Cape Verde Islands Guide - Santa Antao
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The island of Santo Antao
is quite spectacular. Situated at the far north of the group to the west of cultural
San Vincente. I t is the second largest island of the archipelago. A huge mountain
range exceeding 1,500m splits the island in two creating fertile valleys in the
most central parts of the island whilst the other areas remain dry and windswept.
The arid, red landscape on the southern slope, in Porto Novo, turns abruptly into
low scrubland vegetation and forest covered with tall Mediterranean-like Canary
and Cupressaceous pine trees in the highlands of Planalto Leste, toward the green
valleys of Paúl, Ribeira Grande and Torre with tropical plants especially sugar
cane and breadfruit.
The island's highest point is Tope da Coroa at 1,979 meters. On it there are well
preserved volcanic structures, such as the Tope da Coroa Volcano and the crater
of Água das Caldeiras.
This bygone volcanic presence leaves reliefs of ancient plateaus and isolated towers
of rock in the interior of the valleys, creating a landscape of rare scenic beauty
in terms of its visual diversity, not to mention significant scientific value for
the study of volcanic behaviour and the biodiversity that precedes it. Small towns
dangling from cliffs at great heights, trails on mountain edges, and terraces for
agriculture are all characteristic elements of Santo Antão.
Getting There/Getting Around
By air: There are no internal public flights available.
By sea: Relatively regular ferries are available from Mindelo on
San Vincente. (Journey time approximately 1 hour)
On land: There is some limited car/bike hire. Otherwise transport
around the island is by the local taxi service - Alugar. This does not tend to run
to a structured timetable - lifts are usually arranged locally.
History
The island of Santo Antão was discovered by Diego Alfonso on the 17th of January
in 1462. Colonialisation began in 1548. In the 19th century, roads were built linking
Ponta do Sol to Ribiera Grande and Porto Novo and it was from here the island's
goods were shipped out. Economically, the island is very rich in agriculture, the
main produce being sugar cane, sweet potatoes or yams, manioc, bananas, coconuts,
mango, papaya and almonds. Fishing is the main occupation of most of the inhabitants
of the ports of Tarrafal, Porto Novo and Janela. The abundance of water, especially
on the northeast region and deep into the valleys, permitted the installation of
a solid irrigated agriculture. Nowadays, the production of "Grogue" from
sugar cane is Santo Antão's principal trademark.
Further Information - Getting There
Region Information - Boavista
| Fogo | Maio | Sal
| Santa Antao |
Santiago |
Sao Nicolau | Sao Vicente