The Island Brava in Cabo Verde
Brava is not only the smallest but also the greenest of the Cabo Verdian islands. It is perfect for hiking, bird watching, and socializing with the locals. This small island is untouched by tourists and is a perfect place if you are looking for peace and quiet.
The widest part of Brava has a diameter of about 10 kilometers and the coastline consists mainly of steep cliffs. Brava is 20 kilometers from the main island of Fogo. Because of dangerous crosswinds, the airport is closed and you can reach Brava only by ferry.
The History of Brava
Brava was discovered on June 24, 1462, on the day of Saint John the Baptist “São João Baptista”, after whom it was originally named. The first settlers were mostly fishermen from Madeira and the Azores. Brava was never really involved in the slave trade and because of these two factors, the majority of the population in Brava is white.
The Weather in Brava
Brava how to get there?
Because of dangerously strong crosswinds, there is no air service to the island. The only way to get to Brava is by ferry. Depending on the shipping company, ferries depart from Santiago and Fogo. Be a little flexible in your planning. Departure times can change and in case of bad and unstable sea conditions, the ferry may be cancelled.
Get a ferry to Brava
As always, we strongly advise confirming departure times in advance, either at the local office of CV Fast Ferry, on the website, or at one of the travel agencies. The schedule is subject to change, so make sure you have enough time. Allow at least one day for the return trip to Fogo or Santiago, if the weather is persistently bad, even that may not be enough. You can buy tickets to Brava in São Filipe on Fogo or at the CV Fast Ferry office in Praia. You can always check the schedule at www.bela-vista.net/Ferry.aspx. The price should be around $1,590 one way. Some agencies advise buying round-trip tickets in advance, but a round trip is no cheaper than two single trips.
Take a yacht to Brava
Some of the best anchorages in the archipelago are located here. Fajã d’Agua is safe and beautiful and Furna is safe except in southeasterly winds.
Getting around in Brava
Taxi
To get to Vila Nova Sintra, you can either take a taxi (1,000$) or chare one (200-300$). Alternatively, you can walk the steep 3 km up the old road, which is strenuous with luggage. From Vila Nova Sintra to Nossa Senhora do Monte a charter costs about 1,000$ and from Vila Nova Sintra to Fajã d’Água about 1,500$.
Festivals at Brava
Like every island in Cabo Verde, Brava has its own festivals every year. Locals and tourists come together to enjoy the festivities.