Nova Sintra City
Mountain town and island capital of Brava, Cape Verde
Perched on Brava's slopes, Nova Sintra offers tiled plazas, wood-fronted houses, geranium gardens, and cooler air. Walkers come for cliffside paths, boat trips to whale sightings, and quiet cafés that still play traditional morna.
Why Visit Nova Sintra?#
Nestled on Brava island, Nova Sintra is a compact, flower-filled town that attracts visitors seeking quiet streets, colonial architecture and a strong musical tradition. Stone houses and shaded squares set a picturesque scene for evenings of morna and coladeira, and short trips connect to coastal villages like Fajã d’Água. The town’s small museums, craft shops and local cafés offer a close look at Brava’s cultural life and hospitality.
Best Things to Do in Nova Sintra#
Nova Sintra Bucket List#
Praça de Nova Sintra - Compact town square surrounded by colonial houses, cafés, and local shops.
Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte - Historic church on a hill offering quiet interior and town views.
Local craft stalls - Stalls selling embroidery, woven goods, and Brava’s characteristic floral crafts.
Miradouro do Monte Fontainhas - Scenic viewpoint with sweeping views over Nova Sintra and neighboring valleys.
Traditional guesthouses - Family-run pousadas offering home-cooked meals and intimate island hospitality.
Flower gardens and small orchards - Private gardens open by request, showcasing Brava’s renowned floral cultivation.
Fajã das Patas coastal trails - Seaside walking routes linking secluded coves and flower-filled terraces on Brava.
Boat trip to small islets - Short coastal boat rides for birdwatching and shoreline views around Brava.
Best Time to Visit Nova Sintra#
Nova Sintra is coolest and most pleasant during the dry season (November-June), with clear mountain air and great walking. The rainy months (Aug-Oct) make the island lush but can interrupt transport.
November - June
18-25°C (64-77°F)
Cool, fragrant mountain air with clear views-perfect for walking the flower-filled streets and quiet beaches; nights can be chilly though.
July - September
20-28°C (68-82°F)
Warmer, humid days but still comfortable compared with lowland islands; great for relaxed exploration and local cafés and friendly town life.
August - October
19-25°C (66-77°F)
Frequent, gentle rains keep island green and fragrant; transport may be disrupted, but scenery and birdwatching improve dramatically for sure.
Nova Sintra's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 15°C to 24°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 21°C and lows of 16°C. Almost no rain and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 20°C and lows of 15°C. Almost no rain.
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March
March is mild with highs of 21°C and lows of 15°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 21°C and lows of 16°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 16°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 17°C. Almost no rain.
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July
July is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 18°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Regular rainfall (94 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (128 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is the warmest month with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Moderate rainfall (31 mm).
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November
November is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 19°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 21°C and lows of 18°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.
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How to Get to Nova Sintra#
Nova Sintra is the main town on Brava island and is reachable mainly by sea; the island currently lacks regular commercial air service. Plan for ferry travel and allow flexibility due to seasonal schedules and weather.
No operational airport on Brava: Brava (Nova Sintra) currently has no regular commercial airport service. The usual way to reach Brava is by ferry from nearby Fogo (São Filipe) or from other islands when ferries run.
(Inter-island alternatives): Travelers typically fly to Fogo (SFL) or Santiago (RAI) and then transfer by sea to Brava when ferry services are operating.
Train: There is no passenger rail on Brava.
Ferry / Boat: Regular ferry connections are the primary public transport link to Brava - ferries arrive at Furna harbour and passengers continue to Nova Sintra by road (short drive). Ferry crossings from Fogo are typically short (around 30-60 minutes depending on vessel and conditions); schedules are limited and weather-dependent.
How to Get Around Nova Sintra#
Brava is reached almost exclusively by ferry; once on the island, short road transfers, taxis and walking are the most practical ways to get around. Expect limited and weather-dependent services.
- Ferry / sea links - Ferries to Brava arrive at Furna harbour and are the normal public connection to the island. Crossings from Fogo are short but schedules are limited and can be cancelled in bad weather; check current timetables before travel.
- Local road transfer (Furna to Nova Sintra) - From Furna harbour it is a short road transfer to Nova Sintra town. Taxis or arranged pickup from accommodation are the usual ways to reach the town from the port.
- Walking - Nova Sintra is small and very walkable; the town’s narrow streets are best explored on foot. Walking between attractions is straightforward, but bring sun protection and water.
- Local minibuses & taxis - Within Brava and for short trips to villages, small taxis or minibuses operate depending on demand. Services are basic and timetables informal; confirm arrangements with hosts when arriving by ferry.
- Hiking - Brava is compact and good for short hikes between villages and viewpoints; local guides can help with routes and conditions. Trails can be steep and rocky, so wear sturdy shoes and carry supplies.
Where to Stay in Nova Sintra#
Village centre - $10-40/night
Nova Sintra (Brava) is very small with a few guesthouses and family rooms; expect basic comforts and close community atmosphere.
Main streets / viewpoint - $40-90/night
A couple of mid-range pousadas offer nicer rooms and views; options remain limited so book in advance.
No local luxury - $120+/night elsewhere
No true luxury hotels on Brava; travelers seeking high-end services should plan stays on larger islands.
Shopping in Nova Sintra#
Shopping is very limited in Nova Sintra: a few small shops and stalls sell basics and locally made items. For a wider range of goods you’ll need to visit larger islands.
Nightlife in Nova Sintra#
Nightlife on Brava is minimal. Evenings are peaceful, with a couple of cafés or bars open locally; don’t expect organized late-night venues.
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