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Location The surface area of Santo Antão is 779 Km2. It is the second largest island of the archipelago and is rather like a trapezoid in shape. It has a maximum length of 43Km between TUMBA to the northeast and CAMARIVA to the southeast. lts widest point is 24 Km. from AREIAS (to the north) and CAIS DO FORTES (to the south). Along the middle of the island, a mountain range runs from northeast to southeast and ends at TOPE DA COROA (with an altitude of 1979 m), a relatively recent volcanic peak. Other peaks are PICO DA CRUZ (1814 m) to the northeast and GUIDO DO CAVALEIRO (1811 m) to the southeast. The climate is dry in the south, cool in the central region (at an altitude of 1000 m) and humid in the notheast region. Quite naturally, the vegetation varies dramatically between regions. The high zones are covered with trees like the eucalyptus, the cypress, and the pine-tree. The south, in total contrast, is arid with herbaceous vegetation. There are still some signs of Santo Antão's volcanic past; the crater named COVA, for example, is very well preserved. Due to the effects of erosion, the streams are deep and the peaks are very sharp and steep. The coastline is very picturesque. In the north, parts have been worn away by the northeast winds and the rough seas, there are, however, a number of excellent beaches, such as PRAIA FORMOSA, to name one. Going for holidays to Cape Verde is a great experience for you and your whole family. The stunning places that you can visit here will truly bring you utmost relaxation and comfort. You and your loved ones will surely enjoy exploring the various beautiful places here. Cape Verde is undoubtedly the best destination for you if you want a great getaway. Make sure to visit Santo Antao during your stay here. Read on the following paragraphs to know more about this place. History The island of Santo Antão was discovered by Diogo Afonso on the 17th of January in 1462. Colonialization began in 1548. In the XIX century, roads were built linking PONTA DO SOL to RIBEIRA GRANDE and PORTO NOVO, and it was from here the island's goods were shipped out. Economically, the island is very rich in agriculture, the main produce being sugar cane, sweet potatoes or yams, manioc, bananas, coconuts, mango, papaya and almonds. Fishing is the main occupation of most of the inhabitants of the ports of TARRAFAL, PORTO NOVO and JANELA. Improvements is communications continue to be made on the island, more roads are being built and the maritime service and links by air travel have also been improved. Another activity on the island is the extraction of pozzolana (a volcanic substance that was first discovered in the ltalian town of Pozzuoli). A project is also being developed for the commercialization of mineral water at VALE DE PAUL Cultural Events A number of the traditions still exist in SANTO ANTÃO which demonstrate to any visitar the truly picturesque and hospitable way of life of the inhabitants of this island. For example in RIBEIRA da TORRE the old "trapiches" are still in use; these are the traditional maills used to grind sugar cane. The owners make a point of offering the visitors a taste of their "grougue", a strong sugar cone brandy. Food and Drink The local food is rich and diverse. Fish, meat and shellfish are the base of excellent dishes, such as: "Caldo de camarão à moda da mãe Bibi", a delicious shellfish soup and the speciality of CHÃ DE PEDRAS; "Camarão em vinha de alhos" a dish where the shrimps are soaked in wine and then cooked, and "Conserva de Camarão" and "Conserva de Carne de Porco" which are shrimp preserves and pork preserve. For dessert there is also a delicious variety: Coconut tart, Banana, Manioc or Papaya Pudding, Banana Cake, Honey Cake, Sweet Potato Jam, a sweet made from green figs, or bananas or oranges, Coffee Cream, deliciously prepared pineapple, etc., etc. To finish off one of these delicious meals try one of the island's own liquors made from coffee, cinnamon, fig leaf, peppermint, orange or lime. CHÁ DAS PEDRAS has its own special "Bandai". Entertainment and Sports No visitor can help being overwhelmed by the beautiful scenery of Santo Antão where the colours, shapes and vegetation as well as the local wildife (which includes vultures, kestrels, wagtails, blackcaps, sparrows and some reptiles) are all so striking. The mountains, the vast plain that lies to the east and the fertile valleys and streams to the south and west. The mountains provide excellent conditions for pony trekking, and other adventure activities such as hang gliding. A number of pleasurable hours can be spent just walking or taking a bicycle ride through the valleys and alongside the streams. For those who like music and dancing, there is always the local discotheque at night. GENERAL SERVICES Ilha de S.Antao Ilha de S.Vicente Ilha de S.Nicolau Ilha do Sal Ilha de Boavista Ilha do Maio Ilha de Santiago Ilha do Fogo Ilha da Brava from: OFFICIAL TOURIST GUIDE CABO VERDE PROMEX Centro de Promoçao Turistica do Investimento e dos Esportaçoes by www.caboverde.com