Port information & tips for Porto Novo (Sao Antao)
Porto Novo is the impressive gateway to the island of Santo Antão and is considered one of the most scenic ports of call in Cape Verde. The port captivates with its location between rugged volcanic massifs and the crystal-clear Atlantic, immediately giving visitors a sense of untouched nature. Highlights include the spectacular Paul Valley with its lush vegetation and the imposing Cova Crater, both of which can be easily explored thanks to excellent connections. Cruise ships dock at the central Porto de Porto Novo, from which the city center, the lively Avenida Marginal, and authentic local markets are just a few minutes' walk away, inviting you to linger.
Porto Novo on Santo Antão is the picturesque cruise port of the Cape Verdean island and serves as an important gateway to its impressive nature. Since Santo Antão does not have its own airport, arrival for cruise guests from the DACH region always takes place via the neighboring island of São Vicente.
Airplane
The primary arrival route for travelers from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland leads via international flights to the larger Cape Verdean airports of Sal (SID) or Praia (RAI), followed by domestic flights to Cesária Évora Airport (VXE) on São Vicente near Mindelo. Alternatively, there are direct flight connections from Lisbon to São Vicente (VXE). From Mindelo Airport (VXE), you can easily reach the ferry terminal in Mindelo by taxi in about 15 minutes for around 11 Euro (1200 CVE).
Ferry & Local Transfer
From Mindelo (São Vicente), you can reach Porto Novo on Santo Antão easily by ferry. The ferry companies CV Interilhas and Nôs Ferry offer crossings several times a day. The crossing takes only 50 to 60 minutes and costs about 13 to 15 Euro per person. You can purchase tickets directly at the Cais Marítima ferry terminal in Mindelo or online; it is recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. Once in Porto Novo, taxis and so-called "Aluguers" (shared taxis) are available for trips across the island.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to international arrival times and the required ferry connection, an overnight stay in Mindelo on São Vicente the day before your embarkation is recommended. Many hotels in Mindelo also offer practical airport transfers, allowing for a relaxed start to your Cape Verde adventure. This allows you to use the ferry times to Porto Novo flexibly while exploring the charming city of Mindelo.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always observe the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times may change at short notice.
Porto Novo on Santo Antão is the picturesque cruise port of the Cape Verdean island and serves as an important gateway to its impressive nature. Since Santo Antão does not have its own airport, arrival for cruise guests from the DACH region always takes place via the neighboring island of São Vicente.
Airplane
The primary arrival route for travelers from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland leads via international flights to the larger Cape Verdean airports of Sal (SID) or Praia (RAI), followed by domestic flights to Cesária Évora Airport (VXE) on São Vicente near Mindelo. Alternatively, there are direct flight connections from Lisbon to São Vicente (VXE). From Mindelo Airport (VXE), you can easily reach the ferry terminal in Mindelo by taxi in about 15 minutes for around 11 Euro (1200 CVE).
Ferry & Local Transfer
From Mindelo (São Vicente), you can reach Porto Novo on Santo Antão easily by ferry. The ferry companies CV Interilhas and Nôs Ferry offer crossings several times a day. The crossing takes only 50 to 60 minutes and costs about 13 to 15 Euro per person. You can purchase tickets directly at the Cais Marítima ferry terminal in Mindelo or online; it is recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. Once in Porto Novo, taxis and so-called "Aluguers" (shared taxis) are available for trips across the island.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to international arrival times and the required ferry connection, an overnight stay in Mindelo on São Vicente the day before your embarkation is recommended. Many hotels in Mindelo also offer practical airport transfers, allowing for a relaxed start to your Cape Verde adventure. This allows you to use the ferry times to Porto Novo flexibly while exploring the charming city of Mindelo.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always observe the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times may change at short notice.
The port of Porto Novo is the central arrival point on Santo Antão and, thanks to its location, allows for a direct start into the exploration of this impressive island.
Alugueres (Collective Taxis)
These collective buses, typical for Cape Verde, wait directly at the port exit and offer an authentic and affordable way to reach the spectacular mountain roads and the green Paul Valley.
Taxi
Numerous taxis are available directly at the terminal and bring travelers comfortably to more remote viewpoints or serve as a convenient base for an individual island tour.
On Foot
You can comfortably reach the relaxed center of Porto Novo with its waterfront promenade and local markets in about 5 to 10 minutes, enjoying your first impressions of the island along the way.
To optimally experience the fascinating contrasts of Santo Antão, a guided tour from the sunny coast of Porto Novo into the spectacular, green mountainous heart of the island is recommended.
Porto Novo
The inviting harbor district impresses with its relaxed atmosphere and, thanks to its immediate proximity to the terminal, offers a perfect starting point to get to know the authentic hospitality of Cape Verde while strolling through the colorful markets.
Valle de Paúl
This paradisiacal valley is considered the greenest spot in the entire archipelago and fascinates with its artfully terraced slopes and tropical plantations; moreover, thanks to its well-accessible paths, it is an ideal destination for nature lovers and photographers.
Estrada da Corda and Cova Crater
The legendary panoramic road winds through dramatic mountain formations to the imposing Cova Crater and, thanks to its spectacular viewpoints, offers an unforgettable view over the entire island as well as the contrast-rich volcanic landscape.
Vale do Paúl
The Vale do Paúl is the impressive green heart of Santo Antão and can be easily reached by taxi from the port in Porto Novo via the modern coastal road in only about twenty minutes. The valley captivates with its spectacular tropical vegetation including mango and papaya trees, as well as artfully created terraced fields that produce an incomparable atmosphere. On site, cozy local restaurants invite you to try the typical cuisine, while small traditional distilleries offer exciting insights into the production of the famous grogue. It is best to set off early in the morning to experience the pleasant freshness of the valley, and return to the port in good time in the early afternoon to prepare for departure in a relaxed manner.
The way back to the harbor of Porto Novo is straightforward and can be arranged very relaxedly thanks to the clear city structure and reliable means of transport.
Alugueres (Shared Taxis)
The typical shared taxis are the heart of the island's transport and bring you from popular excursion destinations such as the Cova crater or Ribeira Grande directly back to the Porto Novo harbor area. The vehicles wait at the central meeting points in the mountain villages and depart regularly, allowing you an authentic and punctual return journey to the ship.
Taxi
Individual taxis are available at the central squares of Porto Novo, in front of larger accommodations, and at the market square. Thanks to the short distances within the town, you can reach the harbor terminal in a very short time and rely on the local knowledge of the drivers, who will take you directly to the guarded harbor entrance.
On Foot
From the city center or the waterfront promenade, the harbor is easily accessible via the main street Avenida Amílcar Cabral. The path to the pier is easy to find and leads you directly to the terminal building without detours, allowing you to enjoy the maritime atmosphere of the harbor in peace on the final meters.
