Discussion · VoyageForum

Hello, We’re a family of 5 (2 adults and 3 kids who’ll be 2, 7, and 10 years old) planning to visit the islands of Santiago, Fogo, and Maio this summer. We’ll have 22 full days on the ground. It’s a shame (financially, logistically, and environmentally speaking!), but we’ll be taking 4 flights: a round-trip from Santiago to Fogo and another from Santiago to Maio. We’d like to position Maio toward the end of our stay since we enjoy ending our trips with a quieter beach phase.

For now, based on flight schedules and dates, we’re thinking of doing: 23/07: Arrival in Santiago 24/07 – 30/07: Fogo (5 full days) 30/07 – 05/08: Santiago (5 full days) 05/08 – 11/08: Maio (5 full days) 11/08 – 15/08: Santiago (3 full days) 15/08: Return to France

FOGO: Of course, we want to visit Cha das Caldeiras, where we’d like to spend 3 nights. We’d love to explore the valley and are also considering hiking the smaller Pico (the taller one seems too ambitious for us with the kids). Do you have any info on that hike? What else do you recommend doing on the other days? Where can we go for other walks? I’ve seen that it’s possible to descend from Cha das Caldeiras to Monteiros, but I’m worried it might still be too challenging. It looks amazing!! But how do we manage with our luggage? Otherwise, the north of the island intrigues me, though we’re not thrilled about São Filipe, even though we know we’ll have to spend at least one night there before returning to Santiago.

On this island, we initially thought about not renting a car, but I’m wondering if that’s a good idea for us with all the luggage. If we do rent one, is it easy to reach Cha das Caldeiras by car? Any advice is welcome!

MAIO: Here, I think renting a car will be essential for us to get around easily. We’d like to do an excursion to observe turtle nesting. I haven’t found much info on this—where and with whom should we go? Otherwise, the plan is to do some snorkeling directly from the beach, independently, since we’ll need to take turns so one adult can stay with our 2-year-old. Any spots you’d recommend?

Which towns would you suggest staying in? All options work for us—we’re fine with settling in one place or splitting our time (e.g., 3 nights in one spot and 3 nights elsewhere).

Basically, I’m open to all tips and recommendations for this little week on Maio (short walks, places to relax, beaches, etc.)!

SANTIAGO: Nothing too original, but for Santiago, we’re considering visiting Cidade Velha, Tarrafal, and Ribeira da Prata (for the black sand beach and natural pools), as well as Serra Malagueta for a hike. There must be so much more to do, especially with the time we have. What else would you recommend?

I’m struggling to figure out how to organize our time there since we’ll have 5 full days first, then 3 more. How would you do it?

Thanks,

Hello! What a wonderful idea to spend a family vacation in Cape Verde! First off, I think your day distribution across the different islands is pretty good. It’ll let you take your time on each island and not feel rushed, especially with kids. But do check based on flight schedules.

Here are a few possible answers to your questions:

FOGO: I’m not sure which "valley" you’re referring to? Otherwise, hiking up the small Pico from Chã das Caldeiras is totally doable with kids (even with your 2-year-old on your back). Because otherwise, yeah, hiking up the big Pico isn’t really feasible with kids that age. The descent to Monteiros is also quite a trek. It all depends on how used your kids are to walking. No worries about luggage—accommodations are used to sending it from one place to another (though it does cost, of course). Driving to Chã das Caldeiras is doable—the road is pretty good, but it’s a bit "long." São Filipe is a cute little town. It’s worth a visit, with lots of small parks and charming little squares. For the north, on the east side, you can take a walk around Achada Grande; on the west side, there’s Ponta de Salinhas (below São Jorge). When I went, it was pretty deserted, but I think a hotel has opened in the area.

MAIO: The first time, we walked around the island with a tent. But last June, we rented an AirBnB in the center of Vila do Maio, on the main street by the sea. That way, we were really close to the water and amenities, and we could cook and eat the fish we’d caught! ;O) Vila do Maio is slowly being renovated—cobblestone streets and all—there’s a certain charm to it now. And what peace and quiet! Outside of Vila do Maio and Morro, there aren’t really any lodging options. We toured the island by quad in a day.

SANTIAGO: Since you have 5+3 days, I think for the first 5 days, you can explore the more remote areas: Tarrafal, Serra Malagueta, Ribeira da Prata, Ribeira da Barca... and then spend the last 3 days near Praia and Cidade Velha before your flight.

Marie

3-Week Itinerary - Santiago, Fogo & Maio - Family of 5

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