By virtue of being Cabo Verde’ smallest and greenest inhabited island, Brava gives off a warm feeling, Brava seems like a world away from the neighboring islands, when visiting Brava you can be rest assured that you’ll come in contact with a few locals due to the island's limited tourist activities.
1. History
Brava was discovered in 1462 by the Portuguese explorer Diogo Afonso. During the 1620s, the population of Brava started to increase with the arrival of settlers from Madeira and the Azores.
Settlement in Brava increased exponentially in 1680 when it received a large number of refugees from the nearby island of Fogo after its volcano erupted and covered the island with ash.
Frequent pirate attacks forced the population towards the interior of the island, where the town Nova Sintra was founded around the turn of the 18th century.
2. Vila Nova Sintra
Nova Sintra has made a strong case for most beautiful Cabo Verdean Island; Nova Sintra has a museum, traditional Portuguese architecture, several churches, and shops.
It is actually considered a city although its population doesn't exceed 1500 people; Nova Sintra is also the capital of Brava. The statue of the famed Cabo Verdean writer - Eugenio Tavares is located in Nova Sintra.
3. Furna and Faja d'agua
Bravas’ two harbors are distinct in their own way, Furna being the main harbor of Brava is busier, due to the arrivals and departures of the ferry. Furna is a typical fishing village and the colorful house fronts add a lot of charm to the island.
Faja d'agua, on the other hand, is located within the mountains, with tranquil spaces and lots of fruit trees. Here you can find Faja’s bay with a few natural swimming pools.
4. Hikers Paradise
If you enjoy hiking then look no further than Brava, there are steep cliffs located within the island, it goes without saying that the best trails on Brava Island are from Nova Sintra to Faja d’Agua and Fontainhas.
It also has ideal conditions for trekking, or if you just want to feel nature at its purest while stretching your legs.
5. Defunct Airport
Although the Esperadinha Airport, inaugurated in 1992, was closed in 2004 due to persisting strong winds, you can get to Brava by ferry from Fogo or Santiago to the commercial port of Furna.
If you’re up for it, you can visit the now defunct airport and take in the scenery at the former landing strip; and enjoy impressive views on the rocky coastline of Brava Island.
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