Mountain biking at its finest off the west coast of Africa

This tour begins with a shuttle to the Serra Malagueta Nature Park, which lies between the coastal town of Tarrafal and the mountain town of Assomada. Once at the top, the downhill begins.

If you want to enjoy the breathtaking view of the gorge and the Principal Lake, you have to make a few stops here. Descending on a smooth and curved-style path, sometimes flowy, sometimes more challenging with occasional steps and switchbacks, until you get closer to the valley floor.

Upon reaching the valley floor, the path becomes smoother again, and you'll ride through a sea of mango trees, banana plants, and sugarcane stalks until you reach the village of Principal.

Didn't get enough? If you feel like, you can take the coastal road and one or two surprise trails back to Tarrafal directly to the beach bar. Otherwise you can also hop in the pick-up.

On this tour after a shuttle ride, we start by pedaling up a gravel road along the mountain ridge until we reach the beginning of our trail near the top. Prepare your camera because the views from both sides of the island are amazing!

Then the long and legendary single trail over an altitude difference of around 1500 meters along the mountain ridge begins – fast and fun!

There might be a few tricky spots, but overall, it's smooth and beautiful to ride. A truly superb trail!
On the way back, we will also have the option to visit the Rabelados, a religious community from the island of Santiago, where you can see the village and their artwork. It's now another 20 km and 500 m of difference in altitude back to Tarrafal along the coastal road; if you don't feel like it any more, hop on the shuttle.

Well-built with numerous curves and a few tricky spots, but always flowing smoothly. This is Passo de Gato!

Many sections are characterized by a fascinating and seemingly untouched canyon scenery. The fast, twisty trail leads from the Serra Malagueta over challenging switchbacks to a high plateau with a unique view of the gorges below and the wild Atlantic Ocean on the horizon.

For a short stretch, you have to push and carry your bike up a steep snakingpath for around 80 meters; you are rewarded with spectacular views of the bay of Tarrafal and, on a clear day, the neighbouring islands of Maio and Fogo!

For dessert, a flowing trail through magnificent and, if necessary, healing aloe vera fields down to Tarrafal awaits us.

This time we will ride on the West side of the island. Once we have caught the shuttle to the departure point, we climb up towards Monte Ramo, which has a pleasant incline. The path leads through steep terrain, with a breathtaking view down into the wild gorge and the bay of Tarrafal.

Speaking of breathtaking: this is how the following trail presents itself in terms of views and technical passages down to the village of Fundura. This is followed by a fun flow trail towards the west coast before we pedal back up the tarmac road to Figueras de Naus.

Riding along the ridge high above the gorge, we then descend until the trail suddenly leads into steep switchbacks directly to the valley floor. Here the bike has to be carried over short sections. We can then relax with a swim in the legendary “Natural Bassins” of Ribeira da Prata.

We return to the Kingfisher Hotel via a cobblestone road and beach trail.

You don't have to be a pirate, but you do have to be a bit crazy to take on the exclusive trail on the west coast. The pick-up takes us to the starting point of Figueras das Naus at just under 700 m above sea level in around 20 minutes. The first kilometer takes us stress-free over an altitude difference of around 100 metres to the start of the downhill. Here, on the tricky, steep trail over hill and dale, thrills and adrenaline rushes are guaranteed - so be careful. Either way, you need to make a stop to enjoy the spectacular scenery in unspoiled nature! The downhill ends in the Ribeira do Pedroso river valley, where, thanks to the natural spring, a plant-rich oasis with a wide variety of animals from donkeys to monkeys awaits us.

After a refreshing swim in the Baia de Angrinha, the fisherman takes us on an adventurous boat trip back to Kingfisher Village - if you feel like it, you can take a fishing trip into the wild Atlantic.