Santo Antao Island (Porto Novo, Cape Verde)

Santo Antao is the westernmost and largest in Barlavento group (Cape Verde Islands). The nearest is Sao Vicente Island (to the southeast). It is also country's 2nd largest (after Santiago Island) and is considered one of Cape Verde's most mountainous.

• Santo Antao Island has total population around 44,000, covers land area approx 779 km2 (301 ml2), has length 40 km (25 ml), width 20 km (12 ml) and highest elevation point (Topo da Coroa) 1979 m (6493 ft) above sea level.
• The island was discovered by the Portuguese in 1462, but its current name it received in the 16th century, when was first inhabited (in 1548). Its first settlemnt was Vila da Ribeira Grande (port town on its northeastern coast).
• The island's first economy was based on exporting wine and coffee. Today's economy is largly based on commercial fishing and agriculture- sugar cane, bananas, mangoes, cassava, yams, grain. Plantations are terraced and require immense manual labor. The isle's main product is the grogue (rum).
• Tourism is slowly joining the island's dominant businesses, with some recent investments in rural tourism infrastructures. Another popular tourist activities are hiking and trekking.

Santo Antao Island cruise terminal