Today I want to tell you about the most beautiful road on the island of Santo Antao, which runs from the city of Porto Novo along the mountains and brings us to Ribeira Grande City.
The best way to travel around the Corda Road is, without a doubt, by private tour; calmly, with stops, you photograph without stopping. Although 33 kilometers seems like a short journey (literally 50 min in a calm ride), if you go along the road then you will not be limited to one hour, or even two. And it's not about the quality of the road itself - it's very good and safe. The whole point is the views that open along the way.... there is such a variety of colours and beauty that will make you not want to let go of your camera.
The Eastern Plateau is not just a microclimate region in the center of Santo Antao, but a real treasure trove of the island. The uniqueness of this region lies in its landscape diversity: from the flat, arid coast of the south (with brown rocks covered in white traces of pozzolana and creeping resilient grasses) to the high mountain peaks, small forests and agricultural terraces of the north coast. The road that runs through the entire mountain range to the city of Ribeira Grande, known as Corda Road, not only serves as a route for travellers, but also allows you to discover the rich historical heritage and lifestyles of the communities that inhabit these lands. Its influence on modern tourism is enormous, and it is also commonly understood that to feel the full power and beauty of Santo Antao Island you need to travel along this road. It is a narrow path winding through slopes and mountain peaks providing travellers with stunning views and an atmosphere unlike mountain panoramas, with deep valleys and crystal-clear air at any time of year.
On a photo trip along the road, we took some photographs, to share and hello you understand why it attracts travellers from all over the world and why they fall in love with it. The Corda Road is waiting for you! Simply access our Santo Antao Day Tour so that you can be accompanied by a knowledgeable driver/guide around the region.
Photo 2
Cova Volcano Crater
The second photo shows you a view of the crater of the Cova volcano; at an altitude of 1389 meters it is one of the most photogenic natural monuments in Santo Antao. The volcano seems to be specially made for postcards. From this crater the most popular hike to the Paul Valley begins; a fascinating route that allows lovers of active recreation to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the mountains and enjoy unique views.
Photo 3
Planalto Leste Forest Park
This natural forest park is the largest pine forest on the island, preserved and unaffected by humans in the area. In a country where rain is scarce and there are severe droughts, this park creates a microclimate that feeds the water tables of the adjacent valleys (Paul and Ribeira da Torre), thus allowing irrigated agriculture.
Photo 3
Corda Village
Located around 800 meters above mean sea level, Corda is a typical rural village on the island of Santo Antão. This place is where you can feel and admire, up close, the agricultural terraces; a unique monument that was created by the villagers many centuries ago o protect the slopes and cultivate corn, beans, sweet potatoes, etc. It is especially beautiful here after the summer rains, when the surroundings are covered with flowering plants.
Photo 4
Delgadinho Mountain Ridge
Corda viewpoint (Delgadinho), at around 400 meters above sea level, is the ideal place to admire and to enjoy a breathtaking view over the valleys Ribeira da Torre and Ribeira Grande. Both are the result of millions of years of erosion (wind and rain). The views from this location are fantastic - you can clearly see the road we were driving along. During the rainy season, which normally occurs from July to September, it is possible to observe the highest and most beautiful waterfall in all of Santo Antao.
Photo 5
Nossa Senhora do Rosário (Our Lady of the Rosary) viewpoint.
The viewpoint overlooking the city of Ribeira Grande, with an emphasis on the image of Our Lady of the Rosary (the largest statue in Cape Verde measuring 11 meters from base to crown), was inaugurated on July 26th, 2024. From there, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire city of Ribeira Grande, and the east coast of the island, highlighting the magnificent view of the surroundings opens; the small mountain villages Pinhão and Lombo Branco, with the blue Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop.
The 5 photos you've seen are just a small part of what this amazing road can surprise you with. Here, everyone will find something for themselves, whether you are a lover of photography, a connoisseur of walks through nature, or someone who just wants to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. I drive this road regularly and I never get tired.
The Island of Santo Antao awaits you!
Thank you for reading!
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