Travel Guide Mosteiros

An hour's drive from the capital lies Mosteiros, in the northeast, in the most irrigated and verdant part of Fogo. On a relatively arid island, this little port is a veritable Garden of Eden, between sea and mountains. Just over 10,000 inhabitants live around the town, which boasts an airfield that fell into disuse at the end of the 90s and Fogo's second hospital. The runway, made of volcanic rock, used to be used by seaplanes, which children loved to watch land on the mountainside. The town itself has a population of around 600 and is the island's second-largest municipality, located in a predominantly agricultural region where coffee and citrus fields stretch as far as the Monte Velha natural park. Some locals are also involved in small-scale fishing. Further afield, the three volcanic craters of Covas de Mosteiros are carpeted with exotic crops of mango, guava and papaya. With more than 1,700 m of ascent, the hikes offer beautiful views for the most daring sportsmen and women. The many coffee trees in the region produce a strong coffee that is renowned for being 100% organic, and flower in August. Harvesting takes place in March, a sight to behold if you come during this period. To get there, take the road to the north of the village, up towards the valley. This is also the place where the famous traditional Vinho Sodade wine and Likor di Musteru, a liqueur made from tropical fruit, are produced.