Hiking to avoid crowds: Madeira or Cape Verde?

hi everyone,

we’re a group of 10 adults who hike together every year, and we’re looking for our next destination for October. Our main criterion is avoiding crowds, even if it means not being at the most wow-worthy spot. Is there still a chance to find some solitude in Madeira, or has it become difficult? Would Cape Verde be a better bet if we pick the right islands?

I know it’s a very personal opinion—super subjective depending on how much company you can tolerate—but it’s really our top priority.

Thanks for any recent insights; it seems like tourism in Madeira is really booming!

have a great day,

Sandra

Good evening,

One important detail is missing: WHEN?

we’re a group of 10 adults hiking all together.... Our main criterion is avoiding crowds

What’s your definition of a crowd while hiking? Ten people—maybe noisy—on a summit or pass, wouldn’t that be the start of a crowd?

it seems tourism in Madeira is really booming!

Same goes for Cape Verde in recent years, especially on Santo Antão. So in the end, Cape Verde or Madeira—doesn’t really matter.

that’s not wrong (we’re leaving in October) and that’s not wrong (10 people already feels like a crowd)

thanks for your input!

Hi there, Yes, it's true that a group of 10 is already quite a few people... and there are already some groups in Cape Verde since October marks the start of the high tourist season here. And you have to say that Cape Verde is really gaining popularity right now. Still, there are trails and routes where there are fewer crowds. But last week, I ran into 3 groups of 15-20 people on the crater descent... just saying! ;O) I don’t know Madeira. Marie

Hi there,

We just got back from Santo Antão in Cape Verde. We went to Madeira about fifteen years ago. From what I remember, even with a 15-year gap, I think there were more people on the trails in Madeira (at least the most popular and must-do ones) than in Santo Antão. In Santo Antão: We only saw a few groups (maybe 5) in the Paul Valley, which is also a must-see. Not that many people on the famous coastal trail either. As for the other five days of hiking, we were pretty much alone.

Difficulty level: it’s a lot easier in Madeira because you mostly follow the levadas with gentle slopes. In Santo Antão, there are still some trails that are really steep and rocky, and it’s definitely a lot hotter there.