Travel Guide > Ribeira Brava
Ribeira Brava
|
“To the west, one league from Campanário, lies Ribeira Brava … The stream (ribeira) is so furious when it is full that is sometimes takes many houses and causes a lot of damage, because it comes from great mountains and high hills, and it is for this reason they came to call it Brava (wild).”
Gaspar Frutuoso, 16th cent
Ribeira Brava is one of the oldest settlements of the island of Madeira, whose importance is due to the local terrain, where a stream cuts through that once ran with wild waters (águas bravas), hence the reason for calling the area Ribeira Brava. The source of the stream is at an elevation of 327 m, the waterway then running a distance of 8 km alongside the road that leads to Encumeada, an excellent starting point for unforgettable walks. This area has played an important role in the communication between various points of the island, especially with the interior by means of its harbour. The municipality was created in 1914, being made up of the parishes of Campanário, Ribeira Brava (municipal seat), Serra d’Água and Tabua.
Must-see places:
Promenade of Ribeira Brava
Madeira Ethnographic Museum. Belvedere at Cruz
This belvedere is just a few metres from Ribeira Brava, on a turn-out to the left of the road from Campanário, and offers a view over Ponta do Sol and Ribeira Brava, and to the east, views from the mountains of Campanário to Fajã da Ovelha.
Festivals and Events:
Feast of Saint Peter in Ribeira Brava on June 28 and 29.
Walks:
Pináculo and Folhadal Path
Starts next to the E.E. 110 at Lombo do Mouro, climbing to Paul da Serra, and ending at Encumeada. Covering a distance of about 14km, it passes through various tunnels, and therefore you will need to carry a torch with you.
Patrimony:
Church of São Bento
Fort of São Bento
