Cova Rodela

Archipelago

Cova Rodela is a place in the middle of the island of Brava, the westernmost of the Sotavento Islands ( Islands under the Wind ) of Cape Verde.

Cova Rodela extends in the mountains along the main island road, which connects about two kilometers distant island capital of Vila Nova Sintra in the east Bravas with the port of Faja de Água in the West. In the village branches off another road that leads to the east of the island to Mato Grande. Is located on this road not far from Cova Rodela a viewpoint (Portuguese: miradouro ), from which a fine view of Vila Nova Sintra and - weather permitting - in addition to offering the neighboring island of Fogo. Shortly after the western edge of Cova Rodela branches off from the main road from another road that leads over the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora do Monte in the south of the island of Brava.

Cova Rodela is essentially a scattered settlement of whitewashed houses with a typical for Portugal and its former colonies hipped roof of red tiles. In contrast to the other towns of the Cape Verde Islands or Portugal houses in Cova Rodela, however, have no outside shutters, no window sashes - the windows here consist of an upper and a sliding upwards the lower part, and the shutters are located on the inside and not outside the wall. These types of windows are found in the northeastern United States, where many residents of Cape Verde have emigrated in the 19th century. Most residents Cova Rodelas living from agriculture, mainly corn and bananas are grown.

In the center Cova Rodelas draco is worth seeing on the main road, an old dragon tree of the rare species of Dracaena.

Cova Rodela has a school, a bank, a restaurant and some small shops for everyday needs. With the trains running several times per day, for the Cape Verde typical " Aluguer " taxis the village is easy to reach.

All roads are paved and in spite of the slopes easy to drive even in heavy rain. For hiking in the Cape Verdean conditions for relatively lush mountain landscape - the island of Brava is known as the greenest island of Cape Verde - and for trips from the island capital of Cova Rodela with its not too hot climate a worthy goal. Also, the 976 m high Fontainhas, the highest mountain on the island Brava is easy to reach from Cova Rodela from over trails.