Pico d’Antonia Hike: Santiago Island Summit & Village Lunch

Summary

Climb Santiago’s highest peak for wild island views and quiet moments

You’ll hike from Rui Vaz village up to Pico d’Antonia—the highest point on Santiago Island—guided by a local who knows every bend in the trail. Expect rocky paths, sweeping island views (sometimes even Fogo or Maio), and a simple lunch that tastes perfect after the climb. It’s challenging at times but worth it for those quiet summit moments.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was a little nervous as our driver wound through the early turns out of Praia — that kind of quiet you get before something big. Rui Vaz village came up quick, all stone houses and roosters darting around. Our guide, João, handed out water bottles and grinned like he knew what was coming. “Pico d’Antonia isn’t just a mountain,” he said. “It’s where the island breathes.” I wasn’t sure what that meant, but I liked the sound of it.

The trail started gentle enough, then got rocky fast. My boots slipped once (okay, twice), and João showed me how to watch for loose stones — he’d done this hike since he was a kid. The air changed as we climbed: eucalyptus somewhere nearby, sharp sun on volcanic rock, birds calling in bursts. There was this one moment about halfway up where everything went quiet except for my own breath — I still think about that silence. And then João pointed out Fogo way off in the haze. “On clear days you see Maio too,” he said, but honestly, I was just happy to see my next step.

Reaching the top felt less like victory and more like being let in on a secret. The whole of Santiago stretched out below us — patchwork fields and tiny villages fading into blue. It’s 1394 meters up here but it feels higher somehow; maybe because there’s nothing blocking you from sky or wind or your own tired legs. We sat down on warm rocks and shared sandwiches João packed (he laughed when I tried to say “queijo” properly). Lunch tasted better than any restaurant meal after that climb.

Going down was slower than I expected — knees complaining a bit — but nobody seemed to mind lingering in the sun. Back at Rui Vaz, someone’s radio played Cesária Évora softly through an open window. I remember thinking: this is why you come all this way, not just for Pico d’Antonia itself but for these small pieces stitched together along the trail.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hiking to Pico da Antonia summit

• Pick up in the morning
• Drive 50 minutes to Rui Vaz village
• Hike to Pico da Antonia summit
• Enjoy panoramic island views

Top questions

How long does it take to hike Pico d’Antonia?

The drive from Praia to Rui Vaz is about 50 minutes; hiking time varies with pace but expect several hours round trip including breaks.

Is lunch included during the Pico d’Antonia hike?

Yes, lunch is included after reaching the summit.

What is the altitude of Pico d’Antonia?

Pico d’Antonia stands at 1,394 meters above sea level.

Can beginners do this day trip from Praia?

The hike requires at least moderate fitness; it’s not recommended for beginners without hiking experience or those with health issues.

Are there views of other islands from Pico d’Antonia?

Yes—on clear days you can see Fogo and Maio islands from the summit.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

Pickup is included from your accommodation in Praia area.

Is a guide provided for the hike?

A local guide leads the entire hike from Rui Vaz village to Pico d’Antonia and back.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in Praia, transport to Rui Vaz village for the start of your hike, guidance all along the trail up Pico d’Antonia—the highest point on Santiago Island—and a simple local lunch before heading back down together.