Porto Novo, County administration center in Santo Antão, Cape Verde
Porto Novo is the administrative center of its county on the southern coast of Santo Antão island in Cape Verde. The area extends inland from the waterfront, with the main town occupying a natural harbor while surrounding terrain rises toward highlands.
The county was established as an independent administrative entity in 1962 after being separated from Paul municipality. This division reflected broader changes in how the island's governance was reorganized during the post-independence period.
The community here maintains deep ties to fishing and local trade that shape daily rhythms in the town center. Markets and waterfront areas serve as gathering places where residents buy fresh catch and goods from surrounding villages.
Access to the area is mainly through the harbor, which handles most maritime traffic for the island. The terrain becomes hilly as you move inland, so travel can be slow on roads leading to higher elevations and remote villages.
The island's highest mountain peak sits within this county and offers sweeping views across Santo Antão from its summit. Hikers who reach the top pass through changing vegetation zones that reveal different landscapes and perspectives of the surrounding terrain.
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