Sun, 09.11.2025: Impressive coastal landscapes on Santo Antao

Our classic hike takes us along old mule paths from Cha de Igreja to Ponta do Sol. Sea spray and breathtaking mountain landscapes constantly come into view. We pass through small villages like Fontainhas, a picturesque village perched like an eagle’s nest on a rock ledge. Those who find the hike too challenging can spend the day at the eco-resort. Hike: Walking time 5-6 hours, +/- 850 m, moderate to challenging, continuous uphill and downhill.

This was to be the last real walk. The grand finale. There were to be 3 groups: supermen, normal mortals and tortoises. I was in the latter of course. I did not expect to get very far but according to my guide book should still get a good view along the North coast. I did not want to have any stress but feel comfortable and enjoy the day. In the end I was alone which was ideal because I could do what I liked. After the others had gone I set off for the village of Cruzinna de Garcia, which already gives great views along the coast and back to our eco-lodge. There were interesting murals on some of the walls. These are a tradition all over Capo Verde. Outside the village I saw 2 spotted pigs amongst the bushes like one can see in Corsica.

The first part of the route is fairly flat and even used by some tourist vehicles but later becomes steep and stony, only suitable for the donkeys for which it was originally built. There is no motor road along this part of the coast as far as Ponta do Sol, the end point of the full 6-hour hike. I took my time to go as far as the view point I wanted to reach, having a long break for the packed lunch which was provided. On the way back there was still time to visit a small beach but one cannot go in the water to swim because the heavy surf. The beach’s colour is volcanic but not all black. The other groups completed their walks as planned, the fast ones arriving at Ponta do Sol and the slower ones reaching a ruined village.

Later sitting on my veranda maybe for the last time, looking across the bay at the sun setting behind the ridge on the far side, I thought it was strange to think that there was nowhere between me and Brazil.