Destination: Santo Antão Island with my cousin Michael

"The third challenge I've set for myself is to cross the island of Santo Antão in Cape Verde on foot and entirely on my own. To take on this athletic challenge, I'm accompanied by my cousin Michael."

Santo Antao is a volcanic island, still largely unspoiled, accessible only by boat from the island directly across from it: São Vicente.

We begin our 10-day trek in Vila das Pombas, a village on the east coast. Our goal is to reach Pico da Cruz, a peak rising to 1,585 meters that offers a 360-degree view. Our first impressions are amazing: the landscape is breathtakingly beautiful, and the Cape Verdeans are warm and welcoming. We walk, marveling at the magnificence of Cape Verde. The kilometers pass by as we climb the trails. After spending the night in our tent at the foot of the village church, we head back down northward to Ribeira Grande. What follows is one of the most beautiful coastal hikes I’ve ever had the pleasure of taking. The trail, which begins at Ponto do Sol, is nestled among the cliffs and runs along the sea for about ten kilometers.

From Cruzinha, we veered toward the center of the island in the direction of Chã de Norte. Slopes steeper than 30% are common on this volcanic island. Our bodies are taking a beating, and we’re really struggling under the blazing sun. This is the first time we’ve set out carrying so much gear on our backs—17 kilos of equipment and supplies. This allows us to hike in remote areas, where the only signs of life are the goats we spot here and there.

We covered kilometer after kilometer until we reached Tope de Coroa, the island’s highest peak. At 4 a.m., we got up to begin the ascent so we could enjoy the morning light. The hike began at night by headlamp and ended at sunrise amid majestic colors. What a proud moment it was to find ourselves alone at the summit of the volcano, which rises to 1,978 meters.

We have two days left to reach Monte Trigo, a remote village located in the far west of the island. It’s an exhausting hike through a desert-like landscape, which contrasts sharply with the lush green valleys of the east.

The end of a 10-day adventure...

After walking 113 kilometers, we finally made it. We did it—we crossed the island of Santo Antao from east to west. To reward ourselves, we dove into the water with smiles on our faces.
The cool water washed away all our aches and pains in just a few minutes, marking the end of this 10-day adventure.