Santo Antão Island is the largest island in Cape Verde’s Barlavento (Windward) group and the second-largest island in the archipelago overall. Covering approximately 785 km², it is often known as the “Island of Mountains” due to its dramatic volcanic landscapes, towering peaks, deep valleys, and spectacular cliffs. The island’s highest point is Tope de Coroa, which rises to 1,979 metres above sea level, making it one of the highest mountains in Cape Verde. The island is characterised by a striking contrast between its lush, green northern valleys and its drier, more arid southern regions.

Santo Antão has a population of approximately 38,000 to 43,000 residents. Its principal towns include Porto Novo, the island’s main port and largest settlement, as well as Ribeira Grande, Ponta do Sol, and Paul. Most communities are located in fertile valleys and along the coast, where agriculture remains central to daily life.

The island’s economy is based primarily on agriculture, fishing, livestock farming, and tourism. Fertile valleys support the cultivation of sugar cane, coffee, bananas, maize, beans, mangoes, and other fruits and vegetables. Santo Antão is particularly known for producing grogue, Cape Verde’s traditional sugar-cane spirit. Tourism has become increasingly important, especially eco-tourism and hiking tourism, as visitors are drawn by the island’s extraordinary scenery and walking trails.

For visitors, Santo Antão is widely regarded as Cape Verde’s premier destination for hiking and nature tourism. Highlights include the lush Paul Valley, the spectacular Ribeira da Torre and Ribeira Grande valleys, the scenic mountain village of Fontainhas, the coastal trails between Cruzinha and Ponta do Sol, and the ascent to Tope de Coroa. Visitors can also experience traditional agriculture, local culture, and breathtaking mountain landscapes that are unlike anywhere else in Cape Verde. For nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, Santo Antão is often considered the most beautiful island in the archipelago.