Cova Matinho
Cova Matinho is a small locality in the eastern part of the island of Fogo, Cape Verde. It is southeast of Pico do Fogo and is north of Cova Figueira and its elevation is about 500 meters abouve sea level.
Geography and history
The locality is on the foot of the highest mountain in Cape Vede, Pico do Fogo. The seamount was formed around 60 million years ago. 73,000 years ago, the area was formed as part of the interior of the earlier Fogo Mountain, the eastern half collapsed and with some erosion and lava flow over the centuries, it would form the current landscape. The 1951 eruption affected the eastern part of the island including Cova Matinho. Volcanic soils from the 1951 eruption dominates most of the area.[1] In lighter colors, some of the soil dates from 1769 and 1857. Agricultural products includes corn and beans as well as cattle including goats and some cows. Jatropha, a machine oil was once produced and was the main source of its economy. Shrubs dominate the area.
Nearby is Miradouro do Alto Espigão which offer panoramic views and as far as the western portion of Santiago Island.[2] A few kilometers to the east is the beach named Casa Praia located on the east coast of the island. It contains sand and basalt rock formations.
Infrastructure
The locality is linked with a circular island road and passes throught the steepest portion of the island. Mosteiros is 15 kilometers north. Aluguer buses (pick-up trucks) serves Cova Matinho.
The locality also has a school, tourism is rarely popular.
References
Coordinates: 14°55′05″N 24°17′42″W / 14.918°N 24.295°W