| The
                                    smallest of the islandsof just 64 square
                                  kilometers is somewhat greener than the others. Its leeward position
                                  to
                                  the  volcano of Fogo is responsable for frequently forming
                                  a cap of clouds protects the "island of flowers" from the
                                  mercyless heat of the Sahel sun.
 The
                                  little town of Vila Nova Sintra is located in a
                                  nice valley high above the sea, not to far from the highest mountain
                                  called Fontainhas. The climate is moderate, friendly and never
                                  to hot. The colonial masters of former times made it their summer-residence
                                  with all the attributes of nice little colonial town. In
                                  Fajã das Águas the history of the
                                  Cape Verdean diaspora started in early 19th century. Up to one
                                  hundred whaling ships showed up in the beach every year and they
                                  hired poor  fisher boys from the island, acustomed to the dangerous dance
                                  in little rowing boats on the open Atlantic.
 Excellent hiking
                                  trails cross the island
                                    and even the little roads are perfectly suitable for hiking and mountain
                                    biking MTB as traffic is close to none. Many trails follow old mule-roads. How to
                                  get there and how to get away is
                                    a delicate question. There is no airport and  reliable and
                                    punctial ferry
                                      boats are
                                    still not available. But the situation is improving. Delays of a
                                    day or two may occur, due to the wind, the weather, the sea and the
                                    management of the ferries who are more interested in cargo than in
                                    passengers.
                                    So never plan your stay in Brava at the end of your vacation. At the very beginning
                                    it does not do any harm to get back a day or two later.   Accommodation is
                                  found at Informação Turística - Lucete Fortes.  Booking is
                                made easy by our translation-communication service.
  A
                                  virtual
                                  hike down to Fajã d' Água above
                                  sea level) is what you should undertake next.   |