Cova, Stratovolcano in Paul, Cape Verde
Cova is a stratovolcano on Santo Antão sitting at about 1176 meters elevation with a crater transformed into an agricultural zone. Inside, sugarcane, bananas, maize, and beans grow against a backdrop of volcanic ridges and steep rock walls.
The volcano formed long ago and its crater gradually became a fertile valley over the centuries. This transformation shaped the agricultural development of Santo Antão island.
Farmers in the crater follow inherited methods and grow crops central to Cape Verdean cooking. These practices remain woven into the daily life of the island community.
The site is best reached through organized hiking tours from Porto Novo, with multiple trails leading to different viewpoints. Visitors should be prepared for steep paths and changing weather conditions at elevation.
The crater interior is often shrouded in dense fog created by its elevation and surroundings, which notably influences the vegetation growing there. This steady moisture enables the cultivation and supports the fields.
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