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Things to do in
Ribeira Brava

Our most recommended things to do in Ribeira Brava

Madeira: Western Madeira Guided Trip & Fanal Mystic Forest

1. Madeira: Western Madeira Guided Trip & Fanal Mystic Forest

Discover the most amazing places of Madeira, starting with a visit to the beautiful fishing village of Câmara de Lobos. See the colorful fishing boats of scabbard fish and taste the famous Poncha drink.   Continues to the stunning Cabo Girão Skywalk – a suspended glass platform – and admire breathtaking views of Câmara de Lobos and Funchal (tickets not included). Next comes Ribeira Brava, a charming village, and Fanal, where you can admire the centenary trees of the Laurissilva Forest.   Enjoy the magnificent views of the north coast at Ribeira da Janela. The tour then continues to the biggest stop: Porto Moniz where you can enjoy a lunch break and explore the natural volcanic pools.  After this, the tour will take you to see the harbor of Seixal and its dramatic cliffs from above, and finally, you will end this wonderful tour at a beautiful viewpoint with a waterfall.

Funchal: Enchanted Terraces, Porto do Moniz & Fanal 4WD Tour

2. Funchal: Enchanted Terraces, Porto do Moniz & Fanal 4WD Tour

Explore the untouched beauty of the northwest immersing yourself in the heritage of old roads and uncharted paths aboard an open-top 4x4 jeep. Revel in exclusive access to the most breathtaking vistas of Madeira, unreachable by traditional means, as you forge a trail to paradise. Indulge in the unparalleled thrill of swimming in volcanic lava pools, a rare and unforgettable encounter with nature's raw beauty. Then, tread lightly through the enchanting Fanal laurissilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999, where time stands still and magic dances through the ancient trees, creating an experience that resonates with the very soul of the island. Uncover the serenity of hidden rural villages, each a unique thread in the vibrant tapestry of traditional Madeiran life. Embark on a journey that reveals the soul of this enchanting island, one charming village at a time. Transport yourself on a mesmerizing journey that feels like a nostalgic voyage back through the annals of time, where tranquility and a sense of history converge in perfect harmony. Prepare to be enchanted by the storied landscapes of Paul da Serra, a sprawling plateau renowned for its sweeping vistas and unspoiled beauty. The true "pièce de résistance" of this remarkable adventure lies in the unparalleled landscapes and viewpoints that unfold before you. Whether perched on a cliff overlooking the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean, or nestled in a valley surrounded by lush greenery, these awe-inspiring vistas will leave an indelible mark on your soul. As you traverse this captivating region, immerse yourself in the verdant paradise of the Laurissilva Forest's lush Fanal, where towering trees and diverse flora create an otherworldly ambiance. The immersive walk through this natural wonderland is an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the island's rich biodiversity. The journey continues with a visit to the volcanic pools of Porto Moniz and Seixal, where you can take a refreshing swimming in these unique, geologically formed aquatic marvels. The contrast between the rugged volcanic cliffs and the serene, azure waters creates a striking backdrop for relaxation and rejuvenation. In Porto Moniz you have oportunity to have a meal (optional). The tour then unfolds the picturesque beauty of Seixal and São Vicente villages, each exuding its own charm and character. The harmonious blend of tradition and modernity in these coastal enclaves provides a captivating glimpse into the island's culture and heritage. Your senses will be further delighted as you are treated to captivating waterfalls throughout the journey, each a testament to the raw power and beauty of nature. The tranquil melodies of cascading water will create a symphony of serenity, enveloping you in a moment of pure, unadulterated beauty.

Madeira: Full-Day Jeep Tour with Guide and Pickup

3. Madeira: Full-Day Jeep Tour with Guide and Pickup

This adventure is for ocean and mountain lovers who want to feel nature and adventure all day long. Our amazing north west coast tour is the way to complete your trip to Madeira combining with natural beauty among the best breathtaking scenarios of Europe. Who likes adventure, nature, the sea, volcanic pools, forests, off-roads tracks and to be on top of mountains? In this tour we will experience all this in one day, starting with Cabo Girão skywalk (589 meters) above the sea level with an amazing view over the sea and over fajã do Cabo Girão. This is the best place to take pictures feeling like flying over the cliff. Once we get back to our wonderful jeeps we will be heading towards our bumpy roads in Trompica where we will be driving to the top of the valley of Serra de Água. In this off-road we might have the chance to see wild animals such as buzzards, kestrels and cows. Once we finish the off-road we will head to the north coast ( São Vicente) full of vineyards, mountains and green vegetation following with sea view always by our side. On the way we will stop at Véu da Noiva, to see the waterfall and to explain more about the old roads as well, stopping for a short coffee break in the souvenir shop. Along the way we will have the pleasure to visit the beach of Seixal, a very small village with around 580 people living, and for many, the beach of Hawai. Next is a two hours stop in Porto Moniz that we will freely manage your time in between swimming on the volcanic pools and lunch. Once we are back from the pools and lunch, we will be visiting the very well known forest of Fanal. In this stop guests will have a break time contemplate and relax on the most beautiful landscape in the whole island. To finish the day we will drive down the mountains towards the sea having a sun bath on the bay of Ponta do Sol, the most sunny city in Madeira. In regards of views, we will be looking directly to the plateau around 1400 meters above the sea level, listen historical information about the old roads, contemplate the view of a beatifull beach by black sand, swiming in natural pools, eating sugar cane cookies and wine... all of this created by us to never forget your holidays in Madeira!

From Funchal: West Madeira and Laurel Forest Day Trip

4. From Funchal: West Madeira and Laurel Forest Day Trip

Discover the highlights of Madeira's beautiful landscapes and charming towns on this guided tour in a comfortable vehicle, with pickup and drop-off included. Stop at Camara de Lobos, the Ribeira Brava, and the village of São Vicente. After pickup from your hotel, make your way to Camara de Lobos, where beautiful landscapes were painted by Sir Winston Churchill in the 1950s. The drive takes you along the old, narrow roads of Estreito de Camara de Lobos. Admire the banana plantations and sugarcane on the steep terraces. Visit Madeira's pride and Cabo Girão, the highest sea cliff in Europe and the second-highest in the world. Discover views over the mountains and sea and old agricultural terraces still planted today. Then, the route descends to Ribeira Brava, visiting old monuments, including the local church. Continue the drive through to Paul da Serra Madeira's popular flat plateau at 1500 m above sea level. Embrace the beautiful laurel forest views through Fanal, where the oldest laurel trees and endemic vegetation grow. See the sea and the mountains, then continue to Porto Moniz Valley, well known for its natural volcanic pools in the summer. After a lunch stop (cost not included), head along the north coast, where you can see waterfalls. Drive through the village of Seixal, well known for its black natural volcanic beach (when possible, there will be a stop at the beach). Depending on weather conditions, discover Portugual's Encumeada Pass, where the north meets the south at 1,007 meters above sea level (this stop will depend on the weather conditions). At the end of the tour, you will be dropped back off at your hotel.

Madeira: 25 Fontes and Risco Levada Hike with Transfers

5. Madeira: 25 Fontes and Risco Levada Hike with Transfers

Experience a different perspective on hiking: at your own rythym. With pick up and drop at your accommodation*, enjoy a Self Guided hike and visit the one of the most famous walk in Madeira: 25 Fontes and Risco Levada. Our schedules allow you to "skip the line" and have the path almost to yourself, during the first hours. Program: The guests are picked up at their accommodation to join a shared transfer (up to 8 guests per van), in direction to the 2nd famous hike in Madeira - 25 Fontes in Rabaçal (beggining). The hosts provide hike instructions and map explanation, with schedules. You will have 5 hours to do both paths "25 Fontes" and "Risco", ending at the cafe - Casa do Rabaçal. The pick up and drop of locations are the same (parking lot). Hike Information: - Duration: 5 hours - Extension: 10 km - Starting Point: Parking Lot 25 Fontes - Ending Point: Parking Lot 25 Fontes - Max Elevation: 1300 m - Min Elevation: 1000 m Transfer Information: - Capacity: 8 people - From the city to Rabaçal: average 1.5 hour - From Rabaçal to the city: average 1.5 hour - *Pick up/Drop off limits: Funchal, central area of Camara de Lobos, Ponta do Sol (center), Ribeira Brava (center), Calheta (center) and Caniço areas only Weather conditions are very unpredictable in this part of the island. Your reservation can be canceled or postponed. The day before the hike, you will receive (via email or WhatsApp) the exact pickup time and a weather forecast, in order for you to be as prepared as you can be. The schedules presented may be altered in case of delay in traffic, bad weather conditions or even delay by the guests.

From Funchal: West Madeira Waterfalls and Fanal Forest Tour

6. From Funchal: West Madeira Waterfalls and Fanal Forest Tour

The tour begins with a pickup from your accommodation,heading to the first stop of the day, the small fishing village of Câmara De Lobos. Located in a small creak, with a beach and a harbor, the village is surrounded by quintessential houses that pile up around the bay. From here, continue up the world’s second-largest sea cliff and admire the beautiful views of Camara de Lobos and Funchal. The next stop is Ribeira Brava, named after the wild stream that runs through it. Visit the village’s history-rich church that was built in the 16th century and learn about its Flemish influences and baptism fountain. Head towards Ponta Do Sol next, one of the sunniest spots on the island and home to a pretty little village nestled in the steep folds of the valley overhung with dense banana plants. Climbing to the mountain plateau of Madeira, we will find the Fanal forest, Fanal Forest is a magical forest on the Island. Often, but not always, there is mysterious fog in the forest amongst the 600 year old trees with there twisted branches. As you gradually enter an extraordinary landscape surrounded by a mysterious mist that creates a special atmosphere, Once at Fanal weather permitting you will be able to do a 20 minutes walk in Laurel tree Forest (Optional) . Afterward, zigzag through the narrow village roads and head towards the fishing village of Porto Moniz. Walk along the promenade which stretches from the natural pools to the pier, and find a local seafood restaurant to dine at for lunch. There’s also time to visit the aquarium, housed by the fort of Sao Jaoa Batista, or swim in the volcanic pools. Onto the Sao Vicente on the north coast, to admire this charming little town with its picturesque streets, and immaculately white houses. Visit the 17th-century church here and a park with a selection of coastal plants native to Madeira. Towards the end of the tour travel through the forest to the Encumeada Pass, one of the most beautiful mountain spots of the region, where you can marvel at the view of the north and south coast from the top.

From Funchal: 2-Day Guided Tour of Madeira

7. From Funchal: 2-Day Guided Tour of Madeira

During this 2 day tour, from 9AM to 5PM each day, you will have the change to experience the best of Madeira. Here are a few highlights that you will discover - Cabo Girão: Our first stop, we travel up to the magnificent 580m high, glass balcony view point of Cabo Girão, famous for being the highest in Europe and second highest cliff in the world. - Ribeira Brava: Traveling along the coast of the island we soon arrive at the village of Ribeira Brava, where we can visit a church dated in the 15th century. - Madalena do Mar: Next we make our way to Madalena do Mar, a smnice visit throught the lush green banana plantations. - Fonte do Bispo: From an altitude of between 1300-1500 meters we find the tourist attraction of Paúl de Serra and it's initiation of several levada walks that connect to different points of the island through the Laurissilva forest. - Porto Moniz: Home of the largest volcanic natural pools of Madeira. On our decent towards the town we can enjoy fantastic views, especially those of the volcanic pools in their entirety. Lunch stop / free time, about 1.30 to 2 hours stop. - Seixal: Next we enjoy a brief stop in Seixal. Along the way, we have the pleasure of passing several waterfalls, particularly the famous and stunning Bridal Veil waterfall. - São Vicente: Thereafter we visit the picturesque neighbouring village of São Vicente, where you can visit a beautiful church dating from the 17th century before returning to Funchal. - Câmara de Lobos: Situated 5km from the city of Funchal, our last stop is the quaint and famous fishing village of Câmara de Lobos; a favourite painting spot of the late Winston Churchill! - Cristo Rei in Garajau: Situated in one of the most surprising places on the Island of Madeira, the statue of Christ the King of Garajau is one of the most emblematic monuments on the east coast. - Machico: A historic city, it was here that the first settlers loved in 1420 and Funchal only became the capital in 1508. - Ponta de São Lourenço: Ponta do Rosto, the easternmost point of Madeira and is a natural reserve with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and spectacular rock formations; it is a unique landscape very different from the rest of the island. - Porto da Cruz: A small village located in the North Eastern part of Madeira, an ancient rum distillery testifies the importance of sugarcane for Madeira. - Faial: A small and picturesque village on the northeast coast of the island that was named after a local beech tree. The colonizers arrived here only in 1519 and were mostly of Moorish and Galician origin. - Santana: Santana is a charming village on the northeast coast of Madeira, well known for its colorful, thatched, triangular houses. Lunch stop / free time, about 1.30 to 2 hours stop. - Ribeiro Frio: Ribeiro Frio is a natural park located in a deep valley in the north of the island surrounded by mountains. - Pico do Arieiro: Pico do Arieiro is the third highest peak on the island of Madeira, with an altitude of 1818 meters. The views are fabulous, with clouds hovering over the fantastic rock formations - an impossible scenario to describe.

From Funchal: West Bays Sailing Tour with Lunch

8. From Funchal: West Bays Sailing Tour with Lunch

Discover the most breathtaking views of the island as seen from the ocean. Sail along the coast of some of the major bays surrounding Madeira and take in the gorgeous scenery while looking for all kinds of native sea species. Start your scenic cruise at the Marina do Funchal, where you will board a spacious sailing yacht. Head out to sea searching for dolphins, whales, and sea turtles up to 3 miles from the coast. If you're lucky, you'll see lots of native wildlife in their natural environment.  Continue your trip across crystal clear waters toward the shores of Ponta do Sol Bay. Admire the beautiful scenery as you float along the coast, passing the stunning Ribeira Brava Bay, Calhau da Lapa, Fajã dos Padres, Cabo Girão and Câmara de Lobos Bay. Relax and enjoy the cool water as you make a tour stop for some swimming and a delicious lunch. If you're feeling adventurous, borrow a snorkel and visor and dive deep into the ocean to discover the underwater magical world.

Madeira: Guided E-bike Tour of the North Coast

9. Madeira: Guided E-bike Tour of the North Coast

The Wonderful North e-bike tour will explore an enchanting part of the North of Madeira! It will explore the quiet roads crossing the cultivated fields and the rainforest, also we can enjoy the magnificent view points over the coast and over the mountains! The tour starts in the small village of Boaventura, from where we climb to the first stop where we have a view over the village and over the coast line! Then we continue along the road that crosses the Laurel forest, discovering the small houses and fields of vegetables, vineyards and some exotic fruits! After crossing a small tunnel, we descend to Arco de São Jorge already in the Santana region, where we are welcomed by another fantastic rural atmosphere. We then head to the Miradouro da Beira da Quinta from where we have a spectacular over the village of Arco the São Jorge and all the northwest coast until Porto Moniz. We then cross a part of the village where we can see the farmers growing the fruits and vegetables as well as their own typical houses with its flowered gardens. Next stop will be a view point near by the sea to enjoy the see breeze, magnificent coastal view and the waves of the Atlantic. If the clients want there is a possible coffee stop, and after that we star the return to Boaventura. Reaching the centre of the village we enter the old road where we have our last view point over the picturesque town of Ponta Delgada! We go back to the mini-bus for the transport back to the Hotel.

Camacha: Levada Trail e-Bike Guided Tour

10. Camacha: Levada Trail e-Bike Guided Tour

Discover one of the most beautiful mountain bike trails in Madeira island that goes along the Levada channel in Camacha! The trail starts in Camacha one of the most picturesque villages in Madeira. You will admire the cultivated fields of Camacha and observe some of the most interesting natural flora of the island! As you go deeper inside the trail you will ride along the levada channel with its old bridges, crossing the eucalyptus forest, reaching the Laurel forest which is considered a Unesco Heritage Site. You will definitely experience the perfumes and the diferent colors along the way! We then reach a place known by its water mill and funny shaped tree where we can make a resting brake. After this we will explore thew power of our e-bikes climbing on a dirt road in direction to a fantastic view point over Santo da Serra and where we often are welcomed by many sheeps! After this we will descend on a pleasant road full of oaks and then reentering the levada in direction to Camacha!

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Frequently asked questions about Ribeira Brava

What are the best day trips and excursions from Ribeira Brava?

The best day trips and excursions from Ribeira Brava are:

Porto Moniz

What are the best tours to do in Ribeira Brava with kids?

Other Sightseeing Options in Ribeira Brava

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What people are saying about Ribeira Brava

Overall rating

4.7
(1,127 reviews)

I can only highly recommend this tour! The guide Dino was very friendly and funny. He showed us many great places and viewpoints. Dino was born on the island himself and can therefore tell you a lot about the island. It was really a beautiful day, despite the rain. The only negative point for me is the food in the restaurant in Porto Moniz. I think it's overpriced for what you get. Better eat somewhere else, you don't have to accept the offer. (Unfortunately, vegetarian options were also very difficult there.)

our Day with Tony was amazing. He's really funky guy. Who can tell the little secrets of madeira with a lot of passion. After 29j he's still full of passion and even with the bad weather he made it a perfect day. You see a lot in a day, I world recommend everyone to taken this one day trip to see the west of Madeira.

the whole experience was lovely . very informative Trip . my first time visiting the island and learned alot just by doing the tour. the weather was the only thing that could have been improved . wasn't able to swim but it didn't disappoint. poto moniz and seikal were amazing places .

Fantastic day in spite of the weather. But the waterfalls and crazy seas made up for the rain. Fernando was a great guide, knowledgable and made great recommendations. Awesome trip !

Renato our tour guide made the experience fantastic, he really brought the island alive