Santo Antão is the rugged, emerald soul of Cape Verde, defined by dramatic volcanic peaks and deep, fertile canyons. Unlike its flat, sandy neighbours, it has carved out a niche in eco-tourism, drawing trekkers to its world-class mountain trails and traditional villages. It’s currently only accessible by ferry, making it a ‘hidden gem’.

Despite its lush appearance, the island suffers from a severe water paradox. A decade of persistent droughts has depleted natural springs, creating a tense competition for resources between the growing tourism sector and the traditional farmers who rely on every drop for survival. Water is desalinated in the main city, Porto Novo, using expensive fossil fuels. From there, the fresh water is transported using trucks to the surrounding premises at high costs.

This is not in line with the sustainable and sporty vision of Cabo Verde Beach Sports resort, the pre-Olympic training accommodation on Santo Antão. To ensure access to high-quality water for its visiting athletes, Cabo Verde Beach Sports resort has invested in a reliable supply of sustainable water, using only the sea and island sunshine. This means the athletes, who can indulge in beach volleyball and beach tennis, can take a fresh shower and enjoy hiking, trail running, mountain biking, climbing, abseiling and diving. Their visitors will be able to enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful island, its friendly people, the good food and perhaps even dance, without worrying about water.