Sao Filipe

Hiking up Fogo Volcano isn't your typical leisurely stroll-it's an audacious ascent up Cape Verde's fiery backyard barbecue pit, proudly simmering atop the black moonscape of Cha das Caldeiras. At nearly 3,000 meters, this volcano is gloriously unpredictable, having vomited molten rock as recently as 2014-because what's a trek without a little existential dread? Aim to hit the trail obscenely early-around sunrise-to dodge the merciless midday sun and savor a panorama dramatic enough to make even your most self-involved Instagram followers gasp. Plan at least a week ahead, budget around €50-€80 for a local guide (trust me, you'll want one when you're staring down a smoking crater), and pack plenty of water, sturdy boots, snacks, and sunscreen-unless you're into spontaneous combustion. It's exhausting, dusty, and mildly terrifying, yet worth every blistered toe and sore muscle. After all, how often do you get to nonchalantly recount that one time you casually climbed an active volcano-just another Tuesday, really.

Dragging myself out of bed before sunrise to fish with grizzled harbor veterans wasn't exactly at the top of my bucket list-but then again, neither was wolfing down fermented shark or bungee jumping, and both turned into legendary stories. Guided by fishermen whose sea-weathered faces could fill a Hemingway novel, you'll practice the ancient, unpretentious art of traditional fishing, a skill barely changed since humans first looked at water and thought, "That seems edible." Arrive at dawn-yes, dawn-armed with sturdy shoes, weatherproof layers, and a thermos of strong coffee or possibly something stronger to ingratiate yourself with the crew. Book at least a few days in advance (these guys aren't on Yelp), and set aside around $50-$100 depending on whether you want the full "earn your breakfast or starve" experience or something less hardcore. Sure, you might come back reeking of salt and sardines and bruised pride, but trust me, the fish tales you'll spin afterward-embellished triumphs and salty discomforts included-are worth every penny and sore muscle.