Cruzinha to Ponta do Sol walking trail, Santo Antão, Cape Verde
The Cruzinha to Ponta do Sol walking trail offers one of the best walking experiences in Santo Antão island, Cape Verde.
The winding trail guides us around hidden parts of the island, revealing its beauty.
Heading up to Cruzinha
The car journey to Cruzinha felt interminable, casting doubt on our destination. Fortunately, the GPS confirmed our route.
The 25-kilometer drive from Ribeira Grande to Cruzinha took nearly an hour, but it was well spent, offering more photo opportunities than moments to pause.
As we traversed the landscape, we encountered places where travelers typically pause to appreciate the local customs and people’s uniqueness.
As a Cape Verdean with familial ties to the island, I felt a constant familiarity.
I was torn between the desire to commence the walk and the urge to pause at every intriguing moment.
Witnessing a blacksmith at work made me reflect on the passage of time.
With remarkable precision, they repurpose old metal for new uses.
In this region, tools are scarce, and imported equipment remains prohibitively expensive for the locals.
This route guides us through remote and ancient parts of the island, where new houses are scarce.
One visual issue plaguing the island is the absence of plaster on building exteriors, lending localities a degraded appearance.
This problem extends beyond this island to Cape Verde, as I discovered during my travels.
About Cruzinha
Cruzinha, nestled on the rugged coast of Santo Antão island, captivates with its remote charm and timeless beauty.
Surrounded by dramatic cliffs and the restless sea, this tranquil village boasts traditional architecture and a peaceful atmosphere.
With its lack of modern developments, Cruzinha offers an authentic glimpse into Cape Verdean life, inviting visitors to unwind and immerse themselves in its untouched splendor.
Cruzinha, with its lack of new houses, remains unaffected by this issue. Its remote location serves as both a burden and a boon.
The walking trail
The path begins near the harbor, following the cliff’s edge.
The trail remains unmistakable despite the rough sea and idle fishing boats awaiting better conditions.
Our walk commences on a well-maintained cobblestone road, though my hope for a sunny day was dampened by stubborn fog.
Despite its exposure to the sea, the trail’s enduring quality suggests meticulous initial construction.
I invite you to peruse the photos accompanying this narrative for a visual depiction of the trail, sparing you from repetitive adjectives like “gorgeous,” “amazing,” or “impressive.”
The distance between Cruzinha and Ponta do Sol spans 15.5 km, with most elevation gain concentrated between Corvo and Fontainhas.
This stretch encompasses a total elevation gain of 780m, with 625m occurring within this section.
En route, a stop at Formiga offers a chance to replenish supplies at a couple of bars before continuing toward Corvo and Fontainhas, two quaint villages preceding Ponta do Sol.
Fontainhas, Santo Antão, Cape Verde
Persistent fog enveloped us as we journeyed, obscuring the clear skies ideal for photography.
Nonetheless, I cherish the memories of this exhilarating trail—one of the most captivating I’ve experienced.
Wishing you many enjoyable walks,
David Monteiro