Hiking in Cape Verde
Including Monte Gordo Natural Park, Pico do Fogo, and Porto Inglés Coastal Path. On the map.
The vibe
Walking here feels like traversing a volcanic moonscape where the silence is broken only by the Atlantic trade winds. The cooler months between late autumn and early spring are ideal for tackling the steep, terraced ridges without the intensity of the summer sun. You will find a mix of well-trodden paths and rugged, unmarked trails that feel entirely yours, offering a quiet, independent experience far removed from crowded trekking circuits.
Monte Gordo Natural Park, São Nicolau
Caldeira
Christof46 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Explore the misty cloud forests and rugged ridgelines of Monte Gordo Natural Park. Trails wind through endemic flora, deep ravines, and high viewpoints overlooking neighboring islands.
Access. Fly to São Nicolau or take a ferry, then travel by road to the town of Tarrafal or directly to park trailheads.
Notes. Weather can change rapidly at higher elevations, bringing fog and damp trails.
Pico do Fogo, Fogo Island
Santa Catarina do Fogo
Cayambe / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Climb Cape Verde's highest active volcano, ascending through rugged black lava fields up to the dramatic summit crater. The descent involves running or sliding down loose volcanic ash and scoria inside the massive caldera.
Access. Accessible via ferry or flight to Fogo Island, then a road journey to Chã das Caldeiras. Local mountain guides are mandatory for the summit trek.
Notes. Volcanic terrain is loose and strenuous; a guide is legally required to enter the caldera peak zone.
Porto Inglés Coastal Path, Maio
Maio
Rob Oo from NL / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
A relaxing coastal walking route traversing quiet white-sand beaches, arid dunes, and traditional salt pans along Maio's pristine coastline.
Access. Flights or ferries connect to Maio Island, with trails starting directly from the main town of Porto Inglés.
Notes. Minimal shade; carry plenty of water and sun protection for open coastal stretches.
Ribeira Grande and Paul Valleys, Santo Antão
Porto Novo
Sentinel-2 cloudless 2016 by EOX IT Services GmbH is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Trek through lush, terraced agricultural river valleys framed by towering volcanic peaks and dramatic ridgelines. Ancient paved footpaths connect rural settlements along steep canyon slopes.
Access. Take the ferry from São Vicente to Porto Novo on Santo Antão, then hire a local aluguer (shared taxi) to trailheads in the northern valleys.
Notes. Steep stone steps can be punishing on the knees; trekking poles are highly recommended.
Serra da Malagueta Natural Park, Santiago
São Miguel
David Stanley from Nanaimo, Canada / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Hike high mountain paths traversing dense green ridges and deep valleys with panoramic views across Santiago Island. The park offers well-maintained trails through rural agricultural zones.
Access. Accessible via a scenic drive from Praia or Tarrafal on Santiago Island to the park's main interpretive center.
Notes. Guided walks are recommended to navigate the network of smaller agricultural tracks.