SECRET PASSAGE
THE RIBEIRAS ROUTE
Ribeira das Patas • Alto Mira • Ribeira da Cruz
Departing from Porto Novo, discover a region of Santo Antão that is very different from the lush valleys of the east and the much drier landscapes along the road to Tarrafal.
The journey begins in Ribeira das Patas, where the road winds through spectacular volcanic terrain. Rocky cliffs and canyons sometimes give the landscape the appearance of the American Wild West, with a character entirely its own.
As the road climbs higher, it reaches mountain passes overlooking the ribeiras. Magnificent panoramas open up across the valleys before descending towards Alto Mira, a region of small villages and cultivated terraces clinging to the mountainsides, with the ocean in the background.
The road connects the villages accessible by car, while the most isolated hamlets can still only be reached on foot. This gives the region a genuine feeling of remoteness and authenticity.
The tour continues towards Ribeira da Cruz, where the scenery changes once again. At the bottom of the valley, cultivated fields contrast with the drier mountains surrounding them.
Passing through the small village of Ribeira da Cruz, the road continues towards Chã de Branquinho, reaching a magnificent viewpoint overlooking the coast and the Atlantic Ocean.
Canyons, mountain passes, remote villages, cultivated terraces and ocean panoramas: a full day exploring one of Santo Antão's lesser-known landscapes.
Where the Mountains Open Up
On old maps, certain passages between the mountains seemed to lead to unknown territories. Sometimes, travellers had to follow a valley, cross a mountain pass or go around a cliff to discover what lay on the other side.
Between Ribeira das Patas, Alto Mira and Ribeira da Cruz, the roads wind through canyons, isolated villages and volcanic landscapes. Every turn reveals a new perspective, as though the mountains were gradually opening their doors.
What if the true secret passage wasn't hidden on a map, but simply waiting around the next bend?
— Captain Thalyna
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ITINERARY
Porto Novo → Ribeira das Patas → Alto Mira → Ribeira da Cruz → Coastal viewpoint → Porto Novo
SECRET PASSAGE – INFORMATION
🚙 Private tour with driver-guide
🕒 Full-day excursion
👥 Vehicles for up to 4, 7 or 16 passengers,
subject to availability and authorised capacity
💶 €120 per vehicle
Booking deposit: €10, fully deducted from the tour price.
This deposit is payable after confirmation of the driver-guide's availability.
If the customer cancels, the €10 deposit is non-refundable. If we are unable to provide the tour, the deposit will be refunded in full.
The remaining balance of €110 is paid directly to the driver-guide on the day of the tour.
No additional booking fees.
For departure times, drop-off arrangements and other practical information, please visit our Tours & Adventures page.