Things to do in São Filipe

São Filipe is the main town on Fogo, and tours on Fogo begin here. The island is a single volcano. Pico do Fogo rises to 2,829 metres, the highest point in Cape Verde.

The town

People settled in São Filipe in the 16th century. Only Cidade Velha on Santiago is older.

• The old centre. About fifty sobrados, colonial mansions with wooden balconies. Most houses in the quarter date from the 19th century, and it is on Unesco's tentative list.
• The Municipal Museum. Everyday objects that tell the local story.
• The airport. It sits on the edge of town, and a private transfer to a hotel takes about 20 minutes.

Up to the crater

Chã das Caldeiras is a farming plain inside the old caldera, at about 1,700 metres. The volcano last erupted in 2014 and 2015. Lava ran through the two villages inside it.

• Driving. Villages such as Patim and Achada Furna on the way up, then a drive around the crater and a tasting of local wine and cheese.
• Walking. The summit hike starts in Chã das Caldeiras among fig, vine, apple and pear trees. It takes three to four hours up and five in all.
• Coming down. The descent is a run down through loose ash.

Guides set the pace to the group. On a clear day the summit shows the whole island and sometimes its neighbours.

From Praia in a day

A private day trip flies over from Praia in 35 minutes, drives to the crater and flies back. The flight ticket is separate.

Practical

• Weather. São Filipe averages about 24C and gets around 270 mm of rain a year. April to June is close to dry.
• Kit. Hiking shoes, walking sticks, a hat, sunscreen, a picnic and water.
• Timing. The shared day trip from Praia expects a flight landing before 8:30. A later arrival needs the private option.
• Health. The day trip from Praia is not recommended for people with heart conditions.