The Cabo Verde archipelago is a stunning collection of islands with varied landscapes, set in the wild Atlantic Ocean some 620 kilometers off the west coast of Africa. On this walking holiday you will visit the islands of São Vicente, Santo Antão, and Fogo, where you’ll follow steep mountain trails and coastal paths, discover Cabo Verde’s rural life, and admire the striking contrasts of its volcanic scenery.
And to crown the journey, the music sets an unforgettable atmosphere, for Cabo Verde is the homeland of the legendary singer Cesária Évora. Music lives everywhere — in restaurants, on the beaches, in small villages. The local culture has deep roots, blending African, Portuguese, and Brazilian influences.
Discover the charm of the Cabo Verde archipelago — where desert landscapes meet turquoise waves, where sunset street dances give way to long evenings with wine, fresh seafood, and music that touches the heart.
You won’t find it in any guidebook. This trek is carefully planned to show Cabo Verde in its true diversity: from the music and rhythm of São Vicente to green valleys and an active volcano.
In just a few days you’ll experience what usually fits into several separate trips. Each day is designed to make you fall in love with the archipelago’s unique nature and soundscape.
You’ll follow routes that don’t appear in standard itineraries — paths and villages where you’ll meet more locals than tourists. All so you can feel the islands’ true spirit.
All overnights are in pre-booked hotels or guesthouses, where you can shower, charge phones and cameras, and enjoy local cuisine.
A rich, author-curated program awaits—only the most interesting, best-loved locations, deep immersion in local culture, a careful selection of traditional eateries, and a maximally responsible introduction to the archipelago’s nature.
The hiking program across the Cabo Verde islands is specially designed for those who want to complete the route without heavy backpacks while visiting the region’s most captivating spots.
An experienced KULUAR team leader will accompany the group throughout the route to make your journey as safe and unforgettable as possible!
The day before, the group arrives at the international airport on the island of São Vicente. We begin our holiday in Mindelo, the vibrant cultural heart of Cape Verde, where music, art and the ocean merge into one.
Today, a special experience awaits us — a trip to see sea turtles. We will have the opportunity not only to observe these incredible creatures in their natural habitat, but also to swim alongside them for those who want to feel complete contact with the ocean. Afterwards, we will visit the Mindelo Cultural Centre and try to experience the real atmosphere of the fish and main markets. Before dinner, we will go to La Lagunita beach, a true haven of peace in San Vicente with its pristine white sand and crystal clear water. It is the perfect place to forget the stress of everyday life.
Dinner at a café with live music. Time to find out what lies ahead.
In the evening, when the sun touches the Belém Tower and the walls of the old fort glow with gold, a walk along Freedom Avenue to Estrela Square becomes magical — and you are no longer a visitor, but part of this lively, vibrant city.
We’ll walk ~3 km.
Breakfast, then we set out by chartered minibus to tour São Vicente. The first stop is a labyrinth once carved by the ocean itself. The route is almost a kilometer long; you’ll see with your own eyes that nature is the best architect.
Next we drive to the island’s east, to the town of Calhau. Our goal is to climb the Cala volcano, which offers sweeping views over the ocean and extinct cones. The route is 6 km and not difficult. After descending we’ll stop for lunch at a local restaurant. Then we’ll stroll along coastal dunes formed from Sahara sand and, if you like, swim at beautiful Baía das Gatas beach.
Afterwards we continue to Monte Verde Natural Park. Here you can admire striking landscapes, spot endemic plants and, weather permitting, even see other Cabo Verde islands.
Our mission this evening is not to miss the incredible sunset from Laginha Beach. Sky and sea painted in many shades — be sure to capture it on camera.
Traditional dinner at a restaurant.
We’ll walk ~7 km; elevation change +107/-107 m; time on the route ~5 h.
Early start for the ferry. As you cross to Santo Antão you’ll see high mountains, fertile valleys, and dramatic coasts on this lush island.
A true hiker’s paradise. We’ll have breakfast on arrival and then head to the Cova-Paúl-Ribeira da Torre Natural Park. The old panoramic road climbs from the port into the mountains, with views back to São Vicente and unique lava landscapes before the scenery suddenly gives way to rich greenery.
Throughout the excursion, weather permitting, we’ll enjoy fantastic views.
Cova is a volcanic caldera in the east-central part of Santo Antão. The lowest point lies at 1,166 m, the highest rim around 1,500 m, and the caldera is about 1.0 km across. Even locals call it their paradise — an Eden where, thanks to the subtropical climate, fruit and vegetables thrive. We’ll descend from the Cova crater on old cobbled paths into the Paúl valley, passing terraced fields of sweet potato and beans, as well as bananas, almond and mango. We’ll also see sugarcane being grown to make grogue, the popular local spirit, and catch the aroma of freshly roasted coffee as we wander through small villages. The hike is demanding on the knees — bring trekking poles.
Check-in at a hotel in Ponta do Sol — the island’s first settlement and now a colorful fishing village. It’s one of the best places to watch the sun set over the ocean. We’ll dine to music that turns a simple meal into a journey into the country’s soul.
We’ll walk ~7 km; elevation change +100/-800 m; time on the route ~5 h.
A tasty breakfast to start another full day — exploring the island’s north.
The hike from Cruzinha da Garça via Fontainhas to Ponta do Sol is Santo Antão’s showpiece and is considered the queen of coastal routes. Fontainhas — perched like an eagle’s nest on a mountainside — is one of Cabo Verde’s most striking spots and a must-see.
Fontainhas is reputed to be one of the 10 villages with the best views in the world (National Geographic). The route follows a beautifully cobbled path. It’s linear, running 16 km along the island’s north coast with views of cliffs rising from the Atlantic.
Dinner at a restaurant with soulful traditional music.
We’ll walk ~16 km; elevation change +600/-600 m; time on the route 5–6 h.
Breakfast, then a transfer to the island’s west.
This is a place where the land seems bare and exposed, as if still recovering from its volcanic birth — a place of majestic cliffs and parched ravines.
It’s the perfect hike for lovers of volcanic landscapes. You can see the results of eruptions transformed over time into curious basalt formations and deep canyons of unique beauty.
Toward evening we head to the rocky shore where ocean meets sky and the waves gently break. The group gathers before the sun touches the horizon. Some hold a glass of local wine, others simply breathe the sea air. The sky slowly floods with color — from orange to purple, from gold to indigo. Another rich day draws to a close on this wonderful island.
Dinner at a restaurant.
We’ll walk ~6.5 km; elevation change +382/-550 m; time on the route ~3 h.
Today we say goodbye to beautiful Santo Antão. In the morning we leave the hotel and drive to the ferry terminal in Porto Novo. The boat to São Vicente returns us to the island capital, Mindelo, where about three hours later we fly first to Cabo Verde’s capital, Praia, and connect to another flight.
By evening we’ll be sipping wine on Fogo, in the village of Chã das Caldeiras at 1,700 m.
Total time spent flying ~3 h 40 min.
Your holiday concludes with three nights on Fogo.
Fogo is the third-largest and also the warmest island in the archipelago. Nearly round, it is about 25 km across and covers 476 km². Fogo is not only the Pico do Fogo volcano, but also unique culture, wine, authentic villages, and dramatic scenery.
We’ll wake up in Chã das Caldeiras National Park, because the village of the same name sits right there. It’s one of the most unique places not only on Fogo but in all of Cabo Verde — set inside the crater of the active Pico do Fogo volcano at about 1,700 m above sea level. This village is not simply “near the volcano” — it lives on the volcano, among lava, ash, vineyards and mist. Houses built from black lava stone, often without plaster, look authentic and solid.
The volcanic soil is very fertile, perfect for growing grapes. Fogo wine is popular with travelers and locals alike. So first we hike to Pico do Inferno — and only then taste the local “Chã Wine,” said to be unique!
Dinner and an early night. We need to recover and gather strength for tomorrow’s ascent.
We’ll walk ~8 km; elevation change +300/-300 m; time on the route ~3 h.
Today, the main event of the trip awaits us — climbing to the top of Pico de Fogo (2,829 m). This is exactly why most travellers come to this island.
We will agree on the departure time on site: it can be either a very early start to meet the first rays of the sun at the summit, or a comfortable morning departure. In any case, the climb will be worth the effort.
Our route will start from the village of Chadas Calderas. The path runs through fields of volcanic ash and dark grey basalt — "breathing" earth that has been formed over thousands of years. Despite the harshness of the landscape, small, resilient plants sprout here and there. Once we reach the top, we will be greeted by a panoramic view of the entire island and the endless Atlantic Ocean.
The return route is on the other side of the crater. The descent is usually fast and exciting, as you literally "run" down the soft volcanic gravel. In total, the hike to the summit and back takes 4 to 7 hours. The fantastic colours and alien landscapes will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
We’ll walk ~8 km; elevation change +1,100/-1,100 m; time on the route ~6–8 h.
That’s it — the program is complete. We hope you’ve tasted true Creole hospitality and fallen in love with incredible Cabo Verde.
You can now head home or extend your holiday to unwind on the white-sand beaches of Boa Vista or Sal. Very close to Fogo lies the island of Brava — the smallest inhabited island of the Cabo Verde archipelago, a true gem often called the “mysterious beauty” or the “flower island” (Ilha das Flores) for its green slopes and abundant vegetation. It’s a place for those who want to escape the crowds and feel the true spirit of Cabo Verde: authentic, calm, and steeped in culture.
In accordance with weather conditions, the condition and general wishes of the group, the team leader has the right to make changes to the route.
For visiting Cabo Verde, citizens of Ukraine need a visa. Details on obtaining a Cabo Verde visa can be found in the FAQ section of this route.
To take part in the trip, you must not have illnesses incompatible with active tourism: list here.
After this journey we recommend trekking routes such as:
Yes. Ukrainian citizens need a visa to visit Cabo Verde. It is obtained electronically at least five days before arrival.
Applicants must submit a completed online form, upload a valid copy of their passport and a recent photo, and make payment digitally. After review and approval, the e-visa is sent by email as a PDF, which travelers must print and carry with their passport upon arrival in Cabo Verde. This streamlined system minimizes waiting times and simplifies entry formalities.
YOU MUST:
Yes. Cabo Verde is one of Africa’s most stable countries, which positively affects overall safety. Crime levels are generally low, but petty theft does occur — pickpocketing, bag snatching, and occasional aggression on beaches and in cities, especially in Praia (Santiago Island), Sal, and Boa Vista.
Christianity is the largest religion in Cabo Verde, with Roman Catholics forming the biggest group. Different sources provide different breakdowns. According to an unofficial survey conducted by local churches, over 93% of the population is Christian, with nearly 77% Roman Catholic. About 5% of the population is Protestant. The largest Protestant denomination is the Church of the Nazarene. Other groups include the Seventh-day Adventist Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Assemblies of God, the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God, the New Apostolic Church, and various other Pentecostal and evangelical communities.
Along the route the group spends three nights on São Vicente (Mindelo), three nights on Santo Antão (in the town of Ponta do Sol), and three nights on Fogo.
We use hotels or guesthouses, double/triple/quad rooms with internet, hot water, and breakfast.
Double occupancy in one bed is possible (our apologies in advance).
Single rooms may be available for a surcharge, subject to availability.
There are flights from Lisbon (the capital of Portugal): Lisbon → Mindelo (São Vicente). The flight to the archipelago takes about 4 hours and can cost from €90. There are also routes from Porto → Mindelo (São Vicente) and from Paris (Charles de Gaulle).
International airports:
Thanks to its geographic location, the country enjoys relatively pleasant, sunny weather year-round.
Cabo Verde has a mild climate throughout the year, so it doesn’t get too cold. However, hikes can feel a bit more demanding, so bring warm layers—at higher elevations it can be cool at times.
The best time to visit is the dry season (November–April).
Our focus is Santo Antão and Fogo, true paradises for hiking. The climate here is tropical with warm temperatures (about 22–25 °C).
Climate specifics for the village of Chã das Caldeiras (1,600–1,700 m): inside the crater, the average night-time temperature is about 13.5 °C.
The minimum group size for this program is 5 participants. We have calculated the costs for smaller groups as well, only slightly increasing them so as not to lose money.
This way, we can confirm the date earlier, and you will have the opportunity to buy tickets and plan your unforgettable trip!
| Number of participants | Value |
|---|---|
| 5 and more | 1180€ |
| 4 | 1300€ |
| 3 | 1550€ |
Total mandatory expenses not included: from €300 + flights. Depending on your preferences, you’ll also need money for souvenirs and the main expense item — meals. If the deposit amount feels high right now but you want to reserve a place, write to the consultant and they will split it into manageable installments. 👉 Please read: payment methods and refund terms in case of cancellation or leaving the route. Friends! Please do not bring €500 banknotes. They regularly cause issues when settling with partners in Europe. Thank you for understanding! *Please note: the consultant will help you search for and choose flights and recommend insurance, but does not purchase them. Participants handle this themselves or contact our partners. All contacts are in the article: tickets, hotels, and insurance.Payment procedure
