A day in the Ribeira Brava hinterland

Ribeira Brava is the administrative town and a better base than it first looks. The valley behind it is cultivated, steep and walkable without a guide if you stay on the obvious paths and turn around before you are tired.

How to spend it

Start early, carry water, and tell the guesthouse which side of the valley you are taking. Lunch back in town is the reward. Monte Gordo is a different day: higher, windier, and a drive.

São Nicolau rewards people who stay three nights. One night is only the ferry or the plane and a meal.