Things To Do
in Porto Novo
Porto Novo sits on the southern coast of Santo Antão, Cabo Verde, where green terraced valleys meet the Atlantic. The town serves as a gateway to dramatic mountain scenery, farming communities, and a traditional fishing culture that define the island. Narrow streets wind past colorful houses, markets, and small cafes where Cape Verdean music lingers into the evening.
Visitors come to hike rugged ridges, savor fresh seafood, and experience the unhurried pace of island life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a stroll through the lively streets of Porto Novo, soaking in the colorful buildings and local art. Visit a bustling market to experience the energy of the locals and sample fresh fruits and traditional snacks. Engage with friendly vendors to learn about the local culture and culinary delights.
After lunch at a quaint café, head to Tarrafal Beach for some sun and relaxation. Take a dip in the clear blue waters or enjoy various water sports available along the shore. This beach is an excellent spot to indulge in the local rhythm and observe everyday life on the island.
As the sun sets, find a beachside restaurant to taste authentic Cabo Verdean cuisine while enjoying the ocean breeze. Share stories with fellow travelers and locals, basking in the community vibe that characterizes Porto Novo. Finally, take a leisurely walk along the beach to savor the beautiful twilight views.
Rise early and embark on a hiking trip to the stunning mountain trails surrounding Porto Novo. Witness breathtaking views and unique flora while immersing yourself in the natural beauty of Cabo Verde. Experienced guides will share insights about the local terrain and wildlife.
After hiking, enjoy a picnic lunch in one of the scenic viewpoints, where you can reflect on your journey surrounded by dramatic landscapes. Spend the afternoon visiting the nearby community of Ribeira Grande, known for its rich history and cultural heritage. Interact with locals and explore the traditional architecture in the area.
In the evening, return to Porto Novo for a cultural show featuring traditional music and dance. Engage with renowned local artists and gain insight into the cultural significance of the performances. End your day with a leisurely dinner filled with local flavors and warm hospitality.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel per night | $25-60 |
| 🚗Taxi ride (short distance) | $3-8 |
| ☕Coffee | $1-3 |
| 💧Bottled water (1.5L) | $0.50-1.50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning mountain and coastal scenery
- Friendly, welcoming communities and good value
- Limited nightlife and English-language services in rural areas
- Infrastructure can be basic outside main towns
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Bom dia" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado" - Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
Places to Visit in Porto Novo
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful boats, nets, and early-morning light create vivid coastal photography opportunities.
Terraced fields, green canyons, and dramatic drops provide striking landscape shots.
Panoramic views over the coast and inland farms offer sweeping compositions.
Food in Porto Novo
Porto Novo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A slow-cooked corn and bean stew that can include meat or fish; vegetarians can often request a vegetable-forward version with greens and peppers.
Must-Try!
Cape Verde’s local sugarcane spirit; try it neat or mixed with fruit juice at seaside bars, and enjoy in moderation.
Octopus with rice—a flavorful seafood dish common in coastal eateries, typically seasoned with garlic and herbs.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A small, lively market offering fresh fish, produce, and local snacks; look for grilled fish skewers and cassava chips outside the stalls.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet warmly with a handshake; in Creole-speaking communities, a friendly smile goes a long way. Dress modestly in town and churches; remove hats indoors in religious spaces and ask before photographing people.
Portuguese is official, while Cape Verdean Creole (Kriolu) is widely spoken. A few phrases in Creole or Portuguese are appreciated.
Safety
Tipping in Porto Novo
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always expected. In restaurants, a 5-10% tip for good service is common; round up for casual places. Tip porters and guides modestly.
Cash in Cape Verdean escudo (CVE) is widely used. Some restaurants and hotels accept euros or credit cards, but many smaller eateries operate on cash. ATMs are available in larger towns; plan ahead when traveling to remote areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot days with strong sun and dry conditions; carry water and sun protection. Coastal winds help, but early morning or late afternoon hikes are ideal.
Warm with occasional rain; trails can be slippery after rain and visibility may vary with mist near higher elevations.
Milder and comfortable for sightseeing; occasional cool mornings and breezy evenings; good clarity for scenery and photography.
Greener landscapes as terraces come to life; lively markets with fresh produce; ideal for hiking and outdoor photography.
Porto Novo at Night
Hiking in Porto Novo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic hike through terraced fields and dramatic canyon landscapes on Santo Antão’s southern coast.
Airports
How to reach Porto Novo by plane.
Major gateway to the archipelago; connections to mainland Portugal and other islands; transfer to Santo Antão typically via domestic flight or ferry.
Hub for connections to Europe and other islands; convenient for continuing to Santo Antão by ferry.
Main international airport on Sal; commonly used for international arrivals before flying or sailing to other islands.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of African, Portuguese, and mixed heritage influences; communities are often close-knit with strong fishing and farming traditions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; many games are played in towns and informal spaces throughout Santo Antão.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Porto Novo.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarians can enjoy cachupa with beans and vegetables, corn, and greens; request no meat or fish and look for bean soups or vegetable stews and fresh salads.