Xoxo

Xôxô is a volcanic plug standing above the Ribeira Grande valley on Santo Antão, a spire of harder rock left behind when the softer material around it eroded away, rising out of the terraced valley floor with houses and cane fields at its base. It is a landmark of the valley and is seen from the road and the walking paths that run up towards Coculi and the villages beyond.

What you actually see

• The rock spire - a volcanic plug left standing by erosion.
• The valley terraces - cane and vegetable fields at the base of the spire.
• The roadside view - the vantage from the valley road.
• The walking paths - the routes up the valley past the formation.

When to go

November to June is the dry season. Morning light in the valley is the best. Cloud on the upper valley is frequent.

Honest expectations

It is a roadside landmark rather than a destination and the visit is a stop. There is no path onto the spire. Parking on the narrow valley road is awkward.

Nearby

Ribeira Grande is north, and Coculi is up the valley.