Grogue Distillery (Paúl)

The grogue distilleries in the Paúl Valley on Santo Antão Island represent a centuries-old craft central to the identity and economy of Cape Verde. Grogue, a clear spirit made from pure sugarcane juice, is produced here in traditional distillation units known as 'alambiques'. The fertile Paúl Valley provides handy climatic conditions for sugarcane cultivation, which is harvested between January and May. The process begins with crushing the cane in the 'trapiche', a mill often still powered by oxen, followed by fermentation and careful distillation over wood fires. Grogue production in the Paúl Valley is regarded as some of the highest quality in the country, strictly following traditional methods without artificial additives. In recent years, government programs for quality certification and protected designation of origin have been introduced to make grogue attractive for international export. For local family businesses, the distillery is not just a source of livelihood but also a tourist attraction showcasing the island's traditional agrarian culture.

Nearby cities

Vila das Pombas

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

Cova de Paúl

Cova de Paúl is a massive extinct volcanic crater on Santo Antão that has been transformed into a fertile agricultural bowl.

Coculi

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

Ponta do Sol

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

Salamansa

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

Mindelo

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

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

Paul Valley

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

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.

Santo Antão Agricultural Research Center

A center for improving agricultural yields and introducing new crops on the green island.

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.

Frescomar Fish Canning Factory

A large factory in Mindelo that processes fish from Cape Verdean waters for the global market.