Vila Nova Sintra attractions

This experience takes you into Chã das Caldeiras, in the heart of Cape Verde’s largest active volcano, beneath the towering Pico do Fogo (2,829 m). You will travel through a striking, almost lunar landscape where recent lava flows sit alongside vineyards, coffee trees and endemic plants. As you move through the caldera, you will see traces of past eruptions and learn about the resilience of the people who have rebuilt their lives at the foot of the volcano. Along the way you will meet local residents and hear about their history, gaining a sense of the close relationship between the community and this volcanic environment. The visit also includes a tasting of the area’s emblematic products, produced in the caldera’s exceptional microclimate: wines, coffee, cheeses and other artisanal specialties. This excursion blends nature, culture, gastronomy and dramatic panoramas for a rounded impression of life on Fogo. Please note the minimum number of participants is two.

On the island of Fogo, this experience takes you to the Fogo volcano and offers a walk around the lava from the last eruption. You will move through the lands of the still active volcano and see a landscape covered in black and grey colour that stands apart from anywhere else in the archipelago. Along the way, you will be able to contemplate the stark volcanic terrain and the raw scale of recent lava flows. As you explore, you will come to know the history of volcanic eruptions on this island and how they have shaped the ground beneath your feet. The focus is on seeing the volcanic features up close and learning about Fogo’s eruptive past while taking in the unusual, largely monochrome scenery. This is a chance to experience the powerful presence of an active volcanic landscape and to better understand its place in the island’s story.

Take on the challenge of climbing Pico do Fogo, the highest point in Cape Verde at 2,829 metres. Accompanied by an experienced local guide, you will climb the slopes of this majestic, still-active volcano through striking volcanic landscapes. As you move through the rocky terrain, you will see wide views of the island and ocean, and learn about the dramatic geology that shapes this place. The ascent is demanding and requires good physical condition, but each effort is rewarded with an exceptional panorama and a strong sense of achievement. The descent across volcanic ash is both fun and memorable, adding a different pace and texture to the experience. This is an intense, emotional mountain adventure that will remain etched in your memory. Please note a minimum of two participants is required.

On Brava, an island that lies just 20 km from its larger neighbour Fogo Island, you’ll explore one of Cape Verde’s quieter shores. The experience centres on the island itself and its small, authentic places. As you move around Brava, you’ll get a sense of its quieter pace and the local atmosphere that sets it apart from the better-known islands. You will swim in the warm natural pools of Fajã d’Água, enjoying calm water and a distinctive coastal setting. Along the way, you’ll also explore what the description calls some of Cape Verde’s most secret and authentic places, visiting spots that reflect the island’s character rather than mainstream attractions. The focus is on simple, local experiences: time by the sea, natural pools and quieter corners of Brava that reveal why the island feels different from nearby Fogo.

On this walk around Brava you will encounter the landscape and settlements that define the island. You’ll pass through the remote valley hamlet of Sorno, where a small stream is put to remarkable use to irrigate extensive green terraces climbing the mountainsides. Along the way you’ll notice the contrast between those cultivated slopes and the more barren uplands that frame them. As you move closer to the coast, the sea becomes a vivid, slightly menacing presence. You’ll also come across ghost villages—empty settlements that stand as testimony to livelier times. Periodically, Fogo Island will loom across the water, a distant “big brother” on the horizon. The walk brings together these elements—Sorno’s terraces, the rugged mountains, abandoned villages and the dramatic sea—so you’ll gain a clear sense of Brava’s character and history through what you see and explore.

On the island of Fogo, beyond its famous volcano, you'll explore the varied landscapes of the western slopes. As you travel between dramatic cliffs, lava flows shaped by past eruptions and authentic villages, you will take in sweeping views of São Filipe and its characteristic architecture. The route will give you a clear sense of how volcanic activity has sculpted both the land and local settlements. You will stop at the natural pools of Salinas, formed where the Atlantic Ocean meets volcanic rock. If sea conditions permit, you may be able to swim in these sheltered pools and enjoy a quiet moment in an exceptional setting. To complete the experience, you will be offered a glass of Calabaceira, a traditional punch made from baobab fruit, allowing you to sample a local flavour as you relax.

The route takes you from sea level on a steep climb up the side of a Ribeira to the Cruz, then leads you back down along a cobbled road. You will move from the shoreline setting up through the Ribeira’s slopes until you reach the Cruz, experiencing a clear change in elevation as you go. Along the way you will encounter a challenging uphill section followed by a textured, stepped descent on the cobbles. The contrast between the climb to the Cruz and the cobbled road down provides a direct sense of the terrain and the rhythm of the route, making the journey itself the primary focus of the experience.

On a guided walking tour in São Filipe, you will experience Cape Verdean hospitality as you move through the town’s streets. The walk will take you into the historic centre, where you can take in the character of the neighbourhood and its atmosphere. You will visit the Municipal Museum to see its displays and gain a sense of the area’s past. Along the way, you will stop at a local market where you can barter with vendors and observe everyday life. The pace will be relaxed, giving you time to absorb the surroundings and interact with people as you go.