Fajã de Água
Brava
Fajã de Água is a small village located on the northwestern coast of Brava Island in Cape Verde, approximately 4 km west of the island's capital, Nova Sintra. The village's economy traditionally revolves around fishing and agriculture, with crops such as maize, beans, bananas, and papayas being cultivated. Historically, it was the most important harbor on Brava until 1843 when the harbor of Furna was established. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Fajã de Água played a role in the whaling industry, serving as a landing point for American whaling ships. A small airport, Esperadinha, operated here from 1992 until 2004 but was closed due to hazardous wind conditions. Visitors can enjoy a walking trail leading to the pilgrimage church of Nossa Senhora do Monte in the island's interior. The village also features a natural swimming pool to the south, suitable for swimming when weather conditions permit, and a dark sandy beach called Porto do Portete, which is less accessible. A poignant monument, the Monumento aos Emigrantes, commemorates the tragic loss of the sailing ship Matilde in 1943, which resulted in the deaths of 51 emigrants from the village.
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Tip: The best time to visit Fajã de Água is during calm weather when the natural swimming pool is safe for swimming. Visitors should consider exploring the walking trail to Nossa Senhora do Monte church for a cultural experience. It is advisable to plan ahead due to limited infrastructure and to respect local conditions, especially regarding the wind and sea state. Purchasing tickets or arranging tours in advance is recommended if available. Discounts may be available for groups or local residents.
Interesting facts
- •Fajã de Água was mentioned as 'Faciend de Agoa' on a 1747 map by the French cartographer Jacques-Nicolas Bellin.
- •The village was once the most important harbor on Brava Island before the establishment of the Furna harbor in 1843.
- •Esperadinha Airport operated in Fajã de Água from 1992 to 2004 but was closed due to hazardous wind conditions.
- •The Monumento aos Emigrantes commemorates the tragic sinking of the sailing ship Matilde in 1943, which claimed 51 lives from the village.
- •Whaling was a significant industry in Fajã de Água during the 18th and 19th centuries, with many American whaling ships landing there.
History
Fajã de Água was first documented as 'Faciend de Agoa' on a 1747 map by Jacques-Nicolas Bellin.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, it was a key harbor for whaling ships, particularly from America.
The village remained Brava's primary harbor until 1843, when the harbor of Furna was established.
In 1992, the Esperadinha airport opened with a paved runway, connecting Brava to nearby islands but was closed in 2004 due to strong winds that made landings unsafe.
Place Guide
Natural Swimming Pool
Located about one kilometer south of the village, this natural pool offers a unique swimming experience when weather conditions are calm. It's formed by volcanic rock formations and provides a safe place to swim away from the open sea.
Monumento aos Emigrantes1993
This monument, erected in 1993 opposite the small church at the northern end of Main Street, commemorates the emigrants who lost their lives when the sailing ship Matilde sank in the Atlantic Ocean in 1943.
Walking Track to Nossa Senhora do Monte Church
A scenic walking trail leading from Fajã de Água to the pilgrimage church located in the middle of Brava Island, offering cultural and natural insights.
