Fogo Volcano Island is still erupting. The last eruption occurred quite recently – in 1995 – and destroyed several cities almost to the ground, but literally six months later they were restored. Tourists are attracted by black beaches, bright Portuguese colonial architecture and interesting hiking and cycling routes to the top of the volcano, including extreme ones. The island is also known for its original winemaking – the unique microclimate and volcanic soils make it possible to grow grapes of a wide variety, including rare varieties.
How to get to Fogo
There are regular flights to Fogo from Santiago (Praia) and Sal, the airport is located in Sao Filipe. It is worth asking for seats on the right side of the plane, as when landing, there are stunning views of the volcano from there. A taxi from the airport to the city center will cost about 500 CVE.
According to wholevehicles, there is a night ferry from Praia to the island.
Transport
Public transport runs between the two main villages of the island – Sao Filipe and Mosteiros, fare 500 CVE. From Mosteiros, the bus leaves at 5:30 am, stops at Sao Filipe and continues to Cha das Caldeiras. In addition, there are routes to Sao Jorge between 10:30 and 11:30.
Traveling from Sao Filipe to Cha das Caldeiras and back by taxi will cost 6000 CVE, tour around the island – 8000 CVE, to Sao Lourenço – 1000 CVE. In addition, Fog is easy to ride a bike: a beautiful road makes a circle around the island, connecting Sao Filipe on the west coast with the village of Mosteiros, where, by the way, the best coffee in Cape Verde is grown.
Rent a car per day 7000-8000 CVE.
Fogo Hotels
The island has one hotel and many boarding houses in Sao Filipe. Mosteiros has several boarding houses and one hostel.
Cuisine and restaurants
Most of Fogu’s restaurants and bars are located in Sao Filipe; a few more “catering” points can be found in Cha das Caldeiras and in Mosteiros.
Shopping: shops
A traditional souvenir from Fogo is products made from the lava of the Fogo volcano. Shops selling such products are located throughout the island, most in Cha das Caldeiras. In addition, excellent coffee is brought here.
Attractions and attractions Fogo
The picturesque town of Sao Filipe sits on a cliff overlooking a black sandy beach. The colorful buildings of the city are decorated with traditional clay tiles, while the squares are decorated with colonial-style buildings.
It is worth a trip to the crater of the volcano, and the town of Cha das Caldeiras. Approximately 1,200 people live in this inhospitable landscape, recently classified as a nature reserve. Terrace with stunning views of Sao Filipe – Alt da Aguadinha.
Also of interest is Igreja Matriz (parish church) – a colonial building of the 19th century, a private museum Casa da Memoria (House of Memory).
There are at least three routes to the volcanic caves on the way to Sao Lourenço. The best walk is climbing the volcano and traveling between Cha das Caldeiras and Mosteiros. It is wiser to hire a guide for a walk in this place.
Good fishing can be found in the Cavaleiros Valley in the north of Sao Filipe and in Alcatraz, on the southeast coast.
The most popular beach is the beach of Nossa Senora, the most beautiful is the Salt Lake, located in Sao Jorge.