Cabo Verde Brava Island - accomodation

Where to Stay on Brava: Your Home in the Island of Flowers

Brava is wild, quiet, and wonderfully small—and so is its accommodation scene. Forget big resorts or all-inclusives. Here, you'll stay in charming guesthouses, eco-lodges, and family-run inns that feel like staying with locals who just happen to have the best views on the island. Most places are in Vila Nova Sintra (the flower-filled capital, over 500 m above sea level) or Fajã d'Água (the dreamy coastal village with natural pools and the old Esperadinha Airport nearby). Options are limited, so book early—especially around festivals or the green season (October–February). Expect authentic immersion: small hotels full of Cabo Verdean charm, local family-run guesthouses, and home-cooked meals that taste like the island itself. With low tourist volume, Brava keeps it real—no crowds, just tranquility.

Vila Nova Sintra: The Heart of Brava

Perched high in the misty mountains, Nova Sintra is the perfect base and the nerve center of Brava. Walk to cafés, the Eugénio Tavares museum, and trailheads in minutes. It's cool, colorful, and full of colonial charm—nestled in a green setting with colorful houses and flower gardens. This is where most accommodations are, and it's the ideal starting point for exploring the Brava plateaus and hiking trails. Regarded as one of Cabo Verde's most beautiful villages, it's over 500 m above sea level—perfect for cool nights.

Top Picks in Nova Sintra

Place Why Stay Here Best For
Hotel Cruz Grande-Brava Clean, central, in a restored traditional house. Sea & town views, private bathrooms, great staff (9.1/10), and the island's best restaurant. Free WiFi & parking. Comfort + convenience
Djabraba's Eco-Lodge 3-star eco-lodge in Cruz Grande (northeast). Opened 2012 in 1930s style using low-impact materials. 8 rooms + 2 suites with private WCs. 360° valley & Fogo views. Sustainable, clean, and perfect for hikers. Book via Airbnb. Hikers & eco-travelers
Pousada Nova Sintra Renovated colonial gem near the main square. Garden, sun terrace, restaurant, bar. Perfect for recharging after a hike. Culture lovers
Casa Eugénio Tavares Peaceful guesthouse named after the poet. Relaxing, authentic, and central. Writers & quiet seekers
Villa Vicente Family-run, 5-min walk to town. Spacious rooms, garden views, port transfers. Sister property Villa Vicente Casa Soares has a full kitchen & wrap-around terrace. Families & groups
Pensão Paulo Sena Quirky, homey, and central. Comfy beds, excellent breakfast & dinner (reserve ahead). Foodies & solo travelers

Also consider: Residensia Ka Denxu (garden, terrace, bar), O Castelo (great food nearby), Motel Brava Tur, Vivi's Place, Nazareth, Residencial Nova Sintra, Centrum 7 Sóis 7 Luas (€25/night artist rooms), 3M Tours, Nós Raiz.

Fajã d'Água: Coastal Bliss & Natural Pools

ant to wake up to ocean views and swim in turquoise volcanic pools? Head to Fajã d'Água—a green valley village with just a handful of stays at the foot of the mountains. It's remote, relaxed, and perfect for nature lovers seeking tranquility and crystal-clear swimming in pools formed by volcanic rocks. Proximity to the defunct Esperadinha Airport adds a quirky touch.

Top Picks in Fajã d'Água

Place Why Stay Here Best For
Fajã Beach House Stunning sea-view rooms & apartments. Infinity pool, garden, restaurant, free WiFi. Steps from natural pools. Luxury in nature
Kaza di Zaza Cozy apartments with kitchens, tropical garden, & terraces overlooking the bay. Kaza Baixo (sleeps 3), Kaza Pinkenoti (traditional cottage with open-air bathroom). Self-caterers & couples
Fajã d'Água Residential Simple, welcoming, surrounded by fruit trees. Quiet and authentic—ideal for nature lovers. Budget & tranquility

Also consider: Burgo Ocean Front Motel, Sol na Baía

Other Villages (For the Adventurous)

If you want to go off the beaten path:

Pensão José – Cova Joana
Paraizo – Cova Rodela
Dany Guest House – Bangaeira (5/5 guest favorite, private room)

Practical Tips for Your Stay in Brava:

Book ahead – Only a few dozen rooms exist on the whole island. Use Trip.com or contact directly.
Meals – Few restaurants (mainly in Nova Sintra, Furna, Fajã d'Água). Many guesthouses and private homes serve excellent home-cooked food (fresh fish, cachupa, goat cheese). Reserve meals in advance—even if not staying there.
Water alert – Brava has water scarcity. Some hotels may limit showers or (rarely) close temporarily. Pack lightly and be flexible.
Getting here – Ferry-only from Fogo (several times weekly via Santiago–Fogo–Brava route). Arrive/depart at Furna port. Allow buffer days in case of cancellations.
Getting around – Walk, take aluguers (shared vans), or hire a taxi. No car rentals.
Bring cash – Few ATMs, and cards are rarely accepted.
Local immersion – Stay with families for warm welcomes, local tips, and the true spirit of Brava.
How long? – 1 day for highlights + relaxing; 3+ days for hikers to explore the mountainous terrain, pristine nature, and "island of flowers".

Quick Summary: Where Should You Stay?

You Want… Stay Here
Comfort + central location Hotel Cruz Grande-Brava
Eco vibe + 360° views + hiking Djabraba's Eco-Lodge
Ocean views + pool time Fajã Beach House
Cook your own + bay views Kaza di Zaza
Authentic & budget-friendly Pousada Nova Sintra or Casa Eugénio Tavares