OUR
DAY
TRAILS
On Santo Antão you will find many hiking trails, leaving plenty of room for creativity. We work closely with our guides to craft personalised trails and create uniquely made experiences, just for you.
Below, you’ll find our highlight tours available for booking. If you're seeking something unique or have special requests, just let us know—we're happy to create something for you.
When booking, lunch isn’t included in the price to ensure flexibility in your schedule and to reduce food waste. Of course, we can recommend and arrange a reservation at one of our partner restaurants, where you'll enjoy local and organic food. Read more about this on our pricing page.
We require all hikers who book a tour with us to arrange travel insurance and agree to our General Terms and Conditions (GTAC). While we prefer not to think about unfortunate events, being a prepared hiker is always a smart choice.
Book easily with us by filling out our contact form at our booking page or sent us an email at info@criolotrails.com.
We do our best to respond as quickly as possible. It’s our pleasure —Prazer, di nôs!
Discover the trails
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Discover the trails 〰️
This hike is a must-see on the island!
It takes you through one of the most stunning green valleys, ending with a refreshing plunge into a natural mountain waterfall—ice cold!
You can also add lunch at Melisia, an organic restaurant in the heart of Ribeira da Torre valley.
XôXô Rabo Curto - Refresh trail
Slightly Spicy1-2 hours
Adrenaline Seeker 3-4 hours
This hike is an easy going one, while still enjoying the views!
This trail starts quite high and takes you from Corda to Coculi, on the northern side of the island. During the trail, you’ll pass through several small villages, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local lifestyle and culture.
Lunch can be enjoyed at the family-run Divin Art, where you might even catch some live music if you’re lucky.
Coculi - Earthy trail
Easy breezy 2-3 hours
Car - Island trail
Limited time or energy? Hop in!
Explore the island's (hidden) gems with our guided car tour starting and/or ending in Porto Novo. Choose between a half-day or full-day adventure tour to discover the island’s old roads and beautiful viewpoints.
An organic lunch can be added and enjoyed at the local family house Divin Art.
Half a day 3-4 hours
Full day 6-7 hours
In the tranquil valleys of Paúl, you’ll discover nature at its finest.
Hike beautiful trails while learning about the island's agriculture and history. Finish at a local grogue distillery for a warm ending.
Lunch options include Casa Maracuja in the center of Paúl or Pé d'Dragoeiro in the valley.
Paúl Valley - Green trail
Easy Breezy 2–3 hours
Slightly Spicy 3–4 hours
Adrenaline Seeker 4–5 hours
This trail offers breathtaking viewpoints along the way.
This trail takes you from the crater into Paúl Valley. The crater itself is a perfect spot for observing the region's biodiversity, including various endemic species. The area is relaxing and very green, especially after the rainy season.
You can also add lunch at O Curral, an organic restaurant in the heart of Paúl valley.
Cova - Crater trail
Slightly Spicy for the knees 2-3 hours
Want to mix it up?
Go on a less-traveled hike from Piñao to Lombo Branco, offering a unique hiking experience that's just as exceptional.
End the trail with a refreshing dip in the sea, if the season permits, and build your own Caipirinha (also available in a non-alcoholic version) at Oasis, the beach bar. If you’re lucky, you might even enjoy it with a known local fish snack—Moreia!"
Synagoga - Caipi trail
Slightly Spicy hike 3-4 hours
Easy Breezy activity 1 hour
Cruzinha - Coastal trail
Where the sea meets the mountains.
Hike from Ponta do Sol to Cruzinha along the coast. This trail offers stunning views of Fontainhas, a small village famous for its colorful houses.
Lunch can be enjoyed at Sonia's, located in the middle of the trail. Transportation back from Cruzinha is required (1-hour drive).
Adrenaline Seeker 5-6 hours
Ready to brew some unforgettable stories?
Discover the unique mix of history and hiking in Janela, also known as the island’s witch village. Enjoy the views of banana, sugar cane, and papaya plantations as our guides share the village’s captivating tales.
After the trail, you can enjoy a nice organic lunch at the local restaurant Boca de tunel.
Janela - Witch trail
Easy Breezy 1–2 hours
Slightly Spicy 2–3 hours
Adrenaline Seeker 3–4 hours
GEt to know THE ISLAND
Santo Antão is part of the Cape Verde group of islands and lies off the coast of West Africa in the Atlantic Ocean. Uninhabited until they were colonized by Portugal in the mid-15th century, Cape Verde became an independent country on 5 July 1975.
The island hosts a diverse mix of ethnicities, languages, and religions, with traditional music, dance and cuisine playing central roles in local life. Cape Verdean Creole is widely spoken, with variations in pronunciation across the islands, reflecting a mix of several languages.
As the second-largest island among the 10, Santo Antão covers 779 square kilometers and is home to around 48,000 people. The island's diverse terrain, including valleys, mountains, volcanoes, and coastal villages, contributes to a widely dispersed population. Agriculture thrives, with farmers using traditional methods like terracing and irrigation to produce crops like sugarcane, coffee, fruits and vegetables.