Santo Antão, Cabo Verde

DAILY TRAVEL INSPIRATION: Santo Antão

West of Senegal in the Atlantic Ocean hides one of Africa’s best kept secrets; the ten volcanic islands that make up the tiny nation of Cabo Verde. First inhabited by Portuguese traders in the 15th century, the islands gained independence in 1975. Cabo Verde’s mountainous landscape has few natural resources, instead locals have focused on developing a strong tourism-based economy that sustains and shares their stunning islands.

The most westerly island, Santo Antão, is perhaps the most beautiful. Arriving on the island by ferry brings you face to face with barren cliff faces that lead up to the crater of Pico da Cruz. Transit straight through the docks at Porto Novo to the island’s northern side, which is full of lush forests, coffee plantations and some of the most spectacular day hiking routes in all of West Africa. Finish off your day enjoying some traditional food and local music in one of the seafront restaurants; the morna style of music was developed in Cabo Verde and its distinct rhythm can be heard everywhere.

Once you’ve explored Santo Antão, jump onboard an island-hopping cruise. Choose from a luxury trip on a crewed schooner, or help man the sails on a smaller yacht. With many comparing Cabo Verde to the Caribbean, it’s a fantastic spot to get your fix of life on the ocean wave without the tourist hoards that can spoil more well-known destinations.

Read more on Santo Antão below with flight options, current weather, maps, and activities to try while you are there.

Santo Antão is just one of many featured destinations part of our Daily Travel Inspiration series. Discover more at Daily Travel Inspiration or add it as part of your flash briefings on your Amazon Alexa device. Search 'Daily Travel Inspiration' on your alexa app or check out our Alexa page for more information.