Hiking in Santiago

Hike from the Serra Malagueta to the Gom Gom valley

Duration: approx. 5-6 hours

You start at the entrance of the Serra Malagueta Natural Park and hike up the slightly ascending path to the campsite. The viewpoint offers spectacular views of the Assomada Plateau and the highest point of Santiago – the Pico de Antonia. The further way leads through a short wooded area with pine and eucalyptus trees to a large antenna. From there a not-easy-to-spot-donkey-path leads down.
At this point you already have a magnificent view of the valley of Ribeira Principal. On your way to a small abandoned settlement you pass several coffee plantations. After the last abandoned house you take a path to the left until after aproximately one hour you reach the next small group of houses.
From here you can already see Hortelão at a dstance. Arriving in Hortelão you can either take a pre-ordered taxi (recommended) or walk for about one hour along the river bed until you reach the main road between Tarrafal and Calheta. On the main road you can wait for an Aluguer which brings you back to Tarrafal or Calheta.