Ribeira Brava

Located on the southwest coast of the island, the municipality of Ribeira Brava has been populated since the beginning of the 15th century. Its origin is due to the Viscount of Ribeira Brava, Francisco Correia Herédia, who, as a result of his passion for the town, even added the name Ribeira Brava to his own name. This toponym arose from its association with the river which, during rainy seasons, had a very strong flow. Currently, the municipality's economy is essentially based on agriculture, retail trade, and tourism, to which the temperate Mediterranean climate contributes. In handicrafts, embroidery, wicker basketry, patchwork rugs, bottle straw work, matchstick work, cane work, and Madeira embroidery on canvas reign supreme.

What to do in Ribeira Brava

Fajã dos Padres

Ribeira Brava

A paradisiacal place, located in a cove at the bottom of the famous Cabo Girão cliff. Until 1998, access was only possible by boat, but now there is a modern glass elevator. There is a small tourist resort here that includes a restaurant, good conditions for sunbathing and fishing, and some tourist accommodation.

Museu Etnográfico da Madeira

Ribeira Brava

Opened in 1996, this museum is housed in the former Ribeira Brava brandy distillery. The space features permanent ethnographic collections, notably on fishing, transport, weaving, watermills, viticulture, and cereal processing. Temporary exhibitions are held in another room, aiming to present various themes related to Madeira's culture to the public.

Praia de Ribeira Brava

Ribeira Brava

A pebble beach located in the center of Ribeira Brava, with good conditions for swimming and sunbathing. It also has a sand field for football and another for volleyball, and two swimming pools.

Fortim de São Bento

Ribeira Brava

Commissioned by Governor Duarte Sodré Pereira to defend that anchorage, this small fort was built in the early 20th century to replace an earlier 16th-century fortification dedicated to Saint Sebastian, which had been destroyed by a strong alluvial flood in …

Núcleo das Pratas

Ribeira Brava

The Parish Church of Ribeira Brava displays a collection of 66 silver pieces, including crowns, chalices and other items from the 16th and 17th centuries.

Biblioteca Municipal da Ribeira Brava

Ribeira Brava

Library with a vast collection of documents.

Miradouro de Serra D'Água

Ribeira Brava

This location offers excellent panoramic views over the valley with its abundant forest vegetation and the high mountains surrounding it.

Miradouro da Terra Grande

Ribeira Brava

This location offers excellent panoramic views over the valley with its abundant forest vegetation and the high mountains surrounding it.

Jardim do Doutor Faria Paulino

Ribeira Brava

A very pleasant and beautiful space, with flowerbeds, wooden benches, and a statue in homage to Doctor Faria Paulino. Great views of the sea.

Miradouro do Forte

Ribeira Brava

A space offering a beautiful view over the ocean and the surrounding area.

Jardim do Poiso

Ribeira Brava

A very pleasant and beautiful space, with flowerbeds, wooden tables and benches, and a small fountain.

Passeio Marítimo de Ribeira Brava

Ribeira Brava

An ideal area for strolling and relaxing, offering beautiful views of the sea and the island's verdant slopes. Along the way, there are several restaurants and bars.

Estádio Municipal de Ribeira Brava

Ribeira Brava

Stadium belonging to Clube Desportivo da Ribeira Brava, a second division team. It has a capacity of 2,500 people.

Miradouro do Espigão

Ribeira Brava

This location offers magnificent views over the verdant hills, dotted only by a few houses, over the pointed mountains that dominate the valley, and over a great expanse to the sea, with Ribeira Brava in the background.

Igreja Matriz de Ribeira Brava

Ribeira Brava

Founded in the 15th century, the Parish Church of Ribeira Brava, or São Bento, has undergone several interventions over time, and therefore presents Manueline, Mannerist, and Baroque characteristics. It houses a varied and rich collection of paintings, sculptures, goldsmithing, and …

FIND THE BEST PLACES

Where to eat in Ribeira Brava

Dom Luís
Mediterranean, Portuguese, Regional
20.00 €

Modern and simple restaurant with large windows offering great views.

O Quartel
Portuguese, Regional
10.00 €

Restaurant located at the Ribeira Brava Fire Station, serving up regional dishes, specially fish an…

Borda D'Água
Portuguese
13.00 €

Simple and modern space with a large, covered esplanade.

Where to sleep in Ribeira Brava

Cheerfulway Bravamar Hotel

3 star

Hotel located at the Ribeira Brava village, 50 metres away from the beach and 2km away from the mountain. It offers modern and comfortable fittings with most o…