Santo Antao Island Cape Verde

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Santo Antao takes its name from the Portuguese (meaning Saint Anthony) from the day on which it was discovered, in 1462.

Santo Antao is the most westerly of the Cape Verdean islands, lying the furthest away from the African coast. It is separated from the island of Sao Vicente by the Canal of Sao Vicente.

Map of Santo Antao Island Cape Verde

Geography and Climate of Santo Antao Island Cape Verde

Santo Antao is one of the windward or ‘Barlavento' islands.

Santo Antao measures 779 square km, approximately 40km long and 20km wide. It has a population of around 50,000 inhabitants. The capital of the island is Ribeira Grande, with other major towns including Porto Novo, Paul and Ponto do Sol.

In the middle of the island lies a spectacular mountain range, hiding green valleys and oases. In contrast, the coastline is flat dry and barren.

The highest peak is Topa de Coro at 1979 meters.

History of Santo Antao Island Cape Verde

The Portuguese may have discovered the island in the 15th century, but inscriptions have been found on the island which almost certainly pre-date this.

They may have been left there by early African explorers, Arabs or Moors who may have actually discovered the islands of Cape Verde.

Infrastructure and Development on Santo Antao Island Cape Verde

There is a small domestic airport on the island which is not operational at present. It is easily reached by taking a ferry from Mindelo from neighbouring Sao Vicente. It only an hour's ride.

There is a port at Porto Novo, which is the capital town of the island.

The island is connected by a series of old, cobbled roads, built by the Portuguese in the 19th century.

Property Investment and Developments on Santo Antao Island Cape Verde

Property investment in Santo Antao is just starting to take place. Porto Novo and Paul are the main areas where developments are being built.

Developers are slowly being attracted to the island. There are some wonderfully good property deals to be had on Santo Antao, as prices are still much lower than most of the other Cape Verdean islands.

Economy and Agriculture on Santo Antao Island Cape Verde

Due to the rainfall in the highlands of the island, Santo Antao enjoys a very productive agriculture industry. Cultivation includes yams, sugar cane, bananas, coconuts, mangoes and other fruits. Coffee is also grown on Santo Antao.

The main industries are agriculture, fishing, and the extraction of Pozollana (a volcanic mineral). There are plans to commercialise mineral water from the island.

Tourism is limited but regular. It has attracted many travellers who wish to experience something entirely different.

Tourism on Santo Antao Island Cape Verde

Santo Antao is one of the most beautiful islands of the archipelago of Cape Verde. The mountain forests and valleys of Santo Antao are great for hiking. The main peaks are Tope de Coroa, Pico do Cruz and Guido do Cavaleiro. There is also pony trekking and hand gliding on the island.

The beaches are lovely and picturesque. The best coast for swimming is located to the South of the island.

Santo Antao is famous in Cape Verde for its sugar cane Grogue, a type of rum. Visitors can see this being made traditionally at Ribeira da Torre.

Nature and Wildlife on Santo Antao Island Cape Verde

In the highlands of the island there are eucalyptus and pine trees. Santo Antao is the home to some interesting birds such as kestrels, vultures and several different species of lizard.