Geography of Branco

The islet of Branco (3 km2) is not far from Raso and is quite high (327 m), in relation to its small size (3,975 m long and 1,270 m wide). Seen from a distance, it resembles a fortress, rising precipitously from the sea. The terrain is mostly steep, except for a flat area on the southeast tip. On the southern and western flanks, striking bands of organogenous sands ascend halfway up the hillside. The climate is hyper-arid, with scant, irregular rainfall, but in good years the gentler slopes are carpeted in green from September to November.