Santo Antão: Cova de Paúl Crater Hike & Valley Descent

Summary

Hiking Cova crater to Paúl valley on Santo Antão island

You’ll hike from Santo Antão’s volcanic crater rim into Paúl’s lush valley, guided by locals who know every turn. Expect sweeping views, zigzag stone paths, farm scents in the air, and a taste of Cape Verdean grogue at a tiny distillery—plus hotel pickup so you don’t have to worry about logistics. A day that lingers long after your boots are off.

What’s the experience like?

Fingers tapping the dusty window as we climbed out of Porto Novo, I caught my first glimpse of the Cova de Paúl crater. Our guide, Manuel, just grinned when I asked if people really farm inside an old volcano. He said, “Yes, and wait until you see how green it gets.” The air was thin up there—over 1,000 meters—and smelled faintly of wet earth and eucalyptus. We stood at the rim for a while, just staring into this round patchwork of fields below. I tried to take a photo but honestly, it never matches what your eyes see in that moment.

The hike started gentle enough—soft grass underfoot, birds darting between rows of beans and cabbage. Then came the edge. Standing there, you can see all the way down to the valley of Paúl and even catch a strip of blue ocean far off (Manuel pointed it out; I almost missed it). The descent is no joke—stone path zigzags for hours and my knees were complaining by halfway down. But every turn brought something new: abandoned vineyards tangled in wildflowers, sugar cane rustling in the wind, kids waving from a distance. There was this one spot where you could smell ripe mangoes before you saw them hanging overhead.

Somewhere near the bottom we stopped at a tiny rum distillery—just three walls and a roof really. The owner handed us little cups of grogue (it burns going down but warms you up fast). Manuel laughed when I coughed; apparently that’s part of the ritual. The walk back to our ride was quieter—I think everyone was tired but sort of glowing too. My legs hurt for days after but I still think about that view from the crater rim sometimes…like you’re standing on the edge of something ancient.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hike from Cova to Paúl Valley

• Pick up at accommodation in Porto Novo
• Drive through mountains to Cova Natural Park
• Stop at Cova de Paúl volcanic crater
• Enjoy panoramic crater and valley views
• Start 3.5-hour hike from crater edge
• Descend zigzag stone path for 3 hours
• Explore green valley and native flora
• Visit local rum distillery and taste grogue
• Drive back passing Sinagoga and villages
• Drop off at accommodation

Top questions

How long is the Cova de Paúl crater hike?

The main hike takes about 3 to 3.5 hours from Cova Natural Park down into Paúl valley.

Is hotel pickup included for this Santo Antão hiking tour?

Yes, pickup from Porto Novo or other listed locations is included in your day trip.

What will I see during the hike?

You’ll pass through volcanic landscapes, agricultural fields inside the crater, abandoned vineyards, sugar cane plantations, fruit trees like mango and avocado, and scenic ocean views.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No lunch is included but you will get to taste local rum (“grogue”) at a distillery along the route during rum season (January to May).

Is this trek suitable for people afraid of heights?

No—it’s not recommended for those with fear of heights due to steep paths and high viewpoints.

Can I join if I have limited fitness or health issues?

This hike requires at least moderate physical fitness and isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

When is rum production season for tasting grogue?

The rum production season runs from January 1st to May 31st each year.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your accommodation in Porto Novo or nearby locations, transportation through mountain roads to Cova Natural Park, guiding service throughout the hike down into Paúl valley—including stops at farms and a local rum distillery (with tasting during production season)—and drop-off back at your hotel afterwards.