Culture and Hiking
Between volcanoes, verdant valleys and Cap-Vert rhythms, experience an authentic immersion in the heart of the São Vicente and Santo Antão islands.
Duration
8 days
From
CVE 780/pers.
The spirit of travel
Embark on an 8-day immersion in the heart of Cap-Vert, between the authentic islands of São Vicente and Santo Antão.
Discover Mindelo, the cultural capital of the archipelago, its musical heritage, its colorful markets and the story of Cesária Évora. Explore the volcanic landscapes of São Vicente, its wild beaches and its coastal villages.
Then head to Santo Antão, a true natural paradise with lush valleys and spectacular mountains. Take the famous Corda Road and admire the panoramas of Ribeira de Torre.
Share privileged moments with locals during a culinary experience around cachupa.
End this journey with a magical encounter with sea turtles in the waters of São Vicente.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Mindelo, the cultural heart of Cap-Vert
Arrival in São Vicente, discovery of The City of Mindelo, the cultural capital of Cap-Vert.
Dominated by the Monte Verde, this lively city seduces with its cafés, bars and restaurants, its musical heritage and the traditional melodies that resonate in its streets, birthplace of the famous Cesária Évora, the "barefoot diva".
Between colorful colonial houses bordering the Porto Grande port and steep volcanic mountains, Mindelo unveils its treasures: the fresh fish market, the Fortim d'El Rei perched above the port and the replica of the Belém Tower in Lisbon.
Airport pickup (VXE) by your English-speaking guide.
Transfer to your accommodation.
Solar Windelo is located in the heart of Mindelo city, offering easy access to beautiful beaches, refined restaurants and shops. The accommodation consists of rooms, suites and studios. Each lodging is equipped with a ceiling fan, private bathroom and safe. Meals and drinks can be served on request. You will also benefit from Internet connection and a terrace.
Mindelo, between culture and musical heritage
Discover the City of Mindelo during a private guided walking tour, a city marked by music, culture and cultural diversity.
Born from Portuguese and British influences, the capital of São Vicente reveals its history through its architecture, its neighborhoods and its iconic places.
You will discover the different markets and taste local products. You will visit the fish market as well as the Cesária Évora Museum located in the Governor's Palace, former home of the famous "barefoot diva".
The tour continues in front of the town hall and the church square, the cradle of the city, then along the Praça Nova, the Avenida Marginal with the replica of the Belém Tower, the bay and the former customs that has become the Mindelo Cultural Center and painters' workshops.
Lunch included in a small typical restaurant in the city center.
São Vicente, between beaches and volcanoes
Set off on the Grand Tour of São Vicente to discover the contrasting landscapes of the island, between wild beaches, coastal villages and extinct volcanoes.
The excursion begins with Monte Verde, offering an exceptional panoramic view over the entire island and the neighboring islands.
It continues towards Salamansa and its beach renowned for kitesurfing.
You will then discover Baía Das Gatas, famous for its music festival and its natural pool, with free time planned for swimming.
The tour continues towards Praia Grande, a magnificent white sand beach, then the village of Calhau, surrounded by extinct volcanoes with a beautiful view of the island of Santa Luzia.
On the way back to Mindelo, passing through the Matiota oasis and the Madeiral road.
Santo Antão, between mountains and lush valleys
After your arrival at Santo Antao Island, immerse yourself in exceptional natural scenery in the heart of Paul and Ribeira Grande, two regions that cover nearly a third of the island.
Located in the northeast of Santo Antão, this destination renowned for hiking reveals the famous Paul valley, with its sugar cane terraces, its agricultural lands, its meadows, its forests and its steep mountainous peaks.
You will also discover local authenticity through its villages, its restaurants, its accommodations and its historic church, witnesses to the culture and history of this preserved region.
Exploration begins with the mythical Corda Road, offering spectacular panoramas at over 1,600 meters altitude with photo stops.
An easy short hike of about one hour around the Cova volcano crater is proposed before continuing into the nature reserve until the Ribeira de Torre valley, known for its banana plantations and its lush landscapes.
Located on the island of Santo Antao in Cap-Vert, Hôtel Tienne del Mar overlooks the ocean and is an ideal option for vacationers seeking a relaxing getaway with unforgettable views. The hotel offers a selection of rooms, all equipped with a flat-screen television and Wi-Fi connection. During your stay, you can enjoy regional cuisine prepared with fresh products at the on-site restaurant. You will also enjoy a bar and a swimming pool. The hotel is an ideal base for exploring the island of Santo Antao.
Santo Antão, the Wild and Authentic West
Discover the wild west of Santo Antão, a preserved region where volcanic landscapes reveal all the power and beauty of the island.
Through pozolana fields and reliefs marked by the contrasts of black volcanic rock, you will discover charming isolated villages and panoramic views typical of the archipelago.
The excursion notably leads to the small village of Lagedos, renowned for its commitment to fair trade tourism, offering an immersion into the heart of local culture and Santo Antão traditions.
Gastronomic Immersion in the Heart of Santo Antão
Live an authentic experience far more than a simple cooking workshop, through an invitation to a local's home in the heart of Santo Antão.
Welcomed by a Cap-Vert family with all the morabeza, this art of hospitality deeply rooted in local identity, you will discover their daily life, culture and traditions. Alongside your host, participate in the preparation of the famous cachupa, the national dish made of corn, beans, vegetables and meat, simmered over a wood fire.
This friendly encounter ends with the tasting of the prepared meal, accompanied by water, a coffee and a seasonal fruit for dessert.
Magical encounter with the sea turtles of São Vicente
For your last day in Cap-Vert, experience an unforgettable snorkeling adventure on the beach ofSão Pedro, near the airport of São Vicente.
Aboard a traditional small fishing boat, venture just a few meters from the shore to encounter adult sea turtles in their natural environment.
Equipped with snorkeling gear, enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the island and the beauty of this marine ecosystem, with the opportunity to observe and feed the turtles during this privileged moment.
After this immersion between culture, nature and Cap-Vert traditions, make the most of your last moments on the archipelago.
Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to the airport for your return home.
Safe travels!
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Drinks
- Consumption and services not mentioned
- TSA- 34€ per person
- Bank transfer fees
Included
- The Hotels
- All transfers (Car/Maritime)
- The excursions mentioned
- Combined lunches
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Cape Verde for a tourist stay. Entry rules may change, so we recommend verifying information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Cape Verde, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after your entry date into the country and have at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada benefit from a visa exemption for tourist stays in Cape Verde.
This exemption allows a stay of up to 30 days upon entry into the territory, renewable once in-country with Cape Verdean immigration services, up to a limit of 90 days per year.
Authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
an accommodation booking for the duration of your stay.
EASE (Electronic pre-registration)
Before your arrival in Cape Verde, you must complete the online registration form EASE (Electronic Authorization for Sustainable Entry), established by Cape Verdean authorities.
This digital form allows you to transmit to immigration services the necessary information for entry into the territory:
passport information
flight details
address of your first accommodation in Cape Verde
personal contact details and health declaration
The form must be completed online before your departure. A digital confirmation or QR code will be issued to you and may be requested when passing through immigration.
Health
No vaccines are officially required to enter Cape Verde from the EEA, Switzerland, or Canada. However, it is recommended to update routine vaccinations and consult a doctor or travel clinic before departure.
Vaccination against yellow fever may be required if you are arriving from a country where this disease is endemic.
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In some European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization for departure from the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the embassy or consulate of Cape Verde in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for emergency repatriation and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to an insurance plan, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits your needs:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claims procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the procedures for reporting any claim. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them for the entire duration of their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
To stay in Cape Verde, a valid passport for the entire duration of your stay is required. An airport security tax (AST, €31) is mandatory and must be paid online before departure. The specific conditions for visa-free entry depend on your nationality; we recommend checking with the Cape Verde consular authorities the rules applicable to your country before booking your trip.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, expect between 150 and 240 euros per day per person, including accommodation, meals, inter-island transfers and activities. International flights (500-800 euros return) are additional. The TSA (31 euros per person) is added upon entry.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. Together, you fine-tune every detail until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your next trip to Cap-vert
Cape Verde Escape Creator, based in Mindelo, São Vicente
Cape Verde is an archipelago of character. Each island has its own rhythm, its light, its energy; my role is to help everyone find the one that suits them.
— Théo
