Crater (Cova do Paul) in Santo Antão

Santo Antão Island, Cape Verde – a perfect place for trekking lovers

Santo Antão is distinguished from the other islands of the Cape Verde archipelago by its green aspect and rugged terrain, among hills and valleys.

These characteristics make for fantastic mountain views, where the arid mixes with the green, making it perfect for trekking lovers.

The Crater or Cova do Paúl in Santo Antão

The crater of an extinct volcano is one of the most sought after experiences by hikers, who find in Santo Antão, the fresh air, nature, paths and landscapes they long for.

The drive to Cova do Paul gives you an idea of the beauty you will find and is therefore fantastic, despite the rough terrain. Small villages with traditional houses blend in with nature in an almost perfect way.

A place with little secrets

Because it is the crater of an extinct volcano, the Crater’s soil is still very fertile, which allows for the cultivation of various vegetables and tubers, such as beans and corn, including congoy beans, the basic ingredients of cachupa, a traditional Cape Verdean dishas well as potato, sweet potato and cassava, fantastic for those who travel as a vegan in Cape Verde. The crater, which also serves as a location for cattle grazing, is home to some reptiles, too.

Since this is a place where hikers are more than 1100 m above sea level, the picturesque rural scenery is complete when, at times, fog and clouds enter the crater, creating a fantastic visual effect.

The beginning of a fantastic trail

The crater is the beginning of one of the best known trails in Cape Verde: from Cova to Vale do Paúl, a trail that takes 4 to 5 hours on average and corresponds to a 10-11 km walk. With about 1000 meters of elevation variation, breathtaking scenery, and some local products to try along the way, this trail is a fantastic experience for those who enjoy trekking.

Discover the Crater and its magnificent natural landscapes on your visit to Santo Antão Island in Cape Verde.