Hiking with 4 islands in Cape Verde

You arrive in Mindelo on the island of Saõ Vicente and are transferred to your accommodation. The rest of the day is free to soak up the atmosphere – the colonial architecture, the pastel-coloured harbour and the musical pulse make the town a perfect starting point. There is the option of a half-day excursion in Mindelo or to the Calhau coast.

Guided city walk in Mindelo (half-day, optional)

To really get a feel for local life, we recommend a city tour with an English-speaking local guide through Mindelo's lively centre. You visit the colourful market hall and fish market, stroll through the narrow alleys and central squares, and follow the elegant bay lined with palm trees. Mindelo was founded by the British in the midst of an inhospitable environment, but developed into a pleasant coastal town with pastel-coloured houses and shady little squares. The atmosphere is warm, relaxed and full of that slow, musical calm the town is known for.

The ferry takes you across to Santo Antão and Porto Novo. From here a transfer awaits up to the mountain ridge at Pico da Cruz, a small mountain community located more than 1500 metres above sea level. The hike begins in pine and eucalyptus forest, follows paths through lush highland vegetation and opens up to magnificent views over the north coast. You continue downward through tropical greenery until you reach Ribeira de Penede by the sea. Transfer onward to Eito in the Paul Valley.

You start directly from your accommodation and follow paths through one of Cape Verde's greenest valleys. Terraced plantations of sugar, bananas and coffee line the way. From the heights at Pico Antonia you get a wide panoramic view over the valley. Along the way there's a chance to try local spirits – a specialty of the island. Do you dare? A short transfer back after the hike.

In the morning you are driven up to the peaceful mountain village of Lombo Branco, 600 metres above sea level. From here you hike along a calm and beautiful path that passes small cultivated fields, villages and views of the sea. A popular and slightly lesser-known part of Santo Antão. Afterwards you get a transfer to the coastal village of Ponta do Sol.

From the hotel you set out on an iconic hike: a path carved into the cliffs with views straight down into the Atlantic. You pass the photogenic village of Fontainhas and continue through abandoned settlements. Before Cruzinha you reach a black sand beach where swimming is prohibited due to the currents. Here it's better to sit for a while and enjoy the power of nature. After a wonderful day you walk into your next accommodation in Cha de Igreja.

Transfer to Coculi where the day's hike begins. You follow paths through terraces, gardens and fruit plantations with mango, papaya, bananas, guava and coffee. The environment is colourful and vibrant, and the scale of the valley impresses all the way to your accommodation.

Hike through the João Alfonso valley on a partly cobbled trail where you pass corn and sisal plantations, basalt formations and small villages. You reach the Espongeiro plateau with pine and eucalyptus before being transferred to Porto Novo and taking the ferry back to Mindelo.

Transfer to the airport for the short domestic flight to Praia on the island of Santiago - your third island on the trip. After arrival, you have the rest of the day free to explore the city. An optional half-day city tour of Cape Verde's capital Praia or a visit to historic Cidade Velha is recommended.

Guided city tour in Praia (optional)

You meet your English-speaking local guide to discover Praia, which became Cape Verde's capital in 1772, taking over the role from Cidade Velha. The tour goes through the Platô district, a car-free area with historic buildings, and onward to the lively Sucupira market.

Guided excursion to Cidade Velha (optional)

Transfer to Cidade Velha, the first Portuguese trading post in the colonies, founded in 1460. Beneath the São Filipe fortress lie the traces of a bygone golden age: the ruined cathedral and the peaceful village around Pelourinho give the place a distinctive atmosphere.

Flight to São Filipe (approx. 30 min) and onward transfer up into Caldeira, a unique landscape shaped by the 2014 eruption when entire villages were buried under lava. The island of Fogo is completely dominated by the mighty volcanic cone. The local population has returned and rebuilt their homes. The day is devoted to exploring the lava landscape at your own pace.

At dawn you begin the great volcano ascent, together with a local guide. The climb goes over black ash and lava, and once at the top you are rewarded with views over the entire island. The descent is soft and smooth in loose ash, and you can almost "ski" on your shoe soles. Emptying the sand out of your socks afterwards is well worth the pleasure! Back at the accommodation, a welcome cooked lunch awaits.

Your last hike begins directly from your accommodation and crosses the northern part of the crater. The path then loses altitude through forests of eucalyptus and cypress, and further down coffee, bananas and papaya take over. Once down by the sea, you get a transfer along a scenic road back to São Filipe. A fine last day with great variety.

The day is free in São Filipe or Praia depending on flight times. The trip ends upon arrival at Praia Airport, from where flights home to Europe depart.