Ribeira Brava

This pleasant village, with a pebbly beach and bustling seafront fruit market, was founded in 1440 at the mouth of the Ribeira Brava (meaning "wide river"), hence the name. It's one of the island's sunniest spots and makes a popular destination for boat trips from Funchal. Head up the main Rua Visconde da Ribeira Brava for some quirky local shops—it also passes the back of the town’s handsome church.

Explore Ribeira Brava

Elsewhere In Madeira

Calheta

Not so long ago this was a quiet village huddled around a 17th-century church, but Calheta has exploded in popularity because it has the island’s...

  • 1 Restaurants
  • 4 Hotels
  • 4 Things To Do

Camara de Lobos

On coastal route N101, you'll pass many banana plantations on the way to Câmara de Lobos—a former fishing village made famous by Winston Churchill, who...

  • 0 Restaurants
  • 0 Hotels
  • 0 Things To Do

Caniçal

Multicolored boats bob in water flanking this village with a long history as a whaling station—the industry ceased operation in 1981. In 1985, 5 acres...

  • 0 Restaurants
  • 1 Hotels
  • 1 Things To Do
See All Places In Madeira
Trending Stories
Beaches
I’m Not a 70-Year-Old Brit, But I Loved This Island Anyway
More

Advertisement

Find a Hotel

Guidebooks

Fodor's Essential Portugal

View Details

Plan Your Next Trip