Making the most of Porto Novo Sao Antao
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Santo Antão is the most majestic island of Cape Verde. The grandeur of its mountains and valleys earned it the title of the ‘Switzerland of Cape Verde’.
Cruise ships dock close to town.
The dramatic mountain range that divides the island of Santo Antao into two, with peaks rearing up to 4,921ft (1,500m), make it attractive for trekking, particularly through the tropical vegetation of the deep green valleys which encase the 16th-century town of Povoacao. In contrast to the mountainous interior, the island's coast is rugged and bare, but sugar cane, bananas and coffee are grown by the locals. Sugar cane is the raw material for the famed Cape Verde rum, called 'grogue', which is produced here and enjoyed by visitors and locals alike. A walk around the main town of Ponta do Sol is recommended to enjoy the vista of some old…
Getting around
Tthe spectacular 36km car ride from the ferry landing at Porto Novo over the island’s central ridge to Ribeira Grande is worth the trip.
If you want to see a lot of the island in a single day, hire your own aluguer, a kind of (open) minibus, though expect to pay at least CVE7000 for a full day. You can usually arrange one when you arrive at Porto Novo.
Food and shopping
Fish lovers will be in heaven on Cape Verde. The grilled lobster is superb as are the fresh tuna, octopus and multitude of other delicacies.
Money
Cape Verde Escudo (1 Euro= 113 Escudos) Hotels and banks may charge slightly more.
Credit cards are accepted at an increasing number of up-market hotels, but not all of them. MasterCard and Visa are the most widely accepted so far.
Staying connected
Portuguese
Opening Hours and
Everything is closed on public holidays and on Sundays, and many shops also close early on Fridays. Opening hours tend to be Mediterranean - that is, Monday-Friday 08:00/08:30 - 12:00/12:30 and 14:00/14:30 - 18:00/18:30; Saturday 08:30 - 12:00. Banks are often shut in the afternoon. Restaurants operate from about 19:00 - 23:00. Nightclubs tend to open at midnight. Public holidays: 1 January New Year 20 January National Heroes Day 1 May Labour Day 5 July Independence Day 15 August Nossa Senhora da Graça [Our Lady of Grace] 12 September Nationality Day 1 November All Saints Day 25 December Christmas Day Mardi Gras and Good Friday are also…