How to Plan a Trek on Cape Verde Islands: Frequently Asked Questions.

The archipelago of Cape Verde, especially the island of Santo Antão, is a true treasure for nature lovers and those who dream of authentic and extraordinary holidays. In recent years, people from all over the world have come here, attracted by its imposing mountains, stunning valleys, traditional villages, and the renowned hospitality of the Cape Verdeans.

Every year, tens of thousands of people enjoy unforgettable experiences, if they plan their vacation with care and respect, avoiding mistakes that cause discomfort and deprive them of the true joy of exploring a wonderful archipelago.

Our local agency has been organizing walks and cultural excursions in Cape Verde islands for over 12 years, generally for couples, individuals, and small groups of up to ten participants. For some, it's their first time in the mountains, while others are more experienced. Even so, although participants are well-informed (or at least should be, after reading our Code of Conduct for Safe Walking Adventure in the Cape Verde Islands), we have seen some uncomfortable situations in our challenging mountain landscapes.

To prevent your vacation from turning into a disappointment, we've compiled a list of the top 5 mistakes (doubts?) tourists make in these islands.

Do we require Walking Poles?

Walking poles are not a fashion statement! They are mainly needed for greater stability when ascending or descending challenging terrain - whether steep slopes or areas with loose, unstable rocks - they distribute the load evenly and they help reduce strain on your knees preventing you from getting too tired. While experienced hikers may not need poles on a simple hike, beginners can benefit significantly from using them to improve the pace and comfort of their trip.

This equipment will be a good aid when walking if it is easy to handle and chosen according to the walker's height (normally it should be 5 to 8 centimetres below the armpits).

Related: The Best Walking Poles of 2026

What is the importance of having specific footwear for mountain hiking?

The effort and pressure on the legs while walking in the mountains is extremely different and uncommon from what we encounter in urban areas. The key distinction between rocks and steps is that the foot doesn't align parallel to the ground, as we usually expect, but rather at an incline. Consequently, the strain on the ankle rises significantly, making it simple to sprain the leg or trigger inflammation in the achilles tendon.

It is also important to correctly determine the model and size of your hiking shoes. This will help keep your legs intact after active movement. As a general rule, the thumb should not reach the tip of the shoe by about a centimeter, thus allowing the foot to move forward slightly during descents and also compensate for slight changes in the size of the walking shoes under the influence of humidity.

Related: The Best Walking Shoes

Do we really need to use sun protection?

The sun's impact in the mountains is completely distinct from the sunlight experienced on the shore of the ocean. In this location, the ultraviolet radiation is significantly stronger, which means that one can easily get sunburned within only an hour or two. Moreover, in the mountains, solar ultraviolet radiation often does not care at all about cloudiness. You can get a good tan even in cloudy weather. Two things follow from this: you must take sun cream (with the highest protection factor, 50 or more) and secondly, sunglasses not just dark, but with UV protection particularly from May to October.

Do we need repellents while hiking?

Insects in nature are one of the problems that can arise during a hike. They are worth use special means, that will help protect you. Traditional repellents distinguish themselves by a pungent odor that deprives insects of their sense of smell. In some cases, repellents work at a distance, but sometimes contact is required. When using, be sure to read the instructions and composition. Usually, the duration of action of repellents is from 4 hours, becomes a good indicator for duration of walks in Cape Verde islands. You should only buy medications from trusted retail outlets, using low-quality repellents is hazardous to health.

Underestimating Distances

One of the most common disappointments for hikers is underestimating distances: everything seems close by and distances seem tiny on the map, but it takes longer, due to the nuances of the route, mountains, transportation, trails conditions, the pace, etc. Experienced guides on private tours in Cape Verde islands will not only offer you suitable logistics but also tell you everything you need to know to avoid unpleasant situations.

Well, that's some of the most important recommendations. If you have no health problems, feel free to come and hike these islands. A dream walking holiday awaits you. The people are nice, the food is delicious, the mountains are amazing, the views, the air, the sun - a breathtaking combination!

Your walk will be more comfortable and your health will be grateful for it!!