Brava
The smallest of Cape Verde’s inhabited islands is not particularly well-behaved, but quite the opposite: the name Ilha Brava means “indomitable island”.
Despite a small airport, there is (already) no regular air traffic, so the port of Furna, in the northeast, is the only access with regular services to the small 67 km² island of Brava.
As a result, Brava has remained very unspoiled and has hardly been discovered by tourists. But if you’re looking for peace and quiet, this is where you’ll find it. Since there are hardly any beaches, the island is not suitable for pure bathing tourism. Tourist accommodation can practically only be found in Vila Nova Sintra, Cova Joana and Fajã de Água.
In Fajã de Água, on the west coast, there are also natural pools by the sea, which can be reached by stairs and which allow you to bathe safely in the sea. What’s more, there are almost no bathing opportunities on Brava, the real untamed one.
Due to its location, the island receives rain from time to time, which allows for very productive agriculture. This is also the island’s main source of income. Thanks to the water, Brava also has surprisingly lush vegetation, which is quite rare on Cape Verde’s mostly steppe southern islands.
The village of Vila Nova Sintra, located in the mountains, is considered the “most beautiful place in Cape Verde”. It is characterized by well-kept houses with small gardens and you can imagine that many people lived here better than anywhere else.
If you’re looking for green landscapes, prefer to just look at the sea and enjoy the peace and quiet, Brava is the place for you.
