Fogo — The Volcanic Island

Fogo (Portuguese for "Fire") lives up to its name: The almost circular island is a volcano. The Pico do Fogo rises to 2,829 meters — the highest mountain in Cape Verde and one of the most active volcanoes in the Atlantic. The last eruption was in 2014/2015, when lava flows partially destroyed the village of Chã das Caldeiras. The residents returned and rebuilt on the fresh lava — a symbol of the resilience of the Cape Verdeans.

Fogo is a geological wonderland. The entire island is a shield volcano rising steeply from the Atlantic. On the west side, the crater wall has collapsed, revealing the vast Chã das Caldeiras — a plateau at 1,700 meters, surrounded by the Bordeira cliff, from which the Pico rises. About 1,000 people live in this crater, growing wine, keeping goats, and producing the best cheese in Cape Verde. The scenery is unreal: black lava fields, a smoking volcanic cone, vines on ash, all at nearly 2,000 meters altitude.

The island capital São Filipe on the west coast is one of the most beautiful small towns in Cape Verde: colonial houses with verandas (Sobrados), cobblestone streets, a black lava beach, and a breathtaking view of the neighboring island Brava. Plan 2–4 days for Fogo: one day for the volcano ascent, one for Chã das Caldeiras and São Filipe, and one for relaxation.