Tarrafal de Monte Trigo: Santo Antão's secret beach
Black volcanic sand, calm sea and total isolation: how to reach Tarrafal de Monte Trigo on Santo Antão — jeep, boat, lodging and what to expect.
At the far west of Santo AntãoTarrafal de Monte Trigo Beach
Getting there is an adventure: 4x4 jeep along the cord road (2-3 hours from Porto Novo) or fishing boat from Porto Novo or Ponta do Sol. Santo Antão has no airport — access is always by ferry from São Vicente
Limited but authentic accommodation: Vista Tarrafal Guest House, Casa Praia, Pousada Cantinho de Preta and Kaza Ladera in the mountains; Santantao Art Resort in Porto Novo as a base before the descent. See [[hotels|Monte Trigo hotels]].
MAURO FOSSATI / Pexels
What to do? Evening swims when the sea is flat, cliff walks, stargazing without light pollution and meals of fish caught that day. Don't expect reliable Wi-Fi or supermarkets — expect Cape Verde at its purest.
Combine with Santo Antão black beacheswindsurfing in São Pedroresponsible ecotourism