Santo Antão: Trekking Cova de Paúl Volcano Crater - Ribeira de Paúl

Get picked up at your accommodation in Porto Novo or others listed locations and drive through the mountains until your reach Cova Natural Park

Have your first stop at Cape Verde's largest volcanic crater, Cova de Paúl. There, have a panoramic view of the extinct volcano and enjoy breathtaking landscapes of the immense and green round plain inside of the crater used as agricultural fields. Start your 3,5 hour hike from 1,100 meters above sea level, with an oasis of vast vegetation emerging in its interior. Then, reach the crater’s edge and have the best and the most breathtaking view ever: standing on the edge of the crater, look out over the impressive green valley of Paul that lies in the depth before you plus the beautiful ocean view that is 10 kilometers away.

After that, start the zigzagging part of the hike, going down via a stone path for 3 hours. During the descent, explore Cape Verde’s greenest valley, see and learn about native flora and fauna, soak up scenic views of the island's landscapes and have opportunity to see abandoned vineayrds, sugar cane and banana plantations; mango, avocados and coconut trees. Next, experience the production of a local rum-making distillery and taste the famous “grogue” (The Rum production season runs from January 1 st to May 31st).