The mountain road
Bends above deep valleys.
rey perezoso — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Ingo Wölbern — Public domain · Franzfoto — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Chielbuseyne — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Christian Pirkl — CC BY-SA 4.0
Serra Malagueta Natural Park protects a green mountain range in northern Santiago, rising to 1,064 metres. It is a surprising sight in a dry country, with steep slopes, valleys and mist, and it is among the island's best walking areas for plants and birds found nowhere else. The park was set up on 24 February 2005 and covers 774 hectares in the municipalities of Tarrafal, São Miguel and Santa Catarina. The range is volcanic, formed 2.9 to 2.4 million years ago. It holds 124 plant species, 28 of them endemic, including one found only here. Invasive plants such as lantana threaten them. The main road crosses the mountains on wide bends, with views of deep valleys, small fields and prominent rock peaks. Along the trails grow euphorbia and small purple flowers, and the trees hold 19 bird species, eight endemic, including the endangered Cape Verde buzzard and Bourne's heron. One species of monkey also lives here. The park's mapped point is 33.1 km in a straight line north-west of Praia, an easy stop on the way to Tarrafal. Mist can come down quickly, so bring a light layer and suitable shoes. Keep to the trails and do not pick plants. Ask about a local guide for longer routes, avoid walking alone in isolated places, and bring enough water.
Bends above deep valleys.
28 island species.
Eight endemic species.
Northern Santiago island, between Tarrafal and Santa Catarina
Yes, you can stop on the way north.
One is best for long routes, so ask locally.