Nova Sintra

Nova Sintra is the charming, mist-shrouded capital of Brava, the smallest and greenest inhabited island in Cabo Verde. Situated at an elevation of approximately 500 meters, the town is frequently blanketed in a refreshing fog and is celebrated for its lush greenery, vibrant flower gardens, and elegant colonial architecture. Often described as the "most beautiful town in Cape Verde," it is named after the historic town of Sintra in Portugal due to their shared cooler climates, mist, and scenic beauty.

The town's character is defined by its quiet cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses, and traditional two-story colonial mansions known as sobrados. Nova Sintra has a rich cultural heritage, notably as the birthplace and home of Eugénio Tavares, Cabo Verde's most famous poet and composer, who pioneered the melancholic morna music style. The climate is mild and temperate year-round, with the misty "garua" providing moisture for the town's abundance of hibiscus, bougainvillea, and jacaranda trees.

By Car / Road

Nova Sintra is reached by sea. Travelers must take a ferry from Fogo (usually 45 to 60 minutes crossing) to the port of Furna on Brava. Upon arrival in Furna, shared minibuses called aluguers meet the ferry and transport passengers up a steep, winding cobblestone road to Nova Sintra (approx. 6 km, 15 minutes drive) for about 100 to 150 CVE per person. Private taxis are also available at the port for around 800 to 1,000 CVE.

Nova Sintra is very compact and easily explored entirely on foot. Walking along the cobblestone streets is the best way to admire the gardens and colonial buildings. For exploring the rest of Brava island, aluguers (shared pick-up trucks or minibuses) depart regularly from the central square to villages like Furna, Fajã d'Água, and Nossa Senhora do Monte for 100 to 200 CVE. Private taxis can also be hired in the town center.

• Jardim Eugénio Tavares: A beautifully landscaped park in the center of town dedicated to the famous poet, featuring busts, monument, and a wide variety of tropical plants and flowers.

• Eugénio Tavares House-Museum: The former residence of the poet, now serving as a small museum showcasing his personal belongings, writings, and history of Cape Verdean emigration.

• Santa Maria Replica: A small replica of Columbus's flagship ship, Santa Maria, situated at the northern entrance of the town.

• Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte: A historic Catholic church located just outside town in the village of Nossa Senhora do Monte, offering panoramic mountain views.

• Hiking to Fajã d'Água: A popular and scenic downhill trek (approx. 7 km, 2 hours) from Nova Sintra to the coastal fishing village of Fajã d'Água, passing through fertile valleys and agricultural terraces.

• Hiking to Pico de Fontainhas: A challenging hike to Brava's highest peak (976m), often shrouded in fog, offering spectacular views of the island and Fogo on a clear day.

• Explore local Morna music: Attend local bars or cultural events in the evenings to listen to live acoustic performances of traditional morna music.

• Hotel Cruz Grande Restaurant: Located in the center of town, serving excellent traditional Cape Verdean cuisine including fresh grilled fish, seafood, and cachupa, with main courses around 800 to 1,200 CVE.
• Esplanada Sodadi: A popular cafe-restaurant in the town square offering light meals, fresh fruit juices, sandwiches, and local Creole dishes in a outdoor setting.
• Djabraba's EcoLodge Restaurant: Offers organic, locally sourced meals and fresh seafood prepared with a mix of traditional and international flavors.

• Grogue and Ponche: The local sugarcane rum (grogue) and its sweet honey-flavored derivative (ponche).
• Strela Beer: The national beer of Cabo Verde, available cold at local bars and esplanadas.
• Water Safety: Tap water is not safe to drink; travelers should buy bottled water available at local mini-markets.

• Budget:
  • Villa Vicente: A cozy and welcoming bed and breakfast in a residential area, offering comfortable rooms and mountain views starting around 3,000 CVE per night.
• Mid-range:
  • Hotel Cruz Grande: A popular, clean, and central hotel featuring spacious rooms, private bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and a highly recommended restaurant, with rates starting at 4,500 CVE per night.
  • Hotel Djabraba's EcoLodge: A comfortable, environmentally-friendly lodge featuring spacious bungalow rooms, gardens, and personalized service, from 5,000 CVE per night.
• Upscale / heritage:

• Brava Cheese (Queijo de Brava): A traditional local goat cheese produced in the highlands, known for its rich flavor.
• Embroideries and Lace: Hand-crafted lace and embroidered textiles made by local women, sold at small shops in the town center.
• Local Grogue: Sugarcane spirit produced in small quantities in the island's valleys.

• Fajã d'Água (7 km, 20 mins drive or 2 hours hike): A beautiful, quiet coastal village set in a steep valley, famous for its natural volcanic rock pools.
• Furna (6 km, 15 mins): The main port town of Brava, where the ferry from Fogo arrives and departs.
• Nossa Senhora do Monte (4 km, 10 mins): A cool, high-altitude village known for its pilgrimage church and views.