Paul Valley, located on the island of Santo Antão, is considered one of the most beautiful hiking areas in all of Cape Verde. The valley is lush, steep and alive. Here, narrow paths wind through sugarcane fields, banana plantations and small mountain villages, while towering green walls rise on both sides.
Hiking in Paul Valley is not about conquering peaks — it’s about moving through landscapes shaped by people, water and time. Below are the most common hiking routes, explained by difficulty level and experience.
Easy Route – Lower Paul Valley Village Walks
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 1.5–3 hours
Elevation: Minimal
Best for: Beginners, relaxed walkers, cultural experience
This is the most accessible way to explore Paul Valley. The lower valley is crisscrossed with gently sloping paths that connect small villages such as Eito, Passagem and Manuel Lopes.
What You’ll Encounter
• Banana and sugarcane plantations
• Irrigation channels (levadas) running alongside the path
• Small farms and local homes
• Friendly encounters with locals and children
• Occasional grogu (sugarcane rum) distilleries
What to Expect
The paths are mostly stone or packed earth, with little technical difficulty. You walk at valley level, surrounded by greenery, with constant views of steep mountain slopes above you. This route gives a strong sense of everyday life in Paul Valley.
Preparation Tips
• Light hiking shoes or good sneakers
• Water and sun protection
• No guide required, but local insight adds value
Moderate Route – Paul Valley to Upper Villages
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 3–5 hours
Elevation: Noticeable climbs
Best for: Active hikers, nature lovers
This route takes you higher into the valley, moving beyond the main farming areas toward more remote villages and viewpoints. The path begins gently but gradually climbs, offering changing perspectives over the valley below.
What You’ll Encounter
• Steeper stone paths and stairs
• Smaller, quieter villages
• Wider views over Paul Valley
• Less cultivated, more natural terrain
• Cooler temperatures as you climb
What to Expect
This hike requires more effort, especially in the heat. The reward is a deeper sense of isolation and stunning viewpoints. You’ll notice how vegetation changes with altitude, and how quiet the valley becomes away from the main routes.
Preparation Tips
• Proper hiking shoes
• Plenty of water
• Hat and sunscreen
• Basic fitness level recommended
Challenging Route – Paul Valley to Cova Crater (Cross-Island Hike)
Difficulty: Challenging
Duration: 5–7 hours
Elevation: Significant ascent
Best for: Experienced hikers
This is one of the most famous and demanding hikes on Santo Antão. Starting in Paul Valley, the trail climbs steeply toward Cova Crater, crossing from lush valley to high mountain terrain.
What You’ll Encounter
• Steep ascents with stone steps
• Dramatic shifts in landscape
• Mountain ridges and cloud cover
• Panoramic views across multiple valleys
• Strong wind and cooler temperatures at altitude
What to Expect
This hike is physically demanding but incredibly rewarding. The contrast between the green valley and the volcanic crater landscape is striking. Weather can change quickly, and visibility may vary.
Preparation Tips
• Good physical condition
• Hiking boots with grip
• Layered clothing (it gets cold above)
• Early start recommended
• Local guide strongly advised
Alternative Route – Paul Valley to the “Other Side” (Eastern Slopes)
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Duration: 4–6 hours
Elevation: Rolling climbs
Best for: Adventurous hikers seeking quieter routes
Less known than the Cova route, these trails lead from Paul Valley toward the eastern slopes of the island. Here, paths feel wilder and less traveled.
What You’ll Encounter
• Narrow mountain paths
• Fewer villages and almost no tourists
• Wide views over remote valleys
• Raw, untouched nature
What to Expect
This route offers a strong sense of exploration. Trails may be less clearly marked, and encounters with other hikers are rare. It’s ideal if you want solitude and a deeper connection with the landscape.
Preparation Tips
• Navigation skills or local guide
• Enough food and water
• Inform accommodation of your route
General Hiking Preparation for Paul Valley
No matter which route you choose, preparation is key:
• Start early to avoid heat
• Carry more water than you think you need
• Wear sun protection even on cloudy days
• Respect local land and people
• Take your time — hiking here is not a race
