Port information & tips for Furna (Brava)
Furna on the Cape Verdean island of Brava is the picturesque gateway to an untouched natural paradise, considered the greenest and most mysterious island of the archipelago. Tucked away in a deep bay, the port town welcomes travelers with authentic serenity and an impressive backdrop of steep volcanic slopes. Highlights within easy reach include the charming "garden city" of Vila Nova Sintra, the historic church of São João Baptista, and the spectacular panoramic view from the Miradouro da Nova Sintra. Cruise ships dock directly at the pier of Porto da Furna, from where the island center, just four kilometers away, can be easily reached thanks to local connections or an impressive hike through the terraced landscape.
Arrival & Departure
Getting around
Highlights & Districts
Useful tips
Returning to the ship
The port of Furna on Brava, the smallest inhabited island of the Cape Verde Islands, is the only maritime gateway to this green floral paradise. Arrival requires careful planning with several stages, as Brava itself does not have a functioning airport and the ferry crossing can be weather-dependent. Guests can expect an authentic experience far from mass tourism.
Airplane
International arrival for travelers from the DACH region is primarily via Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI) on the island of Santiago, the largest airport in Cape Verde. From there, you can take a domestic flight to São Filipe Airport (SFL) on the neighboring island of Fogo, which takes about 30 minutes and costs around 50-60 euros per way. Direct flight connections to Brava are not possible due to strong crosswinds.
Ferry
The final leg to Furna (Brava) is exclusively by ferry, which operates year-round from Santiago or Fogo. The crossing from Santiago (Praia) to Furna takes about 5 to 7 hours and costs between 30 and 50 US dollars, with a frequency of about three to four connections per week. Significantly shorter and more frequent is the ferry connection from São Filipe (Fogo) to Furna, which takes only about one hour and costs approximately 11 to 22 US dollars. It is advisable to check current schedules with providers such as CV Interilhas and to consider flexible travel plans, as changes may occur due to weather conditions.
Transfer & Pre-Cruise Hotel
Upon arrival at the port of Furna, local collective taxis, known as "Aluguers," are available to take you to the island's capital, Nova Sintra, about 6 to 7 kilometers away, for around 6 euros. The picturesque road winds its way up into the island's interior with 99 curves. Due to the long journey and potential ferry delays, it is strongly recommended to stay at least one day before the cruise on Santiago, Fogo, or ideally directly on Brava to ensure a relaxed embarkation.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that with your travel documents you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and consider that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always observe the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
