Cova crater
A caldera above the valley.
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Paul Valley is a deep green valley in the north-east of Santo Antão, dropping from Cova crater to the sea. Its steep walls hold terraced fields and small houses, and walkers come for scenery entirely unlike the dry sandy islands. It is one of the loveliest parts of the archipelago. The island is volcanic and mountainous, 42.75 km long, the country's second largest, with Tope de Coroa as its highest mountain at 1,979 metres. Cova caldera forms the south-west corner of the municipality, whose highest point is Pico da Cruz at 1,585 metres. Part of the valley lies in the Cova-Paul-Ribeira da Torre Natural Park. Pombas is the municipal seat. From the rim you see mist moving over sharp green peaks, then a stone path drops in bends between terraces and trees. Below are scattered houses. The road reaches Pombas. From above you see every layer of the valley in green and brown. Cova is 10 km in a straight line north of Porto Novo, and the valley 11.1 km. The island is reached by ferry from Mindelo. The walk down from Cova is long and hard on the knees, so bring strong shoes and water and start in the morning. Paths can be slippery after rain and mist comes fast. Ask before crossing fields and keep to the paths.
A caldera above the valley.
Bends down into the valley.
Small fields on the slopes.
Paul municipality, north-east Santo Antão island
It is long and steep, suiting fit walkers, so wear strong shoes.
By ferry from Mindelo to Porto Novo, then by road.