About the Port
Porto Novo serves as the principal harbor town of Santo Antão, the northernmost island of Cape Verde's Barlavento group. Set against a backdrop of steep volcanic ridges, the town is a working port rather than a resort destination, with a compact center of low-slung buildings and a waterfront that opens onto the wider island beyond.
The true draw of Santo Antão lies inland, where deep ravines, terraced farmland, and cloud-wrapped peaks create some of the most dramatic terrain in the Cape Verde archipelago. Winding roads climb from the coast into highland villages, passing valleys planted with sugarcane and coffee. Travelers typically arrange transport from the pier to explore the interior, since Porto Novo itself offers limited sightseeing but serves well as a starting point for excursions into the island's mountainous core.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Porto Novo.
Cross the Cova Crater Road
Hire a car or driver for the switchback route up to Cova, an old volcanic crater turned farmland, then down into the lush Paul Valley terraces. Allow a half-day for the round trip from the pier.
Explore Ribeira Grande's Terraced Valleys
Follow the cobbled highland road into this valley of banana groves and sugarcane fields stitched into near-vertical slopes, a striking contrast to the barren coast around Porto Novo.
Sample Local Grogue and Coffee
Stop at a small highland distillery or farmstead to taste grogue, Santo Antão's sugarcane rum, and coffee grown on the island's volcanic terraces—best arranged as part of an inland excursion.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Cruises That Visit Porto Novo
| Departs | Cruise Line | Ship | Itinerary | Nights | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 17, 2027 | Silversea | Silver Endeavour | 14 | $13,510 | |
| Apr 17, 2027 | Silversea | Silver Endeavour | 26 | $11,600 | |
| Apr 12, 2028 | Silversea | Silver Endeavour | 14 | $15,680 |