Plan a CruisePorto Novo Cruise Port Guide
Santo Antão, often called the 'Switzerland of Cape Verde,' is renowned for its dramatic mountains and lush valleys. Cruise ships dock conveniently close to the main town of Porto Novo. The island is characterized by a central mountain range, reaching peaks of up to 4,921ft (1,500m), which contrasts with its rugged, bare coastline. While the interior boasts tropical vegetation, particularly in deep green valleys where crops like sugar cane, bananas, and coffee are cultivated, the island is most famous for producing 'grogue,' the local Cape Verde rum.
Getting Around from the Port
Since your ship docks close to Porto Novo, you can easily explore the immediate area on foot. For broader island exploration, the most practical option is to hire an 'aluguer,' which is a local open minibus. These can typically be arranged upon arrival directly at Porto Novo. Expect to pay at least CVE7000 for a full day hire. An aluguer is necessary to experience the spectacular 36km car ride from Porto Novo, winding over the island's central ridge to Ribeira Grande.
Attractions and Activities
With 8-10 hours in port, consider these activities:
- Scenic Mountain Drive: Take the impressive 36km drive from Porto Novo over the island's central ridge to Ribeira Grande. This offers breathtaking views of the dramatic mountain landscape. (Requires hiring an aluguer, expect at least CVE7000 for a full day).
- Trekking in Valleys: Explore the deep green valleys, rich with tropical vegetation. The area around the 16th-century town of Povoacao is particularly attractive for hiking amidst stunning scenery.
- Ponta do Sol Exploration: Head to the main town of Ponta do Sol (requires transport) to enjoy a walk and admire its old colonial buildings, offering a glimpse into the island's past.
- Janela's Inscribed Rock: Visit the mysterious inscribed rock near Janela, an intriguing historical site dating back to the 1400s, predating the island's known discovery. (Requires transport).
- Grogue Tasting: Sample the island's famous 'grogue,' the local rum produced from the abundant sugar cane grown here.
Dining & Shopping
Cape Verde is a paradise for fish lovers. You'll find superb grilled lobster, fresh tuna, octopus, and a variety of other local seafood delicacies. While there's no specific mention of shops at the terminal, local shops generally operate Monday-Friday from 08:00/08:30 to 12:00/12:30, then reopen from 14:00/14:30 to 18:00/18:30. On Saturdays, hours are typically 08:30 to 12:00. Be aware that most shops close early on Fridays, and are closed entirely on Sundays and public holidays. Restaurants usually open from 19:00 to 23:00.
Safety
No specific safety concerns are noted for this port.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Cape Verde Escudo (CVE). The exchange rate is approximately 1 Euro = 113 Escudos, though hotels and banks might offer slightly less favorable rates. Credit cards, primarily MasterCard and Visa, are increasingly accepted at upscale hotels, but not universally. Note that banks are often closed in the afternoon. English proficiency may be limited; Portuguese is the official language.