Nova Sintra is the capital of the island of Brava. Vila da Nova Sintra emerged as the island’s main settlement during the frequent pirate raids of the 17th and 18th centuries. The town’s history and its role as the capital provide a clear context for your visit: here, you can explore Nova Sintra as a town while also discovering Brava as a destination with further cultural and landscape highlights.
A square and a tribute to Eugénio Tavares
Praça Eugénio Tavares is the main square in Nova Sintra. It was named in honour of Eugénio Tavares. On Brava, the same name also has a cultural connection: Casa Museu Eugénio Tavares features a permanent exhibition about his life and work and his contributions to Cape Verdean culture, including his promotion of Crioulo as a mother tongue. The collection explores historical, ethnographic and anthropological themes from the 19th and 20th centuries. This lets you connect the name of the central square with a broader perspective on Brava’s cultural history, without conflating a visit to the museum with a visit to the square.
Views and trails
From the Nova Sintra viewpoint, you can see Ilhéu Rombo and Ilhéu de Cima. On clear days, the neighbouring island of Fogo is also visible. The viewpoint can be reached from Nova Sintra via a roughly 300-metre uphill path. Views of Fogo depend on the weather; before setting out, also check the condition of the path, as trail conditions can change.
The Nova Sintra/Stª Barbara/Vinagre hiking trail starts at Miradouro de Santa Maria and heads towards Santa Bárbara. Brava also has a hiking route between Lomba and Baía de Tantum, described as short but challenging. These details offer different considerations when choosing a trail: for the viewpoint, the distance and ascent are relevant; for the route between Lomba and Baía de Tantum, it is the combination of a short distance and a challenging nature.
Getting around Brava
A 7-kilometre road with 99 bends connects Furna with Nova Sintra, the capital of Brava. For journeys on Brava, a car with a driver or a taxi is recommended. When planning your stay, consider not only Nova Sintra but also the journeys you would like to make around the island. Check road conditions before setting off, as they can change.
Brava’s landscape and culture
Brava’s landscape is predominantly mountainous. Monte Fontainhas reaches an elevation of 957 metres; the island’s waterways include Ribeira Garça and Ribeira da Cruz. Brava’s notable bays include Furna and Fajã d’Água, while there are harbours at Ancião and Caniço. Fajã d’Água is also home to a natural swimming pool formed among volcanic rocks, with clear, turquoise water.
The hiking trails also differ in their starting points and descriptions. The Fajã d’Água–Portete route starts in Fajã d’Água, a few metres from the island’s former airfield. A variety of fruit trees, including mango trees, as well as sugar cane, grow in the area around Chanzinha on Brava. Chanzinha is also one of the places where the traditional grogue Djabi is made. Lagoa is home to a traditional trapiche, formerly used to make grogue.
The Centro de Interpretação do Território da Ilha Brava is the island’s first interpretation centre. It serves to promote the island’s cultural, historical and ecological offerings. Together with Casa Museu, it offers insight into different aspects of Brava: the island’s history, culture and ecological heritage.
Discover more destinations: Preguiça.
Go to the main travel overview: Brava.
