Everyone who visits Brava arrives at Furna. The harbour sits in a natural bowl — the flooded remnant of a volcanic crater — with cliffs rising steeply on all sides and the road switchbacking improbably up toward Nova Sintra. It is a dramatic introduction to Cape Verde's smallest inhabited island.
The harbour
Furna is a working port rather than a town: a quay, a few buildings, boats and the constant business of a place that is the island's only reliable link to the outside world. Ferries from Fogo dock here, along with cargo carrying almost everything Brava consumes.
Arriving and onward transport
The ferry from São Filipe on Fogo takes roughly an hour and can be rough — the channel is exposed. Aluguers meet the boat and climb the switchback road up to Nova Sintra in about twenty minutes, a spectacular ride in itself. Confirm the return ferry schedule as soon as you arrive; sailings are weather-dependent and can be cancelled. See getting to Brava.
Around Furna
There is little reason to linger, though the crater setting is impressive and there are a couple of simple places to eat while waiting for a boat. The real Brava — green, cool and flower-filled — begins the moment the road climbs. Head for Nova Sintra or down the other side to Fajã d'Água.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Brava?
By ferry from São Filipe on Fogo, arriving at Furna harbour. Brava has no scheduled air service, and crossings are weather-dependent.
Is there anything to do in Furna?
Not much — it is a working harbour in a dramatic crater bay. Aluguers meet the ferry and take you up to Nova Sintra in about twenty minutes.