Scooter, quad bike, bicycle and motorcycle rentals on Santo Antao island

Picture switchback roads carved into volcanic rock, dropping from a crater rim into terraced plantations, and ending at a cliffside village where the road simply stops at the sea. That's Santo Antão on two wheels. A short ride gets you from the misty heights of Cova de Paúl down through Vale do Paúl to the fishing town of Ponta do Sol, and if you want to go further, the cliff-hugging road to Fontainhas waits with one of the most photographed views in Cape Verde. Renting a motorcycle here isn't just convenient — it's the only way to reach half of what makes this island worth visiting.

This is not an island built for cars. The roads are narrow, steep and folded into hairpins along volcanic ridges, and villages like Fontainhas or Cha de Igreja barely have room to turn a car around, let alone park one. A motorcycle or scooter threads these switchbacks easily, stops wherever the view demands it, and gets you between valleys that look close on the map but take a long, winding drive to actually connect. If you want to link the crater, the north coast and the remote southwest coast in a single day, two wheels is simply the faster, more practical choice.

Top 10 things to see in Santo Antão by motorcycle

1. Cova de Paúl (Cova crater) — a paved switchback climb to the rim of a huge extinct volcano, with a classic view down into the cultivated caldera floor.
2. Vale do Paúl (Paúl Valley) — the road drops from the crater rim through terraced sugarcane and banana plantations, one of the most dramatic descents on the island.
3. Ponta do Sol — an end-of-the-road fishing town on the northeast tip, with a lighthouse and a coastline of black lava.
4. Fontainhas — a cliffside village perched above the sea, reachable only by a narrow coastal road and one of the most photographed spots on Santo Antão.
5. Ribeira Grande — the island's old colonial-era town and main hub on the north coast, a natural stop on any loop.
6. Estrada da Corda (the Xoxo road to Cha de Igreja) — a vertigo-inducing cliffside road along the north coast and one of the most spectacular rides on the island.
7. Cha de Igreja — a remote village at the end of the Xoxo road, deep in the Ribeira da Torre valley, ringed by terraced peaks.
8. Tarrafal de Monte Trigo — an isolated fishing village on the southwest coast, reached via a long, winding descent that rewards a full day of riding.
9. Porto Novo — the island's capital and ferry port, usually the starting point for any rental loop.
10. Janela — a north-coast village known for its old dragon trees and a scenic stretch of coastal riding.

What do you need to rent a motorcycle in Santo Antão?

Your home-country driving licence should cover motorcycles or scooters, depending on the size of the machine you choose — a car-only licence generally isn't enough for anything above a small scooter. An International Driving Permit isn't required. Riders are typically expected to be 18 or older, and rental desks usually ask for a deposit, either in cash or as a card pre-authorisation; some will hold your passport instead of a larger cash deposit, so it's worth asking what they prefer before you sign anything.

How much does it cost to rent a motorcycle in Santo Antão?

A basic scooter starts at around 550 CVE per day in low season, climbing to roughly 1,500–2,500 CVE per day during the busiest months. Larger motorcycles and quads run higher, typically 3,500–5,500 CVE per day even outside peak season.

• Prices rise sharply around Christmas, New Year and Carnival in February.
• May–June and September–October are the cheapest, quietest months to book.
• Booking a few days ahead in high season helps secure the model you want.

When to book a rental motorcycle in Santo Antão?

High season runs November to March, with another bump in July and August as European visitors arrive; this is when prices peak and the best machines get booked first. Low season falls in September and October, when the island is quieter and rates drop noticeably. If your dates are flexible, aim for May, June or the September–October window for the best combination of good riding weather and lower cost.

Local traffic rules in Santo Antão

Cape Verde drives on the right, and helmets are mandatory for both riders and passengers — a reputable rental agency will supply one, but check the fit and condition before you accept it. Built-up areas are generally limited to 50 km/h, and there are no motorways on the island, so road conditions matter more than posted signs. Drink-driving is enforced with roadside checks, so treat zero alcohol as the safe standard. Cobblestone stretches and mountain switchbacks get slippery when wet or dusty, and unlit roads after dark can hide pedestrians and stray animals — ride well within your limits, especially outside town.

Types of motorcycles available

On our website you can rent the following types of motorcycles: cruiser, sport, touring, standard, classic, dual-purpose, dirt bikes, street, naked bikes or roadsters, choppers, custom, streetfighter, sport-touring, dual-sport, on-road, off-road, adventure motorcycles, supermoto, scrambler, motorcycle with sidecar, enduro, motocross mx, trail, motards, tricycles, bikes with automatic or manual gears, luxury motorbikes.

Models of motorcycles available

On our website you can hire motorcycles from the following manufacturers: BMW, Harley Davidson, Aprilia, Buell, Cagiva, Ducati, Gilera, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM, Husqvarna, Jawa, MV Agusta, Moto Guzzi, Triumph, Benelli, Bajaj, Indian, Royal Enfield, TVS, Beta, Bimota.

Which insurance is provided?

Most providers include basic third-party liability insurance in the rental price, with options to upgrade to fuller coverage that reduces or removes your deposit liability in case of damage or theft. Always confirm exactly what is and isn’t covered before you set off.

Extra services available

When you make an online motorbike reservation you can also order the following extra services and equipment: integral helmet, GPS navigation, intercom, unlimited mileage, top case, side cases, boots, jacket, gloves, individual guide or tour, map, full insurance, one-way rental, or delivery to your chosen address.

Why use BikesBooking.com?

• Compare prices from multiple local rental companies in one place;
• Read reviews from previous customers;
• Reserve online with a Best Price Guarantee;
• Friendly support if your plans change.

Most of our motorcycle rental providers have years of experience and will equip you with a well-maintained bike, helmet and insurance for the ride ahead. The number of companies we work with is increasing every day, so if you want to rent a motorcycle locally, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!