In the middle of the island’s south coast, Ribeira Brava is a town with a pleasantly relaxed atmosphere, at the end of a fertile valley.
Here’s our guide to the must-see places in Madeira’s Ribeira Brava region, plus useful tips for planning your visit.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
1. Sao Bento Matrix Church
Riberia Brava is home to one of Madeira’s most beautiful religious buildings. Built in the 16th century, it is one of the oldest temples in the diocese. Originally a small 15th-century chapel, the building has been enlarged and modified many times. It features a mix of Manueline, Mannerist and Baroque architecture.
From the outside, the building is very photogenic and typical of the island, with its white walls and dark borders. Particularly noteworthy is the Baroque bell tower topped by a white and blue tiled pyramid.
Inside, you’ll discover paintings, chandeliers and sculptures dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries.
2. The seafront and its terraces
Ribeira Brava’s waterfront isn’t very big, but it’s very pleasant.
We really liked the facilities and the atmosphere of the town.
Here you’ll find many small restaurants with terraces. It’s the ideal place to take a lunch break between two explorations of the island.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR AT Madeira
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Take a car with a good engine for hilly roads, but not too big for manoeuvring.
- There’s plenty of demand and few cars, so book early.
3. Ribeira Brava beach
Not one of Madeira’s most beautiful beaches…
But as the town is in one of the sunniest spots on the island, you might like to sit back and cool off in the seawater, sheltered from the waves by the seawall.
The beach is small, with a mixture of sand and pebbles. You have to walk over pebbles to reach the water.
- No monitoring
- Toilets and showers at the beach complex
4. Beach complex
Right next to the beach, you’ll also find two small pools ideal for dipping in and out and for the kids to have fun. It’s the ideal place for families.
If you arrive early, you may have one of the deckchairs free.
- Free access
- Larger pool with maximum depth of 1m
- Bar
- Toilets
- Showers
OUR GUIDE TO PLANNING A Dream trip
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- + 120 pre-selected locations
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5. São Bento Fort
Also note the small fortified tower on the waterfront.
The fort was built in 1708, during the pirate era. The governor of the time wanted to better protect the coast.
But in 1803, a heavy flood partially destroyed the building, which was left in ruins.
Restoration in 1916 enabled the circular tower to be rebuilt with a crenellated terrace.
This is now the tourist office building.
6. Madeira Ethnographic Museum
Unfortunately, we weren’t able to visit it, but don’t hesitate to visit it to learn more about Madeira’s culture and ethnography.
Among the permanent explorations you’ll discover how people lived, how they traded, how they got around…
- Opening hours: at least 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Closed on Sundays, Mondays and public holidays
- Price: 3 euros
- See the latest news on the official website here
WHERE TO STAY IN Madeira
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
7. Admire the river
A river flows down to the Ribeira Brava waterfront.
Take time to admire it and the bird life that surrounds it.
The town’s name comes from the stream that runs through it.
It was a very important element for transportation and agriculture, but it’s also a rebellious flow of water, hence the name Rivière Sauvage. When it rains heavily in the mountains, the water quickly reaches the sea.
8. Climb to Miradouro Sao Sebastio
If you’re driving, climb up to the viewpoint above the town, for an unobstructed panorama of rooftops, beach and cliffs.
It stands on a rock overlooking the city to the east.
In the background, note the town of Ponta do Sol.
- Access by car via a narrow asphalt road
- Space to park for a few minutes
OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY IN Madeira
Catamaran tour to see dolphins and Madeira’s giant cliffs.
Other attractions in and around Ribeira Brava
Note the fertility of the Valley
The town was once a fishing port and agricultural center. The fertility of its soils, combined with excellent climatic conditions, enables the cultivation of typical local produce: sugar cane, bananas, sweet potatoes, vines, exotic fruits…
Note the small lighthouse
To the east of the town, look up and notice the small square white and red lighthouse. It stands on a rocky spur 34 m above sea level and is 6 m high. It dates back to the 1930s.
ER208 and Miradouro de Terra Grande
If you’re driving, we highly recommend taking the E228 road north of the town. In our opinion, this is one of Madeira’s most beautiful roads, and along the way you can stop off at the Miradouro de Terra Grande, one of our favorite viewpoints.
Hiking
Madeira is a hiking paradise.
Around Ribeira Brava, you have..:
- on the heights of the city: Levada do Norte Ribeira Brava, easy
- or not far away, you have the famous Levada do Moinho and its waterfall, of moderate difficulty and much longer.
- Levada Nova-tabua, on the heights on the west side, easy
Combine with nearby Ponta do Sol
In a rather different style, you can also visit the nearby town of Ponta do Sol, with its sheer cliffs, colorful houses, historic bridge and beach.
See our article on Ponta do Sol attractions.
Is Ribeira Brava worth a visit?
Yes, Ribeira Brava is well worth a visit.
It’s not worth a full day’s excursion, but it’s a pleasant place to stop for lunch or relax at the end of the day.
It’s one of Madeira’s most pleasant towns.
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How to get to Ribeira Brava + parking
Where is Ribeira Brava
- On Madeira’s south coast
- From Funchal = 25 min drive
- From Machico = 45 min
- From Porto Moniz = 40 min
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
How to get there
It’s a fairly central city.
The easiest way is to rent a car to have the freedom to visit and explore the surrounding area(see our tips for renting a car).
Alternatively, Bus 7 will take you there from Funchal.
Parking Ribeira Brava
The city has parking spaces in the downtown streets which are subject to a charge.
There are also three covered parking lots, for which a charge is also made.
Remember to have cash on hand.
Be careful, the one by the beach is very, very narrow!
Useful tips
How long, best time, difficulty
The town is easy to visit, with fairly modern floors and flat terrain.
As everywhere, it can be difficult to find parking in the afternoon during the high season, even though there are proportionally more parking lots in this city.
Allow at least 1 hour to explore the center, or more to visit the museum or enjoy the waterfront.
Visiting with children
There’s a small children’s playground next to the church.
And the beach resort is ideal for children.
Hotels and restaurants
Ribeira Brava is a town where you’ll find apartment rentals rather than hotels, but there are a few gems:
Boutique Hotel Sonho do Oceano, in the hills – See prices, photos and availability
Hotel Dazkarizeh73, with its exotic atmosphere – See prices, photos and availability
As for restaurants, there are a few options on the waterfront with pleasant terraces and good food.
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Madeira
Best of
Things to do in Madeira
Most beautiful viewpoints
Madeira’s most beautiful beaches
Most beautiful gardens
Natural pools
Most beautiful hikes
Most beautiful roads
Secret places
Practical advice
Getting around Madeira
Rent a car in Madeira
Driving in Madeira
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 7 days – 10 days
