Vila Nova Sintra: Views and Island History

If you’re looking for hotels in Vila Nova Sintra, you can choose your destination based on different interests: the history of the island’s capital, views from a viewpoint, or Brava’s landscape and cultural heritage. Local attractions and the wider context of the island offer a variety of ways to explore these themes.

Local History and Island Culture

During the frequent pirate raids of the 17th and 18th centuries, Vila da Nova Sintra emerged as the island’s most important settlement. Praça Eugénio Tavares is Nova Sintra’s central square and was named in honor of Eugénio Tavares. These two places highlight different aspects of history: the development of the settlement and the tribute commemorated by the square’s name.

The Centro de Interpretação do Território da Ilha Brava is the island’s first interpretation center. It serves to promote the island’s cultural, historical and ecological offerings. On Brava, the Casa Museu Eugénio Tavares is also dedicated to the life and work of its namesake. Its permanent exhibition covers his contributions to Cape Verdean culture, including the promotion of Crioulo as a mother tongue, as well as historical, ethnographic and anthropological topics from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Views and Trails

From the Nova Sintra viewpoint, you can see Ilhéu Rombo and Ilhéu de Cima; on clear days, the neighboring island of Fogo is also visible. From Nova Sintra, a path about 300 meters long leads uphill to the viewpoint. Both the approximate distance and the climb are worth considering when planning your visit. Check the condition of the path before you go.

A 7 km road with 99 curves connects Furna with Nova Sintra, the capital of Brava. As road conditions can change, it’s a good idea to check them before setting out. For trips around Brava, a car with a driver or a taxi is recommended. The Nova Sintra/Santa Bárbara/Vinagre hiking trail begins at Miradouro de Santa Maria and heads toward Santa Bárbara.

Brava in a Wider Context

The wider island of Brava is predominantly mountainous. Monte Fontainhas reaches an elevation of 957 meters; its waterways include Ribeira Garça and Ribeira da Cruz. Notable bays include Furna and Fajã d’Água, and there are ports at Ancião and Caniço. At Fajã d’Água, a natural swimming pool with clear, turquoise water formed among volcanic rocks.

Other cultural and landscape features can be found in different parts of Brava. Lavadura is currently uninhabited; buildings with colonial architectural features and basins from a traditional laundry remain there. In Cruz, there is a small cave where worshippers place candles every year for the Festa da Cruz. Lagoa is home to a traditional trapiche, once used to produce grogue. Chanzinha is one of the places where the traditional grogue “Djabi” is made; the area is also home to various fruit trees, including mango trees, as well as sugar cane.

Brava’s hiking trails also offer a range of routes to explore: the Fajã d’Água–Portete route starts in Fajã d’Água, a few meters from the island’s former airfield. The route between Lomba and Baía de Tantum is short but challenging. These details can help you take the island’s cultural interests, landscapes and trail descriptions into account when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Preguiça.

Return to the main travel overview: Brava.