Vacaay

Cova Crater, Santo Antao

About Cova Crater, Santo Antao

Cova Crater stands out for the landscape around it as much as the crater itself. Found high in Santo Antão, it is known for its green interior, volcanic setting, and the trail that drops into Paul Valley, which makes it one of the island’s best-known hiking areas. It works especially well if you want something scenic and active, with views that feel very different from Cabo Verde’s more typical coastal stops. 

When to visit

The best time to visit is the long dry season, when trails are more reliable, skies are clearer, and the crater is at its most comfortable for hiking and panoramic views.

Most popular: December - May

Spring · Mar, Apr, May

Spring is one of the strongest times to visit Cova Crater, with dry weather, bright light, and excellent trail conditions across the rim and into the Paúl Valley. The crater’s cultivated bowl and surrounding ridges look especially sharp and photogenic in these clearer months.

Summer · Jun, Jul, Aug

Summer stays warm and mostly workable through June and July, but by August humidity and rain chances begin to build. It can still be rewarding, though visibility and trail comfort become less predictable as the wetter season approaches.

Autumn · Sep, Oct, Nov

Autumn is the wettest part of the year, with the highest precipitation and the greatest chance of damp, cloudier conditions around the crater. The landscape can feel greener and moodier, but it is less dependable for sweeping views and classic hiking days.

Winter · Dec, Jan, Feb

Winter is dry, breezy, and highly appealing, making it one of the best seasons for Cova Crater. Conditions are cooler, clearer, and better suited to crater walks, viewpoints, and the famous hike down toward Paúl.

Weather Highlights

  • Summer high

    28°C / 80°F

  • Winter low

    19°C / 66°F

  • Rain

    21 days

  • Snow

    0 days

Location

Getting There

Expect drier trails, clearer crater views, and the most comfortable balance of sunshine and cooler mountain air for hiking and photography.

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