Cape Verde, Africa (continent)March 24, 2025, by Carmen Esselink

The two amazing hikes on the green Brava, Cape Verde

To move, Outdoor
Cape Verde, Africa (continent), March 24, 2025, by Carmen Esselink

The two amazing hikes on the green Brava, Cape Verde

Brava is the smallest inhabited island of Cape Verde and perhaps the best kept secret. Do we want to share it? No. Do we? - slightly reluctantly - yes. No mass tourism or big roads here, but endless mountain routes through rugged nature, colorful mini villages and deserted bays. And everywhere flowers, lots of flowers. It is not for nothing that this volcanic island is called the 'flower island' called. Read on quickly about two crazy hikes on the green Brava.

Brava

It is useful to use the 'capital' Nova Sintra as a base during your visit to Brava. This is about the only place on the volcanic island where you will find restaurants, plus a relatively 'large' supermarket where you can stock up on snacks and water. Trust us: you will not come across just any shop or café along the way.

Hike 1: From Nova Sintra to Cachaço, via Monte Fontainhas

Hike 1: From Nova Sintra to Cachaço, via Monte Fontainhas

This approximately 7,5-kilometer route takes you from Nova Sintra to Cachaço via the highest point of Brava, Monte Fontainhas. Say hello to amazing views—at least if the weather cooperates… If you’re unlucky, you’ll find yourself high up in the mist and unable to see a thing. But if you’re lucky? You’ll be able to see across the entire island and, on a clear day, even as far as Fogo and Santiago.

You’ll climb some 600 metres to reach the highest point, but trust us: it’s worth it. At this peak, you’ll truly feel how remote and pristine this island is. A perfect moment to rest and take in your surroundings before starting the descent to Cachaço. Unfortunately, it’s not the easiest—the path is treacherous due to the loose rocks, so watch your step.

Once (back) in civilization? If you don't arrive too late in the day in Cachaço, you can have a rent (collective bus). Unfortunately it doesn't run on Sundays, so then there's no other option than hitchhiking or simply walk back to Nova Sintra the normal way. Sounds like a big undertaking, but Brava is really small—with a bit of perseverance, you can walk almost the entire island in a day. From Cachaço, it's about 11 kilometers by road back to Nova Sintra.

Hike 2: From Nova Sintra to Fajã d'Água

Hike 2: From Nova Sintra to Fajã d'Água

Do you like hikes with a reward at the end? Then put this route from Nova Sintra to Fajã d'Água on your list. In just over seven kilometers you mainly descend to one of the most beautiful and rugged bays of Cape Verde. Large remote places, with only a turquoise sea in front of you. Keep walking, because at the end of the hike you can take a dip in a natural pool—the perfect way to wash off the sweat from the climb.

Don't feel like walking the same route back? Hitchhiking is the best option, or even better—and certainly our preference—just stay the night! In Fajã d'Água you can do that including doing nothing for a while (there's not much you can do here, but you have to embrace that), and before you know it you'll be back on the collective bus the next morning back to 'capital' Nova Sintra.

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