Africa-Press – Cape verde. Travel blogger Filipe Morato Gomes, from the blog “Alma de Viajante”, chose Santo Antão as the most beautiful island in Cape Verde. During eight days in which this traveler spent exploring the island of the mountains, he listed an itinerary with trails and landscapes to be known by those who visit the island.
One of the most beautiful islands in Cape Verde, this is how the blog “Alma de Viajante” describes the landscape of Santo Antão, known for its rugged and steep mountains. For Filipe Morato Gomes, the island is a magical destination, perfect for those who enjoy mountains, simplicity and hospitable people. “An island where morabeza reigns”, he describes.
During the eight days he spent in Santo Antão, the Portuguese blogger visited the three municipalities of the island, ventured along the trails, culture and gastronomy of Santo Antão and listed a list of things to do.
Among the trails, those of Vale do Paul stand out, such as a “spectacular” walk that starts near the volcanic crater of Cova, in a “dizzying succession” of curves and countercurves, with a “stunning” slope. The Ponta do Sol-Cruzinha trail, for the blogger, is “overwhelming”. Departing from Ponta do Sol, the route passes through Fontainhas, Corvo e Formiguinhas and Praia d’Aranhas, before reaching Cruzinha.
“It is astonishingly beautiful, a tourist route that is demanding enough, but truly extraordinary. One of the best treks in Santo Antão”, highlights the Portuguese adventurer.
Discover Fontainhas – one of the most beautiful in the world
On this route, for Filipe Gomes, it would be unforgivable not to take advantage of your stay in Santo Antão to visit Fontainhas, one of the most beautiful villages in the world, internationally recognized.
“Fontainhas is a really beautiful village, lost in the middle of the mountains, with the sea in the background, in an absolutely delicious environment”, appreciates the traveller.
“Alma de Viajante” also suggests enjoying the view of Delgadinho, across the old road that connects Porto Novo to Ribeira Grande. A road, in fact, considered by the traveler as “unbelievably beautiful” and which provides a view of one of the most emblematic points, Delgadinho, a mountain ridge with cliffs on both sides towards Ribeira da Torre and Ribeira Grande.
In Ribeira da Torre, as suggested, visit Xoxo, one of the must-visit places with a rich and verdant landscape. And in the center of the city of Ribeira Grande, in Povoação, he highlights the existing moral painting on the facade of some buildings as a detail that calls attention.
Pinhão-Synagogue Trail- “The most difficult”
However, there is room for more trails. The Pinhão-Sinagoga trail is, for the blogger, a very difficult trail, full of ups and downs and hampered by an uneven surface, making walking difficult.
As you say, the landscapes are wonderful, with the trail crossing small villages. Enjoying the natural pools of Sinagoga and going to Ponta do Sol is also a must.
In Paul, one of the traveller’s favorite towns, Filipe Morato Gomes recommends trying the sugar cane grog that is made in the region, highlighting artisanal manufacturing practices, as well as a visit to the warehouses to follow the production. Trying the punch is also part of the itinerary.
The adventurer asks, on this tour, to take a chance on the city center of Porto Novo. It suggests walking around the city, enjoying the beaches and a pleasant atmosphere.
Further inland, you can enjoy the views from the Campo Redondo viewpoint on the Porto Novo-Tarrafal de Monte Trigo road, where you can see the arid mountainous appearance with multiple shades of brown, with a dazzling parade of colours.
Relax and unwind in Tarrafal de Monte Trigo
In the fishing village of Tarrafal de Monte Trigo, Filipe Morato Gomes advises you to enjoy the tranquility of the location, a place, as he says, where you can eat well, peacefully and without rushing or commitments.
“For me visiting Tarrafal de Monte Trigo is fundamental in any travel itinerary in Santo Antão, especially to rest after doing several of the many beautiful mountain trails on the island. I loved it and I strongly recommend that you include it in your list of things to do in Santo Antão”, recommends Filipe Gomes.
To visit the island of the mountains and venture along the trails, the Portuguese traveler says it takes at least a week to cover four to five trails.
Who is Morato Gomes?
Filipe Morato Gomes lives in Matosinhos, Portugal, is a travel blogger, president of the Association of Portuguese Travel Bloggers, is 51 years old and has accumulated a lot of travel experience. He has already toured the world, with dozens of independent trips and leader of adventure trips.
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