Brava

Brava has a few positive attributes. It’s the smallest Cape Verde island that is populated, so you won’t run into a lot of people. Not that many people could fit on an island that isn't even seven miles long. Second, it is the greenest of these islands, making it the most picturesque — it is known as the floweriest island. The island was discovered by Portuguese sailors in 1462 and was formerly noted for its whaling. Its economy is now based on fishing and agriculture, such as coffee, bananas, and sweet potatoes. Vila Nova Sintra is regarded as the archipelago's most picturesque town.

Even though Brava, with its capital of Vila Nova Sintra, is Cape Verde's smallest populous island, it should not be overlooked: A visit is greeted with a sea of flowers (particularly soon after the rainy season). Clouds occur all year over Brava because of Monte Fontainhas (976 meters) and its location in the Fogo slipstream. This provides a plant-friendly atmosphere thanks to the dew. Date and coconut palms, as well as colorful oleander plants, hibiscus varieties, almond trees, and bougainvillea, thrive on this tropical, damp island. If you're seeking a change of scenery from Barlavento's primarily desert-like islands, this is the place to go.

Location: Portuguese Ilha Brava, southernmost island of Cape Verde.