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.
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