Peaceful stay in São Vicente and Santo Antão - Cape Verde

Hello, We’re planning a trip to São Vicente and Santo Antão in January. We’re a couple (ages 51 and 57). My husband is really into hiking. As for me, I’m not at my best right now—I’ve just recovered from a long illness and am still on medication that exhausts me and causes a lot of pain, so I won’t be able to keep up with very "physical" hikes. That said, I still enjoy walking in nature. We’re looking for advice on where we could stay. A place where my husband can go hiking while I take shorter walks. But also somewhere I can relax in nature, maybe go for a swim if possible, and enjoy local life—markets, music, etc. Boat trips would be a great bonus for us. Thanks in advance for your suggestions. Virginie

Hi there, On Santo Antão, you can stay in the Paul Valley, for example (but swimming isn’t possible unless it’s a hotel with a pool), or in Ponta do Sol (swimming is possible when the sea is calm), and Ribeira Grande, which has a bit of commercial activity, is only 10 minutes away by bus. You could also check out spots near Coculi or Cha d'Igreja. These are places from where your husband can set out for hikes, and you can take shorter walks.

On São Vicente, aim for Mindelo (beaches, markets, etc.), but there aren’t really any hikes on this island. However, if you head toward Salamansa or Calhau, you can stroll along the coasts.

Marie