São Domingos lies just inland from Praia, on the main road that climbs north through the middle of Santiago towards Assomada. Its town, also called Várzea da Igreja, sits in a farmed valley on that road. East of town, the land runs down to the sea at Praia Baixo. To the west, the mountains rise steeply, and the village of Rui Vaz perches at around 800 metres on the edge of a high cliff above the Ribeirão Galinha valley, often wrapped in cloud while the coast bakes below.
Hiking from Rui Vaz
Rui Vaz is one of the best starting points for hiking in southern Santiago. The air is cooler up here, and paths lead west past Monte Tchota, 1,041 metres high, and on towards the summit of Pico de Antónia, the island's highest peak at 1,394 metres. The final climb is steep and rocky, with some scrambling, so it's a walk for fit, sure-footed hikers with a guide. A shorter route drops from Rui Vaz on a steep path to São Jorge dos Órgãos and the national botanical garden in neighbouring São Lourenço dos Órgãos, passing terraced farms on the way.
Booking on adventuro
São Domingos is close enough to Praia that most walkers stay in the capital and drive up after breakfast. Use the Book here tab to see live dates for guided walks from Rui Vaz.
