The surface area of Santo Antão is 779Km2. It is the second largest island of the archipelago and is rather like a trapezoid in shape. It has a maximum length of 43Km.
Between TUMBA to the northeast and CAMARIVA to the southeast. Its widest point is 24 Km. from AREIAS (to the north) and CAIS DO FORTES (to the south). Along the middle of the island, a mountain range runs from northeast to southeast and ends at TOPE DA COROA (with an altitude of 1979 m), a relatively recent volcanic peak. Other peaks are PICO DA CRUZ (1814 m) to the northeast and GUIDO DO CAVALEIRO (1811 m) to the southeast.
The climate is dry in the south, cool in the central region (at an Altitude of 1000 m) and humid in the northeast region. Quite naturally, the vegetation varies dramatically between regions.
The high zones are covered with trees like the eucalyptus, the cypress, and the pine-tree. The south, in total contrast, is arid with herbaceous vegetation. There are still some signs of Santo Antão's volcanic past; the crater named COVA, for example, is very well preserved. Due to the effects of erosion, the streams are deep and the peaks are very sharp and steep.
The coastline is very picturesque. In the north, parts have been worn away by the northeast winds and the rough seas, there are, however, a number of excellent beaches, such as PRAIA FORMOSA, to name one.
HISTORY
Diogo Afonso discovered the island of Santo Antão on the 17th of January in 1462. Colonialization began in 1548. In the XIX century, roads were built linking PONTA DO SOL to RIBEIRA GRANDE and PORTO NOVO, and it was from here the island's goods were shipped out.
Travel Guide and articles of interest. Must be V.I.P. Member and logged in to access:
Visiting the island of Santo Antao
Santo Antao is one of the most fantastic islands of the archipelago. Although this statement maybe unfair to the rest of them, for it is a fact that all islands have their special charm, this one is, among the more mountainous, the one which most thrills the visitor. With majestic mountains and deep steep valleys, the topography of the island is breathtaking.
S. Antao - the famous GROGUE!
“Legal Bill no.124 of December 1941 places a ban on the manufacturing of brandy on grounds of health and promotes to the growth of food crops; however, the law proved unsuccessful and merely led to the clandestine manufacture in, and all illegal trade of brandy (Grog)...
