Routes · Africa

Toronto to Cabo Verde: Sal, Mindelo and Santo Antão

Toronto → Sal → Mindelo (São Vicente) → Santo Antão

Atlantic islands, music & mountain hikes Best season (general guide): Nov–Jun

Cabo Verde is an archipelago in the Atlantic off West Africa, and each island has its own character. This route combines Sal's beaches with the music of Mindelo and the mountains of Santo Antão. From Toronto you'll connect through Lisbon or another European hub.

Sal is flat and dry, with long sandy beaches around Santa Maria in the south. Pedra de Lume, an old salt works in a volcanic crater, lets you float in very salty water.

A short flight takes you to São Vicente and its port, Mindelo, the cultural capital of the islands. It is the hometown of the singer Cesária Évora, and morna, the islands' soulful music, is listed by UNESCO as intangible heritage. Live music can be heard in bars most evenings.

From Mindelo, a ferry crosses to Santo Antão, the most mountainous of the islands. Its valleys are terraced and green, and trails lead down from the ridges to the coast. The Ribeira do Paul valley is one of the most popular walks.

November to June is the best time, with dry weather. The short rainy season usually falls between August and October.

Local food includes cachupa, a slow-cooked stew of corn, beans and meat or fish, and fresh tuna. Mindelo's harbour and seafront are pleasant for an evening stroll before music.

Pacing: domestic flights and ferries can change, so leave a spare day between islands. Hikes on Santo Antão are steep, so use a guide or arrange transport to the trailheads. Bring cash, as cards are not accepted everywhere.

Bring a windproof jacket for the ridges.

Getting there and around: fly into Sal, fly on to Mindelo, São Vicente, go on to Santo Antão by ferry, and return by ferry to São Vicente for the flight home.

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