Ribeira Grande
Santo Antão's agricultural hub with terraced farms, grogue production, and hiking tourism in dramatic volcanic landscapes.
Ribeira Grande occupies Santo Antão's northeastern slopes—a municipality where dramatic mountain landscapes enable agriculture impossible elsewhere in the arid archipelago. Terraced fields climb volcanic ridges, producing grapes, sugarcane, tropical fruits, and vegetables that supply other islands.
The agricultural economy sets Santo Antão apart from tourism-focused islands. Grogue (sugarcane rum) production creates distinctive local products. Hiking tourism exploits the spectacular scenery—Paul Valley and Cova crater draw trekkers seeking alternatives to beach vacations. This positions the municipality as Cabo Verde's adventure and agricultural destination.
Water scarcity constrains development despite relative fertility. Seasonal rains and limited aquifers restrict agricultural expansion. Young people emigrate toward Praia or Portugal, leaving aging farming populations. The biological pattern is altitude-driven niche differentiation: Ribeira Grande exploits microclimates unavailable at sea level, creating economic activities distinct from coastal islands.