It is said that the town was called Ribeira Brava (“Wild Stream”) because João Gonçalves Zarco found a stream here whose waters gushed furiously down to the sea.
The stream is 8km long and its source is 327 metres above sea level. It runs beside the road to Encumeada, which is an excellent starting point for some unforgettable walks.

Miradouro da Cruz

This belvedere is a few metres from Ribeira Brava. Turn left off the road from Campanário and you will come across a view of Ponta do Sol and Ribeira Brava and, to the east, the Campanário hills as far as Fajã da Ovelha.

Population: 12,494
Bathing area: Tabua Beach, Calhau da Lapa Bathing Zone in Campanário and Ribeira Brava Beach