Porto Novo, Cape Verde

A jewel in the Cape Verde archipelago, Santa Antão is rich with stunning vistas of both mountains and sea, and the city of Porto Novo is the island’s gatekeeper. A wide array of marine life awaits the scuba diver beneath the crystal clear surface of the surrounding waters, while the less amphibious will enjoy a scenic and challenging hike in the mountainous interior that has earned the island the nickname, “the Switzerland of Cape Verde.” For those who prefer to sit back and relax as they take in the sights, enjoy a drive along the scenic coastal road that winds its way from Porto Novo to the town of Ribeira Grande. The more adventurous might follow the inland route over the mountains, where hairpin turns navigate sheer drop-offs, offering heart-pumping thrills to complement the spectacular views.