Brava

Brava is the most southern of all the Cape Verde islands, and belongs to the ‘Sotavento' or Leeward group and is the smallest inhabited island. The island is volcanic in origin and measures just 64 square km. The highest peak is Monte Fontainhas at 976 m. It has a population of approximately 7,000 inhabitants mostly living in the capital of Vila Nova Sintra.

The weather on Brava is quite wet and misty. The island has an average humidity of 85% and is very different from the other Cape Verdean islands. To the North of Brava there are the two uninhabited islets, Ilha Grande and Ilha de Cima, which are part of the municipality.

The island was discovered in 1462, but was only significantly settled in the 17th century, after the eruption of Mount Fogo on the neighbouring island. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the whalers from the Americas used the island as a resting place on their transatlantic routes. They also used Brava for recruiting crew and purchasing supplies. Many Cape Verdeans from Brava ended up on the East coast of America, where they took their chances and stayed to make better lives for themselves.

The airport on Brava is no longer in operation, but there is a ferry port in Furna, with boats to and from Fogo. The economy of the island is mainly based on fishing and agriculture. Lobster and other shellfish are in great supply. Coffee, corn, potatoes, manioc and sugar cane are all grown on Brava. Traditionally Brava has received fewer visitors than other islands. The island can only be accessed from Fogo, yet it certainly merits a visit. There is plenty of fishing and hiking to be done and those that love photography will be amazed by the scenery.

The influence of the emigration to America is subtle but evident in Brava. A large proportion of the local population speak English. There are also imported products from America. The most famous islander was Eugenio Tavares, who wrote poetry and was the a famous exponent of the Cape Verdean ‘Morna'. Brava is the home to some fascinating local traditions such as the “Bombena”, a special chant sung during the rainy season. There is also a real tradition of oral story telling especially in the small, isolated villages. Islanders on Brava have always received money from the Cape Verdeans in America. It is even said that some no longer know the people from whom they receive it.