Best of Santiago & Fogo Islands / 11 Days-10 Nights
Explore the best of Santiago Island and Fogo Island—from lush mountains to dramatic volcanic landscapes
About this trip
Embark on a captivating 11-day journey through two of Cabo Verde’s most remarkable islands, Fogo and Santiago, where volcanic landscapes meet lush mountains and vibrant coastal life.
Your adventure begins with a flight to Fogo, landing in the historic town of São Filipe. Enjoy your first evening dining in a local restaurant and settling into a charming guesthouse. Explore São Filipe’s colorful streets before heading to Chã das Caldeiras, nestled in the volcanic crater, where you’ll taste traditional goat cheese crafted by local producers.
Challenge yourself with a hike up Fogo’s iconic volcano, followed by a hearty Cachupa lunch—a true taste of Cape Verdean cuisine. Discover the island’s vineyards on a scenic bike ride paired with local wine tasting. Dive deeper with a full island tour before transferring to Santiago.
In Santiago, experience the serene Serra Malagueta mountains with guided hikes and authentic farm-to-table lunches. Enjoy a well-deserved rest day surrounded by nature’s tranquility. Then, journey to the coastal town of Tarrafal, where sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters invite relaxation and marine activities. Choose between pottery classes or snorkeling to complete your island experience.
Throughout the trip, stay in carefully selected guesthouses, traditional homes, and eco-lodges, each offering a warm welcome and a true sense of place.
This is more than a trip — it’s a chance to connect with Cape Verde’s stunning landscapes, rich culture, and welcoming people.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Fogo
Afternoon domestic flight to Fogo Island
Transfer to São Filipe
Dinner in local restaurant
Overnight in a historic guesthouse
Day 2: São Filipe & Local Cheese Tasting
City tour of São Filipe
Transfer to Chã das Caldeiras with cheese tasting
Half board dinner
Overnight in a traditional volcanic Fogo home
Day 3: Pico do Fogo Hike
Guided Hike up Pico do Fogo Volcano (big or small route)
Local cachupa lunch
Half board dinner
Overnight in a traditional volcanic Fogo home
Day 4: Wine Tasting by Bike
Bike excursion with local wine tasting
Wine Tasting of Locally Produced Fogo Wines
Half board dinner
Overnight in a traditional volcanic Fogo home
Day 5: Fogo Island Discovery
Guided island tour with lunch
Half board dinner
Overnight in private bungalow at an eco lodge
Day 6: From Fogo to Santiago Island
Transfer to São Filipe Airport and domestic flight to Praia
Adventure Transfer to Serra Malgueta
Half board dinner
Overnight in a cozy lodge within the Natural Park
Day 7: Serra Malagueta Trails
Guided Hike to Mato Brasil with local lunch
Half board dinner
Overnight in a cozy lodge within the Natural Park
Day 8: Mountains to the Coast
Transfer to Tarrafal
Relax Beach Day
Overnight in a coastal guesthouse
Day 9: Culture & Nature in Tarrafal
Pottery Workshop, traditional lunch and guided hike
Overnight in a coastal guesthouse
Day 10: Ocean Flavours
Marine Excursion with Fish & Grill activity at Casa Strela Restaurant
Overnight in a coastal guesthouse
Day 11: Departure from Santiago North
Transfer to Praia
Why Fogo & Santiago Islands?
From the moment you arrive in Fogo, the island’s volcanic spirit surrounds you. The towering volcano, rising dramatically above the landscape, is a constant reminder of nature’s power and resilience. But beneath this raw beauty lies a deep history — dating back to the whaling era of the 18th century, when Fogo’s shores were a hub of maritime activity. Today, that history blends with vibrant local culture: tasting rich, earthy goat cheese made from herbs thriving on volcanic slopes, sharing meals in traditional homes, and cycling through vineyards nurtured by fertile lava soil. Hiking the volcano is more than a physical challenge; it’s a moment of awe and connection, where silence and sweeping views invite you to reflect on centuries of life shaped by fire and sea.
Your journey then leads to Santiago, the birthplace of Cabo Verdean history and culture. As the first European colonial outpost in the tropics, established in 1462, Santiago is where the oldest Creole language and culture began to take shape — the roots of what would become Cabo Verde’s unique identity. The peaceful trails of the Serra Malagueta mountains offer a quiet escape into nature, while the golden beaches of Tarrafal invite relaxation and connection with the sea. Santiago’s charm is in its contrasts — vibrant markets and quiet villages, rich history and living culture — all felt deeply in the rhythms of daily life, music, and shared stories.
Together, Fogo and Santiago offer a journey of contrasts and harmony: the fiery volcanic spirit and maritime history of Fogo balanced by Santiago’s lush landscapes and profound cultural roots. This is Cabo Verde at its fullest — a place to discover, connect, and create memories that stay with you long after your journey ends. Ready to experience the heart of Cabo Verde? Explore our tours to Fogo and Santiago and begin your remarkable adventure today.
Where you stay
Where you eat
Prices
The price per person depends on the group size — pick your group in the panel and the row highlights.
Prices per person in EUR; payment in CVE possible. Valid until April 30, 2026.
