Cova Volcano Crater (Santo Antão)

The Cova Volcano Crater is one of Santo Antão’s most iconic hiking spots. Sitting above 1100 meters, it offers clean air, quiet mountain scenery, traditional villages and lush agricultural fields.

Even the drive up already shows the beauty of the island, with rural landscapes and striking volcanic terrain.

A place full of small secrets

Because it is the crater of an extinct volcano, its soil is extremely fertile. Local farmers grow beans, maize, sweet potatoes, cassava and other staples of Cape Verdean cuisine.
It is also a grazing area and home to a few small reptiles.

Sometimes clouds and mist roll into the crater, transforming the landscape into something almost surreal.

From the crater begins the iconic Cova – Paul Valley trail, a descent of 10–11 km with almost 1000 meters of altitude difference.
It takes around 4 to 5 hours and crosses agricultural terraces, villages and breathtaking viewpoints.

Perfect for travellers who enjoy nature, trekking and mountain scenery.