Serra Malagueta Natural Park

The Serra Malagueta runs across the north of Santiago and catches enough moisture from the trade winds to stay green when the rest of the island is brown, which is why it was made a natural park in 2003. Its slopes hold a set of plants found only in Cape Verde and terraced farms worked on very steep ground. A visitor centre on the pass runs marked trails, including a long descent through the valleys towards the coast.

What you'll find

• The endemic plants - species found only in the Cape Verde islands.
• The terraced farms - cultivation worked on very steep slopes.
• The marked trails - routes from the visitor centre through the valleys.
• The mist - the trade wind cloud that keeps the ridge green.

When to go

August to November after the rains is when the ridge is greenest. Walking is possible year round. Mist frequently closes the views.

What to expect

Mist sits on the ridge much of the time and views are often absent. Trails are steep and rough underfoot. The visitor centre keeps irregular hours.

Nearby

Tarrafal is north, and Pico da Antonia is south.

Key facts