Board the inter-island ferry from Mindelo to Cape Verde's most breathtaking island, Santo Antão, and hike the legendary Ribeira Grande valley — a UNESCO-recognised landscape of cathedral gorges, lush terraces, and ancient stone paths.
What to expect
The 35-minute ferry crossing from Porto Novo delivers you to an island that feels geographically and emotionally worlds apart from São Vicente — fertile, mountainous, and jaw-dropping. Your private guide navigates the winding road to Paul Valley, where ancient cobbled levada trails thread between banana groves, papaya trees, and terraced plots cultivated for centuries. The trek descends through Ribeira Grande's gorge walls, which rise hundreds of metres on both sides, to the Atlantic coast, where fishermen haul in their morning catch. A local lunch of fresh fish, grilled octopus, and catchupa at a hillside restaurant is the perfect punctuation before the return ferry.
Good to know
This is a full-day excursion of approximately 8 hours — essential to confirm your ship's departure time is late enough (typically 18:00 or later). Ferry schedules are twice daily; your operator books the appropriate crossings. Moderate fitness required for the trail. Pre-book well in advance as ferry capacity is limited on port call days.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Mindelo — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.