Hiking in Cape Verde: A guide to family-friendly trails
- Adilson Correia
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
Cape Verde Hiking: The Ultimate Guide to Trails Accessible for the Whole Family
Hiking in Cape Verde often conjures up images of vertiginous peaks and challenging treks reserved for experienced hikers. Yet, this small Atlantic archipelago hides unexpected treasures of accessibility, perfect for families seeking a gentler adventure. Imagine your children running along red earth trails, discovering banana plantations, or observing sea turtles, all under the sign of Morabeza (that typically Cape Verdean way of life and warm hospitality).
At ACTOUR , a passionate local agency, we believe the mountains should be a space for intergenerational sharing. Whether you're traveling with young children or teenagers, it's entirely possible to experience the mountains without tackling exhausting climbs. But how do you choose your island and trails? Follow our expert guide to ensure the success of your family trip to Cape Verde .
Why choose hiking in Cape Verde for your family vacation?
Hiking in Cape Verde for families requires careful planning: focus on the islands of Santo Antão for its lush valleys, São Vicente for its coastal walks, and Santiago for its natural parks. With moderate elevation gains (less than 300m) and walking times of 2 to 3 hours, these routes offer an exceptional cultural and natural immersion without excessive fatigue.
Cape Verde offers a diversity of landscapes unique in the world. For a family, it's an open-air classroom. Here, you don't just walk for the view; you walk to experience the country. Using an Aluguer (shared minibus) to reach a starting point, stopping at a small village shop to buy local biscuits, or encountering farmers returning from the fields with their donkeys: every step is a lesson in life and simplicity.
The archipelago's main advantage lies in its mild weather year-round, although we recommend visiting between October and June to avoid the intense heat. With a local French-speaking guide , you can enjoy a safe and enriching experience while benefiting from explanations about the local flora, fauna, and traditions that will captivate even the youngest visitors.
Santo Antão : The green pearl accessible to all budgets
Santo Antão Island is often perceived as the most difficult. Yet, its valleys are full of flat or gently descending backroads that are veritable Gardens of Eden.
The Paúl Valley: A natural botanical garden
This is undoubtedly the most iconic and rewarding hike for a family. Instead of hiking up from the sea, we drop you off at the top of the valley.
The route: We descend gently amidst the terraced crops.
For children: They can observe sugarcane, coffee plants, and mango trees. A stop at a Grogu distillery (the local rum, for the parents) or a tasting of fresh fruit juice is a must.
Atmosphere: It's a total immersion in rural Cape Verde, where birdsong accompanies every step.
The Cova crater: A walk on the moon (or almost)
The Cova crater is an ancient volcano whose floor is now cultivated. The walk inside the crater is completely flat and very enjoyable. Children love the echo and the vastness of this natural amphitheater, often shrouded in a mysterious mist that lends a fairytale air to the adventure.
São Vicente and Santiago: Between culture and secret oases
While Santo Antão is the green queen, São Vicente and Santiago offer gentler alternatives, ideal for punctuating a stay with moments of relaxation.
São Vicente: The hike to Praia Grande
From Mindelo , the cultural capital, it's easy to escape to the wild coast. The hike leading to the white and black sand beaches of the East Coast is flat and offers a mesmerizing display of colors.
LSI: Coastal trek, supervised swimming, musical atmosphere.
ACTOUR tip: End your trip with a fresh fish lunch in the small village of Calhau . It's the perfect opportunity to explain to children the importance of fishing for the archipelago.
Santiago: Serra Malagueta Park
Santiago Island is the most African of the islands. The Serra Malagueta Natural Park offers easy ridge trails. The panorama over the surrounding valleys is magnificent, yet the paths remain wide and safe. It is here that you might be lucky enough to spot the Passer iagoensis , the Cape Verdean sparrow, a fun challenge for young explorers equipped with binoculars.
Comparative table of family hikes by island
Island | Trail name | Average duration | Difficulty | Major interest |
Santo Antão | Paul's Descent | 3:00 | Easy (Downhill) | Tropical Cultures & Encounters |
Santo Antão | Cova Fund | 1 hour 30 minutes | Very easy | Geology & Agriculture |
São Vicente | Calhau Coastal Path | 2:00 | Easy (Flat) | Volcanic landscapes & sea |
Santiago | Malagueta Ridges | 2:30 | Moderate | Biodiversity & panoramas |
Fogo | Chã das Caldeiras | 2:00 | Easy | Lunar landscape at the foot of the volcano |
Practical Guide: Expert advice from ACTOUR for hiking with children
A successful family hike in Cape Verde requires a little planning. Here are our guides' secrets for turning hiking into pure pleasure.
1. Managing rhythm and heat
Never leave after 9 a.m. The sun is strong, even with a sea breeze. Always carry 1.5 liters of water per person and wide-brimmed hats. ACTOUR tip: adopt the "Morabeza break" concept. Stop often, not because you're tired, but to chat with a local or admire a bird.
2. Essential equipment
Forget heavy, rigid trekking boots for these accessible trails. A good pair of trail running shoes with a grippy sole will do just fine.
Quick list: Biodegradable sunscreen, mosquito repellent spray (especially after the rainy season), and a small first aid kit (blister plasters).
3. Why the guide is your best ally
A French-speaking guide is more than just a way to find your way. They are a cultural interpreter. They can explain to children why the houses are colorful, how local goat cheese is made, or tell sea legends. They can also adapt the itinerary in real time if a little leg starts to get tired.
Cape Verde FAQs: Your questions about family hiking
What is the minimum age for hiking in Cape Verde?
We welcome children from 5 or 6 years old on our "gentle" trails. For younger children, a baby carrier is essential on some paved paths where a stroller is not possible. From 8 years old, they can follow most of the routes in our " Authentic Cape Verde Family " program.
Are the trails dangerous or vertigo-inducing?
Some classic hikes in Cape Verde are indeed exposed. However, for families, we specifically select wide paths (country lanes) or valley bottoms. The risk of vertigo is virtually nonexistent on the routes we recommend for parents.
How is the bag carrying handled?
This is the ultimate travel luxury! With ACTOUR, your main luggage is transported by vehicle from one accommodation to the next, or by mules in certain remote areas. You only need to carry your daypack with water and a picnic lunch.
Is it possible to swim after the hike?
It's often the reward! On the islands of Sal , Maio , or Boavista , swimming is king. On hiking islands like Santo Antão, opportunities are less frequent due to the currents, but natural pools like those at Sinagoga or the beaches of Tarrafal on Santiago are perfect for ending a day of hiking.
Conclusion: Create unforgettable memories with ACTOUR
Hiking in Cape Verde is much more than just a sporting activity; it's a gateway to the soul of a people. By walking at a human pace, at a family-friendly rhythm, you allow your children to discover an authentic world, far removed from sterile hotel complexes. You'll return with magnificent photos, certainly, but above all with the feeling of having shared a profound human adventure.
Every family is unique, which is why we design our tours to order. We adapt walking times, choose welcoming accommodations, and select the best guides so that your only concern is enjoying the present moment.
Fancy hiking the trails of Cape Verde with your family?