Sao Vicente - Santo Antao and Boa Vista itinerary plan

Hi everyone,

I’d like to share our travel plans for March 2026 to get your valuable feedback...

- Arrival in Sao Vicente on Tuesday, March 3rd at 9:20 AM from Lisbon (EasyJet) - Direct departure the same day or the next day for Santo Antao – 3 or 4 nights on Santo Antao (depending on whether we spend the first night in Mindelo or on Santo Antao) - Return to Sao Vicente for 3 nights - Flight to Boa Vista via Sal (Cabo Verde Airlines) on Tuesday, March 10th – 5 nights on Boa Vista - Return flight on Sunday, March 15th (Boa Vista to Porto: EasyJet)

Given the various bits of info I’ve seen about the unreliability of inter-island transport, is this itinerary realistically doable without stress? Would it be better to just take a simple flight from Sao Vicente to Sal and end the trip there (from where it’s also possible to return to Europe or France)? I’m still more drawn to Boa Vista... but I’m worried that two flights in a row might be complicated, unless it’s the same plane that just makes a stopover and continues...

Also, I’m calling on the expertise of hikers for Santo Antao: I’m not a big sports enthusiast—I enjoy walking when I travel, but not distances much longer than 10 km, and nothing too difficult (especially steep climbs where I quickly run out of breath)... For the hike from Ponta do Sol to Cruzinha: can you confirm that the hike is easier in the direction from Ponta do Sol to Cruzinha (less climbing)? I’ve found info that this hike is 14 km and takes about 5 hours. Do you think it’s possible to shorten it by taking a taxi or *aluguer* to Fontainhas? If so, how long would the hike be then, and how much time would it take?

For the hike from Xoxo (starting at the Bela Vista kiosk on the Cova road), I’ve found info that it’s 12 km and takes 5 hours of walking. I think it goes to Ribeira Grande. Apparently, you can shorten the hike and find *aluguers* on the road near Café Melicia... In that case, do you know how long the hike would be? Is this the hike that lets you walk along *levadas* (like in Madeira), cross banana plantations, and pass by the Cachoeira de Vinha waterfall?

Sorry for all these questions, but I can’t find a guide with hikes and difficulty levels... I think two hikes (one along the coast and one inland with terraces, *levadas*, and banana plantations) would suit our level.

On the third free day, do you think we could rent a 4x4 to explore: take the two scenic routes on the east side and maybe venture a little off the beaten path (without taking risks, of course)... Otherwise, hire a guide for the day: do you have any recommendations and an idea of the price?

One last thing: in March, is it worth (or pointless) to choose accommodation with a pool (especially on Santo Antao)? Is the pool water warm enough? What about the ocean temperature?

Thanks so much for your help, have a great day!

Hi there, In just 12 days, I’d definitely recommend a maximum of 2 or 3 islands. It’s true that the fewer flights you take, the better. First thing: spend more time on Santo Antão than on São Vicente, especially if you’re heading to Boa Vista or Sal afterward for some beach time.

Between Boa Vista or Sal? I’m not entirely sure what to tell you... I know both, and Boa Vista has some pretty dunes and landscapes. But for just chilling on the beach, I was actually pleasantly surprised by Sal—even though I had a lot of preconceptions about it. Sure, it’s *very* touristy (Boa Vista is too), but hey, we know why we’re going. So it’s up to you.

For the hike between Ponta do Sol and Cruzinha, I actually prefer going in that direction. It’s a bit easier, though the elevation gain is the same either way since you start and end at sea level! ;O) It goes up and down the whole time in both directions, but I find it feels less tough that way. You can also start from Fontainhas, which saves you about an hour of walking.

Hikes around Xoxo: there are two different ones—the one that starts from the Corda road and the one by the waterfall (Vinha) and the *levadas*. The latter can be done in either direction between Xoxo and Marradouro (Café Chez Melicia). It’s not really marked on the hiking map.

Marie

Thanks, Marie, for the message! I’ll look into Sal and Boavista: it’s true that Sal seems to have less to see and is way more touristy (more hotels) than BV...

And thanks for the hiking info!