Brava

Brava lays quietly in the shadow of its volcanic neighbour Fogo, a mere 20 km away but it has nothing to be ashamed of. So far only small numbers of tourists have discovered its secrets but this is about to change with the introduction of the Cabo Verde Fast Ferry

Sometimes known as the island of flowers Brava is protected by imposing cliffs which hide a lush interior where you will find Bougainvillea, Jasmine and Hibiscus. Its geography makes it both the wettest and greenest of the Cape Verde Islands.

This 64sqkm of mountainous land isn’t a beach destination but more a place for those who have the spirit of adventure, love walking and nature or enjoy finding serenity in a rugged setting. Brava and its outer inlets are a haven for Bird watching, Fishing and Hiking, and on a calm day you can swim in one of the natural sea water lagoons.

The main places of interest can be seen in half a day, so it’s ideal to link Fogo and Brava together. However if you want to linger there are some lovely pensions whose charm is a faded colonial style.

Brava Highlights
Nova Sintra

This very picturesque town in central Brava is perpetually shrouded in mist, due to its location giving a serene atmosphere. Here you will find places to eat, amenities like a bank and lovely gardens, one of which is named after the famous Cape Verdian poet Eugenio Tavares. There is also a museum and church dating from the 1880’s to explore as well as a number of great walks that start here and lead towards the coastal areas.

Pico of Fontainhas

Standing at 976m this is the highest peak and if you climb up on a clear day and you can see amazing panoramic views of the Island and its neighbour Fogo in the distance.  Then continue on to Nossa Senhora Do Monte a scenic mountain village where you will find further fantastic viewing points.

Faja d Agua

This lovely sheltered coastal village is located at the base of the mountain, and also in the greenest part of the Island. Here you might enjoy some freshly caught fish grilled at the local bar on request. Nearby is one of Brava’s few volcanic sand beaches. One of the islands best natural lagoons is also just south of here  and  great for swimming in when the conditions are right.

King and Luiz Carneiro  Islets

Hire a boat in Faja D’Agua and visit one of these islets which are known to be inhabited by several very rare bird species.

Fonte Da Virgem

See how the local people have designed an irrigation system and small terraces to grow crops making use of the fresh water springs. If you’re a keen gardener or budding horticulturalist you may appreciate the beauty of this place even more.

Festivals
June 23rd Feast of St John

This festival is one of the highlights of Brava’s cultural calendar and traditionally involves 3 days of preparation. On June 23rd, bonfires are lit in all the houses in thanksgiving of the blessings  that the preceding  year has bestowed. Horsemen accompanied by women dancing to the sound of a drumbeat  take the flag of St Joao and place it on the alter. Fireworks then begin. On the 24th June, girls cover the flagstaff with cakes, fruit and sweets, then at 10am a procession takes place followed by a special mass.