Prova GB
INFORMATION
It is the northernmost island in the entire archipelago and, after Santiago, the largest.
It extends for 43km from Ponta de Tumba to the northeast Punta de Cammarina to the southwest and 23km wide from Puntadas Areias to the northwest, and is crossed transversally by a mountain range of 1,600 m of altitude, which reaches the highest altitude of 1979 m with the Tope of the Heart. This particular morphological characteristic creates important microclimatic zones, differentiating it from the other islands of Cape Verde.
In fact, Santa Antào has the privilege of being covered in green, here several rains fall, causing the formation of several fresh water springs. Each small piece of arable land is explored, also using the terracing technique.
In fact, there are no extensive plains, except for the plain of Caldera di Cova, the crater of an ancient extinct volcano. The landscape is marked by ancient river valleys.
The southeastern part is deserted, arid with jagged and steep coasts that involve small black sand beaches, of clear volcanic origin.
From one coast to the other you can admire the succession of extremely different landscapes and environments, don't miss your ticket to this island.
HISTORY
Santa Antào was discovered on January 17, 1462 by Diogo Alfonso and began to be populated initially by Portuguese settlers, mainly from the Algarve and Alentija, sent by Infante D. Henrique, later black slaves already Latinized or Liberated.
From the 16th century onwards, Spaniards, Italians, French, North Americans and Jews joined.
It was only in the 19th century that the roads to connect the major centers of the island were completed.
In 1593, under the reign of Spain, the island was donated to the Count of Orta, D. Franciscode Mascarenhas, with the title of Count of Santa Cruz, who founded the village of Santa Cruz, which later became Reibeira Grande.
It appears that the Count's fourth son, a certain Dom João de Mascarenhas, as well as the Marquis de Gouveia, had mortgaged the island to the English, when he was in exile in England for passionate murder.
The sale was nothing more than a petty expedient to remedy the economic difficulties in which the marquis found himself, but it caused a serious diplomatic incident as the English appeared on the island claiming possession of the crown.
This fact generated protests from the governor of the islands of Cape Verde and King João V of Portugal wasted no time in sending a contingent of troops to expel the undesirables. municipality of the island, assuming the current name of Reibeira Grande.
In 1886, the rebels converged to march on Ribeira Grande with guns and sticks to march on the Town Hall at the cry of "Viva a República", the revolt was against the Portuguese monarchy.
Once this revolt was suppressed by the authorities, there was a second episode in 1894, which arose from the dispute over the choice of a candidate who would represent Santa Antào in the Lisbon parliament, between the citizens of Ribeira Grande and Pàul.
This ended with the intervention of the central governor, prisons, courts and lawyers, said to have ruined the richest families on the island.
SPORT
MOUNTAIN BIKE
Santa Antao lends itself very well to being visited by mountain bike. In addition to the excursions that can be carried out by car, there are others specifically indicated for the more sporty or for those who love a little more adventure.
WALKING
For those who have time, it is worth trying some hikes. The ascent from Pico da Cruz, the one that crosses Cruzinha da Garça to Fontaihnas, does not present particular difficulties, except for the fact that it is still necessary to remember to be in Africa, in order to protect yourself from the sun and have a good supply of water. Water.
The tours take place in the middle of nature between stretches of different altitudes, crossing sparsely inhabited and wild areas, developing along the island's mountains. However, it is preferable to be accompanied by a guide.