Things to do in Ribeira Brava

Ribeira Brava sits where the south coast road meets the route inland to Paul da Serra and the Rabacal, and that junction is really why you stop here rather than a beach. The town's low-key draw is the 16th-century Forte de Sao Bento and the blue-tiled dome of Igreja de Sao Bento on the main square, both worth 30-40 minutes on foot.

The pebble beach, backed by a promenade, is fine for a paddle but not a reason to base yourself here. Ribeira Brava is roughly 25 minutes west of Funchal by car via the VR1, and most visitors pass through on the way to Serra de Agua and the Encumeada pass rather than staying overnight.

Expect around 22-24C on summer afternoons, cooler once the road climbs.