From Sao Pedro to Farol de Dona Amélia

fr

This walk takes you to the Farol de Dona Amélia lighthouse, located at the westernmost point of Sao Vicente (Cape Verde).
Starting from Sao Pedro, this walk begins along a magnificent white sand beach, then the path clings to the side of the rock with the ocean below until you reach the lighthouse.
This is a very easy hike, which can be done as a round trip along the same path.

Details

n°2048245
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 5.85 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 45 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 390 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 387 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 104 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 0 m
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Photos

as you approach the lighthouse.
Return from Farol via the trail
Dona Amélia lighthouse

Description of the walk

(S/E) In the village of Sao Pedro, head towards the large beach. The hike begins with a long walk along this beach.

(1) At the end of the beach, pick up the path that winds through the rocks. The path is now on the mountainside and follows the steep coast. You will walk along the ocean at a height of 5-10 metres. It takes about 30 minutes to reach the lighthouse.

(2) The Dona Amélia lighthouse. It is possible to visit it. When we arrived, we kindly asked the young man who was guarding it if we could go inside. It is not particularly interesting, but it allows you to get a little higher up to admire the ocean. It is also possible to go down to sea level via a small path.

The return journey is via the same route to the village of Sao Pedro (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 4 m - Village of Sao Pedro
  2. 1 : km 1.43 - alt. 8 m - Path among the rocks
  3. 2 : km 2.88 - alt. 22 m - Arrival at the lighthouse
  4. S/E : km 5.85 - alt. 4 m - Village of Sao Pedro

Notes

No shade, no water on the path.
Path on the side of a mountain.
The path is exposed to strong winds.

Worth a visit

San Pedro beach, caution: unguarded and dangerous beach.
Santo André Restaurant, a friendly restaurant where you can eat well.
Mindelo, cultural capital of Cape Verde.
Césaria Evora Airport.

Reviews and comments

4.3 / 5
Based on 3 reviews
Reliability of the description
4 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.3 / 5
Route interest
4.7 / 5
User 14548134

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 26, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

We were staying at the Froya Branca hotel and the starting point is right next door... This 45-minute hike is pleasant because it's on the side of a mountain (safe). The arrival at the lighthouse is a little more rugged, but when we arrived, the lighthouse keeper invited us to go inside and climb to the top (a pleasant surprise!!!). The view of Sao Pedro Bay is magnificent... definitely worth doing.

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twistwo
twistwo

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 05, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful hike that can start higher up at the end of the road to avoid the section along the beach and the houses under construction. A sign saying "excepto obrio" indicates the end of the road. There are a few places to park and a sign indicating the route to follow to start the hike.
1 hour round trip, including a visit to the lighthouse. The keeper opened up and let me climb to the top, where there was a magnificent view of Santo Antao.
The short, most exposed section is equipped with a handrail, so wear closed shoes!
There is little shade on the trail, so avoid it during the hottest hours of the day.

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Philippe38150
Philippe38150

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 31, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A beautiful hike along the mountainside on a path overlooking the ocean.
The trail overlooks the ocean from a height of 70 metres.
The description of the hike is no longer up to date:
After walking along the magnificent sandy beach, the start of the trail is no longer accessible. This is due to the construction of several large hotel buildings.
Simply turn right onto a wide gravel track for a few hundred metres and then follow the large sign for Farol painted on a rock to find the trail.
A beautiful, easy hike if you're not afraid of heights. Take care with children.

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