In Portuguese, fogo means fire, and this island, located 60 mi/100 km west of Praia, is aptly named. Although all the islands of Cape Verde are volcanic in nature, the only active crater is on the leeward island of Fogo. Mount Fogo is a 9,281-ft-/2,829-m-high active volcano that continuously emits steam and noxious vapors. It last erupted in 2014, destroying several villages on the island.
You can climb to the volcano's rim along the eastern side for an inspiring view, but be warned—it's a steep and arduous trek. The Fogo Natural Park is a protected natural space.
The only sizable town on this circular island (about 15 mi/24 km across) is Sao Felipe, on the west side, whose main attractions are the old gallows and the black-sand beaches just south of the town. Perched precariously on the eastern slope of the volcano are the island's coffee plantations.
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