Santo Antão Highlights: Full-Day Car Tour and Ferry from São Vicente

Overview

Explore the landscapes of Santo Antão on a full-day excursion accompanied by a local guide. Departing from São Vicente, this tour allows you to discover the island's riches and learn more about its history. The programme includes private transport, port transfers, and return ferry tickets from São Vicente. You will also visit a grogue (rum) distillery, with admission included in the service. The offer is flexible, providing different options based on your departure point and preferences: a car tour or a hiking option, with or without ferry tickets for those already staying in Porto Novo on Santo Antão.

Itinerary

1. 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)!

   · 30 min· Admission included

2. 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

   · 20 min

3. Porto Novo-Ribeira Grande Road

   Begin your journey ascending through the mountains along the old cobblestone road, you will pass by small communities with traditional thatched roof homes, donkeys carrying water, farmers working the land and the daily hardworking people of this incredible place

   · 40 min

4. Stop at Pico d Cruz, above the clouds with its green pine forest and eucalyptus trees, feel the cool breeze, take in the picturesque view of Paúl from up top.

   · 10 min

5. Atop of Cova you will have breathtaking views inside the crater; the mist from clouds allows this farming community to self-sustain.

   · 10 min

6. Drive on to Delgadin, the narrow mountaintop crossing which separates two major valleys, Ribeira Grande & Ribeira da Torre; famous for photographs while on Santo Antão

   · 10 min

7. Ribeira Grande

   Arrive to the colorful city of Povacao one of the main cities in Ribeira Grande with its colonial, also modern homes, and beautiful street art. We will make a stop for lunch in town.

   · 1 h

8. Ribeira de Torre one of the greenest and most fertile valleys in Cabo Verde, where you will find bananas, mangos, sugar cane, and breadfruit trees. Also a large tank pool used by locals for swimming and fun.

   · 15 min

9. Village Fontainhas

   an unimaginable cascade of homes along the mountains, noted as one of the worlds most picturesque villages.

   · 35 min

10. Ponta Do Sol

    Then on to the fishing village of Ponta do Sol, with its old port of Boca de Pistola (Mouth of the Pistol), where you can experience the arrival of the fisherman, and see the catch of the day!

    · 15 min

11. Paul

    On to the municipality of Paúl, with its grand Saint Anthony statue overlooking Villa das Pombas for its protection. Arriving to the village of Eito, we will visit our rum distillery, also known as Grogue, and have the opportunity to taste.

    · 20 min

12. Janela

    Traveling back to Porto Novo via Janela on the new stunning coastal road, pass through fascinating mountain tunnels, and see the lighthouse, Farol de Fontes Pereira de Melo.

    · Non-stop passage

13. Arrive to Porto Novo in time to board the afternoon ferry to São Vicente. Upon arrival to the Harbor, you will enjoy a transfer to your accommodation in Mindelo.

    · 30 min· Admission included

14. Taste our local rum, Grogue is produced here, visit the distillery to see how it’s made.

    · 15 min· Admission included

Pickup

Pickup or meet at the departure point.

If you have elected an option of our excursion beginning in São Vicente, we will pick you up at your accommodation at least 40 minutes before departure (We will be in contact via message). If your selected option begins in Santo Antão, we will meet you at the time of your excursion in Porto Novo; we will be in contact by message.

How to use your ticket

Hotel pickups commence approximately 30 - 60 minutes prior to this time

Meeting point

What to know before you go

• Service animals are welcome.
• Infants must sit on an adult's lap.
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels.
• Please inform the provider of any specific dietary requirements.
• For groups of fewer than 4 people, the local guide may also act as the driver.
• The guide may speak multiple languages for group tours.
• Driving involves high-altitude roads.
• The activity can accommodate a maximum of 15 travellers.
• Confirmation is received immediately upon booking.

Travelers

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation for a full refund at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure date.

• No refund is available for cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure.

Who is it for?

• Travellers staying in São Vicente or Santo Antão.
• People wishing to discover the island without physical mobility constraints.
• Groups of up to 15 people.

What makes it different

• Return ferry tickets included for departures from São Vicente.
• Admission to a grogue distillery included.
• Private transport with a professional local guide.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

Product code: 105610P4

Activity offered by Green Line Tours Cabo Verde via Viator.