Things to do in Ribeira Brava

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 visit the village of São Vicente. After pick-up 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, where the vines were first introduced and still exist today. Admire the banana plantations and sugarcane on the steepy terraces that sometimes are difficult to get to. Visit Madeira's pride and Cabo Girão, the highest sea cliff in Europe and the second-highest in the world. Discover the breathtaking views over the mountains and sea and old agricultural terraces still planted today. Then, the route descends to Ribeira Brava, visit old monuments including the church. Continue the drive through to Paul da Serra Madeira´s popular flat plateau at 1500m above sea level. Embrace the beautiful laurel forest views through Madeira´s little green Scotland, where the oldest Laurel Trees and endemic vegetation that grows and embraces the long Rabaçal Valley, to Porto Moniz valley, well known for its natural volcanic pools in the summer. Spend 2 hours and in the winter 1 and half hours there. A stop for lunch or a light snack follows after (not included in the price). The tour continues along the north coast where waterfalls are visible. Drive through the village of Seixal, well known for its black natural volcanic beach and wine terraces which continues right through São Vicente. Appreciate Portugal's own little "Hawai" due to the high wave attraction in the winter and surfing attraction nature will escort up to the Encumeada Pass, where the North meets the South at 1007 meters above sea level (this stop will depend on the weather conditions). At the end of the tour you will be dropped back at your hotel.

. Câmara de Lobos - The tour starts with a 20 to 30 minute stop at this beautiful fishing village, where you can see the fishing boats of scabbard fish and drink the famous Poncha. . Cabo Girão - The tour continues to this amazing viewpoint over a seacliff with a suspended glass platform where you can admire the panoramic views of Câmara de lobos and Funchal. .Ribeira Brava - The tour makes a passage through this charming Village. .Fanal - Leaving Ribeira Brava, the tour continues towards Fanal where you will be able to see and appreciate the centenarie trees of a part of the Laurissilva Forest. . Ribeira da Janela - This stop is a superp viewpoint that shows you 60% of the magnificent north cost. . Porto Moniz - After, the tour goes to the biggest stop. At Porto Moniz the stop is between 1 hour and a half to two hours that you can enjoy your lunch break and a swim at the natural volcanic pools. . Seixal - Stoping at the harbor of Seixal for you to enjoy the view of the dramatic cliffs crushing the water and the opportunity to have a walk in one of the most black sand beaches of the Island. . Bride's Veil - To end this splendid tour is a viewpoint with a waterfall that resembles a bride's veil.

Enjoy a safe and comfortable transfer from the Madeira airport to your hotel on this 45-minute service. Book in advance and arrive in Madeira with no worries about finding transportation. This shared transfer is available for hotels located in Central Funchal, Machico, Santa Cruz, Câmara de Lobos, and Caniço village. Up to 8 passengers can be accommodated in the mini-bus. When you arrive, look in the exit area for the driver, who will be carrying an envelope with the name of each passengers for the service. Inside the envelope is general information about Madeira and other services provided by the operator. If you are booking a round-trip transfer, you must confirm the pick-up time at your hotel.

Depart Funchal and journey west to the Paul da Serra viewpoint in Calheta. Upon arrival, embark on a hike of the famous Levada das 25 Fontes e Risco walk and encounter the amazing waterfalls that give the nature trail its name. Then, go to Pico da Urze for lunch in a typical restaurant at your own expense. Continue off-road to the village of Ponta do Sol to see the stunning south coast of Madeira. Get bird's eye views from the coastal town of Ribeira Brava. Make your way to the highest cliff in Europe at Cabo Girão for stunning vistas 580 meters above sea level.

Benefit from hotel or guest house pick-up in Funchal (pick-up and drop off outside Funchal is available for an additional fee). Then, travel to the mountains of Madeira and see the Ribeira Brava valley. Journey through the countryside using old roads and tracks used for forestry and farming. Discover some of Madeira's traditional villages, such as Campanário, Lugar da Serra, São Paulo and Ribeira Brava. Marvel at views of the mountains and valleys from an open-top 4x4. Watch the colors of the sunset before a dinner at a local restaurant. Here, you will feast from a menu (bread, main course and dessert, 1 drink and coffee included) of typical dishes such as espetada - large chunks of beef rubbed in garlic and salt and grilled over an open fire, then served with local fried corn. Sample bolo do caco, the circular bread shaped like a cake that is cooked on a "caco" (a flat basalt stone slab) and served with garlic butter. 

Depart from Funchal and head to Serra d’Água in Ribeira Brava, with beautiful views surrounded by dense vegetation and tall mountains. Reach the Encumeada viewpoint at 1007 meters above sea level to enjoy magnificent views over the valleys, north and south coast of the island. Continuing through a nice off-road route with spectacular views over São Vicente, Paúl da Serra, and Porto Moniz, and arrive at the most important and iconic vineyards in the north of the island, located in São Vicente. In this wonderful and interesting property, take a guided tour with the owners to learn the ins and outs of wine production process and wine culture. After the tour, delight yourself in a wine tasting experience. After lunch, continue towards Cabo Girão, the highest cliff in Europe and second highest in the world measuring at 589 meters. It is notable for its renovated viewpoint with a suspended glass floor. Finish at Câmara de Lobos, visiting the best Madeira wine lodge to taste the famous 3, 10, and 15-year-old Madeira wines.

This jeep safari tour will start in Funchal City and then you will visit several unique places in Lugar de Baixo, Lombo do Mouro, Bica da Cana, Paul da Serra, Santa, Porto Moniz, Seixal, Serra d´água, and Funchal. Explore the fascinating landscapes along the rugged North coast of Madeira. Appreciate the crystal clear air and mysterious wilderness as you head into the indigenous Laurissilva forest at Santa, before descending in to the impressive villages along the outstanding Northern coast. For example, go to Seixal to see its many different waterfalls. Next up, travel to Porto Moniz, known for its natural saltwater pools composed of volcanic rocks, which are some of the most beautiful natural swimming pools in the world. Finally, go to the stunning Serra de Àgua valley to see the South Coast, Encumeada, Ribeira Brava, and Campanário. On Mondays you can explore the west and north of Madeira Island.

The 25 Fontes Levada is one of the most popular in Madeira Island. It's name lives up to the number of fountains or little waterfalls that’s possible to count once you arrive there. Starting in Rabaçal and going to the 25 Fontes, the path reveals many landscapes and wonderful sensations. Along the way it’s possible to admire a wide variety of endemic species of the flora and fauna of the region. The host will pick you up and drop you off at your accommodation, giving you essential hike information, along some other tips of the Island.

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.

Experience the natural beauty of Madeira by classic VW and drive along the regional roads towards Ribeira Brava. Stop in the city center of Câmara de Lobos and get stunning views from the Pico da Torre viewpoint. Drive to the towering sea cliff of Cabo Girão to experience the highest promontory in Europe and get a stunning view over Funchal and Câmara de Lobos from the glass skywalk. Continue to Ribeira Brava and stop at another viewpoint along the way. Navigate your way through the center of Ribeira Brava and visit the parish of Serra de Água to enjoy authentic ponchas (a traditional alcoholic drink from Madeira) or other regional drink at a typical bar.