Ribeira Brava sits where a deep valley meets the south coast. It is a pleasant stop with a seafront, a 16th-century church and a regional museum, and the start of the scenic route over the Encumeada pass to the north.
Walk the seafront and the pedestrian streets, visit the church of São Bento with its tiled spire and the ethnographic museum of Madeira, which explains rural traditions such as wine, sugar cane and weaving.
From Ribeira Brava, the road climbs the valley to the Encumeada pass, with views of both coasts on clear days, and descends to São Vicente on the north coast. Combine it with Ponta do Sol or the Levada Nova.
It is a good stop on the way west or north rather than a destination in itself.
A 2.5-hour off-road outing in a Can-Am buggy. Suits travellers who prefer an active, driving-focused activity to a standard sightseeing tour.
from €150 per person
Check availabilityvia GetYourGuide
For hikers who enjoy levada trails: UNESCO-listed Laurisilva forest, tunnels and waterfalls between the São Vicente and Serra de Água valleys, with a café stop at Encumeada.
from €160 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Day trip in a small group from the south coast over the central plateau to the north, with stops at Ribeira Brava viewpoint, Fanal Forest and the natural pools of Porto Moniz.
from €35.22 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Suits nature lovers who want waterfalls, forest scenery and a swim in natural pools on a sightseeing tour of western Madeira. Bring swimwear if you plan to bathe.
from €39 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Full-day overview of the northwest: Câmara de Lobos, Cabo Girão, Porto Moniz's volcanic pools, Paúl da Serra and Seixal. Fanal Forest is a short stop of about 30 minutes.
from €40 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Prices are indicative and may change. The final price is shown by the booking platform. Prices checked: October 16, 2026.
Porto Moniz Natural lava pools on the north-west tip. 
Seixal Black-sand beach, natural rock pools and terraced vineyards on the north coast. 
Fanal forest Ancient laurel trees in the fog on the Paul da Serra plateau. 
Cabo Girão A glass skywalk on one of Europe's highest sea cliffs. 
Curral das Freiras (Nuns' Valley) A village deep in a ring of mountains, with a dramatic viewpoint. 
Ponta do Pargo The lighthouse at Madeira's westernmost point, famous for sunsets. 