4 curated Hiking spots in Cape Verde, each with its own note and source.
Brava · Best time: Nov–Jun · All levels
From Vila Nova Sintra at around 500 m the path drops in tight switchbacks to Fajã d'Água, past palm and mango trees. The path up Monte Fontainhas (976 m, high point of an island of just 64 km²) is described as undemanding. Plan ahead: the airstrip is closed and the ferry from Fogo runs two to three times a week on shifting schedules.
Sources: capeverde.com, Turismo de Cabo Verde (offizielles Tourismusportal), Feel Cape Verde
Fogo · Best time: Nov–Jun · All levels
Pico do Fogo (2,829 m) is climbed from Chã das Caldeiras, the collapsed caldera at around 1,600 m: a good 1,000 m of ascent in 3–4 hours over steep ash and scree. A guide is compulsory and solid footwear essential. The 8 km wide crater is still active — the last eruption was in November 2014.
Sources: capeverde.com
São Nicolau · Best time: Nov–Jun · All levels
Monte Gordo (1,312 m) rises in the northwest of São Nicolau, in the island's fertile part; dragon trees grow around Cachaço at its foot. The walk from Praia Branca to Fajã winds in switchbacks over steep ridges, past the twin rocks and through the Ribeira da Prata valley. Short going is the half-hour path from Praia Branca to the Carberinho rock formation.
Sources: capeverde.com
Santo Antão · Best time: Nov–Jun · All levels
Santo Antão is walked on secured donkey paths: the coastal route from Cruzinha to Fontainhas covers 12 km with +780/−880 m in about four hours, the pass route to Chã de Igreja 8.9 km with +850/−1,100 m, also four hours. Calmer going is the Paúl valley at ±250 m in three hours. Operators grade 1 to 5; level 5 means a guide is required.
Sources: capeverde.com
Without a dedicated Hiking note yet, listed on the country page: Serra Malagueta (Santiago).