Cova de Paúl

Cova de Paúl is an impressive geological feature on the island of Santo Antão, representing a massive caldera of an extinct volcano situated at an altitude of over 1,000 meters. The crater floor is entirely flat and exceptionally fertile, which has prompted locals to transform the entire area into a patchwork quilt of agricultural fields. Farmers from the surrounding areas cultivate sweet potatoes, corn, beans, and various other vegetables here, taking advantage of the moist, nutrient-rich volcanic soil and the cool microclimate. For adventurous travelers, the Cova serves as the starting point for one of the most famous hikes in Cape Verde: the descent into the Ribeira do Paúl valley. The trail begins at the crater's rim and drops dramatically over 1,000 meters in elevation, passing by steep cliffs covered in coffee, banana, and mango plantations. The constant moisture brought in by the trade winds ensures the vegetation remains lush and green throughout the entire descent, creating a stark contrast to the drier islands of the archipelago. It is highly recommended to visit Cova de Paúl early in the morning, preferably from January to May. By late morning, thick trade-wind clouds often roll over the ridge and fill the crater with dense mist, which can obstruct the view but also lends a mystical, almost ethereal atmosphere to the location. The rim is accessible via an old cobbled road winding up from Porto Novo.

Nearby cities

Vila das Pombas

Vila das Pombas is a coastal town at the end of the spectacular Paul Valley.

Coculi

Coculi is a significant agricultural village in the interior of Santo Antão.

Ribeira Grande

Ribeira Grande is the administrative center of the northern part of Santo Antão.

Ponta do Sol

Ponta do Sol is a picturesque town on the northernmost tip of Santo Antão.

Mindelo

Mindelo is a port city on São Vicente and the cultural heart of Cape Verde.

Salamansa

Salamansa is a traditional fishing village in the north of São Vicente island.

Baia das Gatas

Baia das Gatas is famous for its natural lagoon and the annual music festival.

São Pedro

São Pedro is a coastal village on São Vicente, located right next to the international airport.

Gibeon

A historic village famed globally for a massive prehistoric shower of iron meteorites.

History & landmarks

Fontainhas Lighthouse

A remote lighthouse on the north coast of Santo Antão, near the picturesque village of Fontainhas.

Ilhéu dos Pássaros Lighthouse

A lighthouse on a small island off Mindelo, marking the entrance to the port.

Duwisib Castle

An impressive medieval-style fortress in the middle of the Namibian desert, built by the German Baron von Wolf.

More places

Cova de Paúl

Cova de Paul is a volcanic crater on Santo Antao that opens into one of the island's best-known green valleys.

Paul Valley

The greenest and most fertile valley in Cape Verde, surrounded by steep rock walls.

Grogue Distillery (Paúl)

A traditional distillery in the Paul Valley, producing the famous Cape Verdean sugar cane spirit.

Santo Antão

The second largest island of Cape Verde, famous for its spectacular mountains and green valleys.

Port of Porto Novo

Porto Novo harbour is Santo Antao's main maritime gateway.

Serra da Garça

A rugged mountain range in the north of Santo Antão, characterized by deep gorges and steep slopes towards the sea.

Enacol Fuel Terminal

A central storage and distribution terminal for petroleum products in the port of Mindelo.

Monte Cara

A distinctive mountain near Mindelo, whose silhouette resembles a human face.