultural centre of the islands.
Oasis Porto Grande, São Vicente - Cape Verde
On the island of São Vicente, we stay at the Hotel Porto Grande in Mindelo. The Porto Grande sits elegantly on Mindelo's main square, a few hundred metres from the seafront and five minutes' walk to most of the principal restaurants, bars and nightspots. The town beach, known as Laginha, is a pleasant, 10 minute stroll to the east.
The hotel has a swimming pool with sunbeds, a beach bar 10 minutes’ walk away and lobby bar open all day. There are 48 rooms each equipped with air conditioning, satellite TV, mini bar and a balcony with views of the main square or the pool.
Transfer to the airport for the return flight from Sao Vicente via Lisbon back to London.
Hotel Praia Mar, Santiago - Cape Verde
The Praia Mar is a low-rise hotel occupying a headland in Prainha, the capital city's embassy district. It is part of a Portuguese hotel chain and as such it enjoys good standards and a decent range of facilities. The hotel is located only five minutes' drive from Praia International Airport, the 'Plateau' with its shops and market, and the administrative and financial centre. The Praia Mar has 123 rooms in total, including four suites. All rooms have air conditioning, satellite TV, telephone, room safe, mini-bar and hairdryer.
Oasis Porto Grande, São Vicente - Cape Verde
On the island of São Vicente, we stay at the Hotel Porto Grande in Mindelo. The Porto Grande sits elegantly on Mindelo's main square, a few hundred metres from the seafront and five minutes' walk to most of the principal restaurants, bars and nightspots. The town beach, known as Laginha, is a pleasant, 10 minute stroll to the east.
The hotel has a swimming pool with sunbeds, a beach bar 10 minutes’ walk away and lobby bar open all day. There are 48 rooms each equipped with air conditioning, satellite TV, mini bar and a balcony with views of the main square or the pool.
Mamiwata Eco Village, Santo Antao - Cape Verde
Situated on a spectacular cliff with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, Mamiwata is a sustainable boutique hotel with terraced organic gardens and vineyards. Solar energy powers the hotel, water is recycled and fans and the natural sea breeze are used for cooling instead of air conditioners. There is a pool above the ocean and a restaurant serving fresh, vibrant organic meals and a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Rooms are simple but stylish with natural stone walls and locally made wooden furnishings. The ocean is never far from view with floor to ceiling glass doors leading on to a balcony. Facilities include a ceiling fan, storage space and en-suite with a shower. Wi Fi is available for a fee payable locally.
Hotel Tiduca, Santo Antao - Cape Verde
The Tiduca is located in Ponta Do Sol right on the harbour front with stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean. On the northern most part of the island Ponta Do Sol is a historic fishing village with colonial architecture, colourful houses, street art and a boulevard perfect for sunsets. The hotel boasts a bar/lounge, a restaurant and a small spa. There is a roof terrace with a lounge bar where you can enjoy stunning views of the ocean as the sun sets. Rooms are classic style with light wooden furniture. They are air conditioned and have a flat screen TV, a safe and free Wi Fi.
Essential information
Cape Verde offers year round warm, sunny weather with temperatures ranging from 24 degrees Celsius through to 30 degrees. The dry season (Nov – June) offers consistent sun with low rainfall, while the wet season (Aug – Oct) has a short unpredictable rainy period with higher humidity, but still, plenty of sunshine.
Essentials
- Walking boots with strong ankle support and good grip
- Waterproof jacket
- Lightweight clothing
- Walking clothing
- Walking socks (plus spares)
- Sunhat
- High-factor sunscreen (minimum SPF 30)
- Sunglasses with a dark lens
- Insect repellent
- Torch (handy for hotel grounds and in the room)
- Water bottle (water is provided throughout the tour)
- Rucksack/day pack
- Collapsible walking poles
- Personal first aid kit (containing your medication, blister plasters, etc.)
- Passport
- Visa (if applicable)
- Copy of your travel insurance policy
Recommended
- Swimwear and travel towel (hotels have pools)
- Snacks (for coach trips)
- Dry bags
- Camera/mobile phone
Optional
- Mat (something small to sit on for picnics or rest stops when walking)
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
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| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | ||||||||
|
25 Oct - 05 Nov 2026 11 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Heathrow Airport Single from £3,379 £3,179 Double from £2,999 £2,799 pp |
from £2,999 £2,799 pp |
from £3,379 £3,179 |
Save £200 Per Person |
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Book Now | ||
| 2027 | ||||||||
|
17 Jan - 28 Jan 2027 11 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Heathrow Airport Single from £3,313 Double from £2,939 pp |
from £2,939 pp |
from £3,313 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
07 Feb - 18 Feb 2027 11 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Heathrow Airport Single from £3,313 Double from £2,939 pp |
from £2,939 pp |
from £3,313 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
14 Mar - 25 Mar 2027 11 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Heathrow Airport Single from £3,313 Double from £2,939 pp |
from £2,939 pp |
from £3,313 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | ||||||||
|
25 Oct - 05 Nov 2026 11 nights |
Itinerary Single from £2,779 £2,579 Double from £2,399 £2,199 pp |
from £2,399 £2,199 pp |
from £2,779 £2,579 |
Save £200 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
| 2027 | ||||||||
|
17 Jan - 28 Jan 2027 11 nights |
Itinerary Single from £2,713 Double from £2,339 pp |
from £2,339 pp |
from £2,713 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
07 Feb - 18 Feb 2027 11 nights |
Itinerary Single from £2,713 Double from £2,339 pp |
from £2,339 pp |
from £2,713 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
14 Mar - 25 Mar 2027 11 nights |
Itinerary Single from £2,713 Double from £2,339 pp |
from £2,339 pp |
from £2,713 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
Important information
- With flight holidays: Price includes flights to Praia, returning from Sao Vicente, hold baggage and airport transfers
*If you prefer to make your own travel arrangements, please ensure you’ve selected a land-only option before proceeding to book.
1932Kg of CO₂e
Average carbon footprint per person Learn More
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