Great places to eat in the hiking paradise of Santo Antão
The Cape Verdean island of Santo Antão is known as a true hiking paradise With its green valleys and ancient mountain roads, you can enjoy challenging hikes for days. But where there's hiking, there's also a need for good food. From local (and even vegetarian) dishes at Carvoeiros and Beth d'Kinha to international cuisine at Georgette, these are three great places to eat in the hiking paradise of Santo Antão, Cape Verde.
From the ferry You can already see Carvoeiros, with a beautiful terrace overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It's the ideal place for lunch upon arrival on the island or when you leave again; the options are much better than what you can get at the ferry terminal itself. Popular on the menu? The cachupa, of course. This national Cape Verdean dish consists of beans, corn, and cabbage, often accompanied by meat or fish. Simple and delicious. Fortunately, Carvoeiros also has a vegetarian option, making this restaurant a great place to start and end your visit to Santo Antão.
Unlike bustling Mindelo on São Vicente, Santo Antão is a quiet island where many streets, including some restaurants, close after dark. Fortunately, Beth d'Kinha is open six nights a week. Nestled in a green valley, Beth d'Kinha further enhances the restaurant's treehouse atmosphere. The space may seem simple, but the food is good and the service incredibly friendly! A highlight of the menu is the grilled fish with local vegetables and onion sauce, but they also make a surprisingly delicious pizza. In other words, just what you need after a long day of hiking through the surrounding nature.
Note: Beth d'Kinha is easy to miss in the dark because it's located a bit lower, and the ground floor is a grogue brewery you have to go through first. Walk through the large doors (below the VISIT sign) into the courtyard. On the right, you'll find a staircase leading up to the restaurant.
The name says it all: Château Georgette is the place to be if you're looking for a touch of luxury. This hotel and restaurant is located in the Paúl Valley and is run by a Cape Verdean family with Dutch roots. The hostess welcomes you in Dutch and can tell you a lot about the area. Château Georgette offers an extensive menu, which is unusual on the island, with local dishes as well as fresh salads, pastas, burgers, and even shawarma. Sit on the large balcony terrace facing the street for a shady spot with a mountain view, and when it cools down, move to the cozy courtyard for a drink under the fruit trees.