Fogo and Pico do Fogo

The island of Fogo, meaning fire, is one of Cape Verde's most dramatic and fascinating destinations, an active volcanic island dominated by the towering cone of Pico do Fogo, the highest peak in the country at nearly 2,830 metres. The volcano rises from within a vast caldera, its floor a surreal moonscape of black lava fields where a remarkable, hardy community lives in the village of Cha das Caldeiras, farming the volcanic soil and producing a distinctive wine and coffee. Climbing the challenging peak, exploring the stark caldera and hearing tales of its recent eruptions make for an unforgettable visit.

What you actually see

• Pico do Fogo - the challenging climb up the towering volcanic cone.
• The caldera - the surreal black lava moonscape of Cha das Caldeiras.
• The vineyards and coffee - the crops grown on volcanic soil.
• Sao Filipe - the charming colonial town on the coast.

When to go

November to June, for the driest, most pleasant weather and the best conditions for climbing the volcano; the ascent is demanding and best done early in the day with a guide. The island can be reached by flight or a longer ferry, and the caldera community offers simple guesthouses for an atmospheric overnight.

Honest expectations

Fogo is a raw, dramatic and less-developed island, and the caldera village has been repeatedly damaged by eruptions, most recently in 2014-15, which destroyed much of it, so life here is resilient and facilities are basic; the volcano climb is a tough, steep, several-hour ascent needing fitness and a guide. For the extraordinary experience of a living volcanic landscape, wine grown on lava and a hardy community, though, Fogo is remarkable.

Nearby

The neighbouring islands of Santiago and Brava are reached by ferry or flight.