Brava, A ‘Garden’ island offering spectacular walks and misty peaks

This mysterious often mist-shrouded island is the smallest in the archipelago, just 10km across at its widest point.  Known for being wet, green and difficult to reach (a 20km ferry crossing from Fogo once a week), the mountainous interior provides some of the best walking of the islands.  However, this is not a place for beach lovers as most of the coastline is fringed by steep cliffs and there are few beaches.  To the west is probably the most beautiful bay in Cape Verde, Fajã d’Agua, a lovely little village nestling at the foot of the mountains.  Vila Nova Sintra, the main town on the island, is also attractive and a riot of colour when the hibiscus and bougainvillea are out, although at 520m it can be foggy.  Many walks start and finish here, so it makes a good base.  Please note that Brava is well worth making the effort to visit, but due to the irregularity of the ferry, a trip here needs to be planned carefully and some flexibility built in.

With its spectacular mountains and breathtaking coastline, Brava is a walker’s paradise. Many walks start from or near Vila Nova Sintra, along pretty cobbled paths and you can climb the highest peak, Monte Fontainhas at 976m, descend valleys, pass through ghostly villages, or descend to the beautiful bay of Faja d’Agua.