Ribeira Brava Beach, officially the Ribeira Brava Bathing Complex, is a pebble and black sand beach with swimming pools on the south coast of Madeira, Portugal. This guide covers opening hours, access, transport, parking, accessibility and practical tips for visiting.
The beach is a top stop on a small group Madeira west coast tour that also visits Cabo Girao, the Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools, the Fanal Forest and the Miradouro do Véu da Noiva.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Beach: open 24 hours daily; bathing complex facilities: summer months only. |
| Admission | Free |
| Address | Ribeira Brava, Madeira 9350, Portugal |
| Nearest public transport | Rodoeste bus routes 4, 6, 7, 80, 107, 139, 142, 146 from Funchal |
| Time needed | 2 to 4 hours |
| Beach type | Pebble and black volcanic sand with swimming pools and breakwater protection |
Ribeira Brava Beach opening hours
The beach area is accessible 24 hours daily throughout the year. The Ribeira Brava Bathing Complex facilities, including swimming pools, changing rooms, bar and restaurant, operate during summer months only. Lifeguard services operate during peak summer season.
Ribeira Brava Beach admission
Access to the beach and bathing complex is free. No entrance fee applies. Use of facilities including swimming pools, changing rooms and toilets is included in free access. Sun loungers may require rental fees. Opening hours and ticket prices were checked and updated in January 2026.
How to get to Ribeira Brava Beach
By bus: Multiple Rodoeste bus routes (4, 6, 7, 80, 107, 139, 142, 146) operate from Funchal to Ribeira Brava. Route 7 is the express service using the Via Rápida (motorway), reducing journey time to approximately 30 minutes. Other routes use the old coastal road and take longer. Services depart from Rua do Visconde de Anadia and the north side of Avenida do Mar in Funchal. Not all buses on these routes are express services; check for “Via Rápida” on the destination board. Bus frequency reduces on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. Single fares cost approximately €2-4.
By car: From Funchal, take the VR1 motorway westbound. Exit for Ribeira Brava after approximately 14 kilometres. The drive takes 20-25 minutes. The beach is located on the town’s waterfront and signposted from the centre.
By taxi: Taxis from Funchal to Ribeira Brava take approximately 20 minutes and cost €25-35.
You can also visit as part of a small group island tour.
Parking at Ribeira Brava Beach
A car park is located adjacent to the bathing complex, directly linked to the beach facilities via a lift. Parking spaces can be difficult to find during busy summer periods, particularly weekends between 11am and 4pm. Additional parking is available in the town centre, a 5-10 minute walk from the beach. Parking is generally easier to find in the morning (before 11am) or late afternoon (after 4pm).
How long to spend at Ribeira Brava Beach
Most visitors spend 2 to 4 hours at Ribeira Brava Beach. This allows time to swim in the sea or pools, relax on sun loungers, and take refreshments at the bar or restaurant. The beach’s location in the town centre makes it suitable for combining with exploration of Ribeira Brava’s historic centre, including São Bento Church and the seafront promenade. Visitors combining beach time with a meal in town restaurants typically spend half a day in the area.
Accessibility at Ribeira Brava Beach
The Ribeira Brava Bathing Complex was upgraded in 2021 to improve accessibility. New walkways facilitate movement throughout the bathing area for people with reduced mobility. A lift installed in the car park provides direct access to the sunbathing area without requiring use of stairs. Accessible toilet facilities are available. Water shoes are recommended for all visitors as the beach surface is predominantly pebbles and rocks, which can be uncomfortable to walk on, particularly when entering and exiting the water.
What to see at Ribeira Brava Beach
The bathing complex features two swimming pools: one for adults and one specifically designed for children. Both pools provide an alternative to sea swimming and are protected from waves. The pebble and black volcanic sand beach extends alongside the pools and is sheltered by a riprap breakwater, creating calm conditions for sea bathing. The breakwater reduces wave action significantly compared to open Atlantic beaches.
Facilities include changing rooms, showers, toilets, and a first aid station. Lifeguard surveillance operates during the main summer season. Sun loungers and parasols are available in designated areas, though rental fees may apply. A bar and restaurant serve food and drinks during summer months.
The seafront promenade runs alongside the beach, offering ocean views and access to town cafés and restaurants. The promenade is suitable for walking and connects to the town’s historic centre. The Ribeira Brava river flows to the seafront near the beach complex. Birdwatching opportunities exist along the river, particularly in the morning.
The 16th-century Church of São Bento (Igreja de São Bento) is located in the town centre, a 5-minute walk from the beach. The church features Manueline, Mannerist and Baroque architecture, a Baroque bell tower with blue and white tiles, traditional azulejo tiles and 16th-century paintings. Entry is free.
Practical tips
| Tip |
|---|
| Bring or purchase water shoes (aqua socks) as the pebble surface can be uncomfortable or difficult to walk on barefoot. |
| Arrive before 11am or after 4pm during summer weekends to find parking more easily. |
| The west coast location provides longer sunshine hours compared to other areas of Madeira, making it suitable for afternoon beach visits. |
| Combine beach time with lunch in town restaurants along the waterfront promenade, where terraces offer ocean views. |
| Check whether bathing complex facilities are open before visiting outside peak summer months (June-September). |
| Bus route 7 (express via Via Rápida) is faster than alternative routes; confirm the bus destination board shows “Via Rápida” before boarding. |
Frequently asked questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Ribeira Brava Beach suitable for children? | Yes. A dedicated children’s swimming pool is available within the bathing complex. The breakwater creates calm sea conditions. Facilities include changing rooms and first aid. |
| Do you need to book in advance? | No. The beach has free access with no booking required or capacity restrictions. |
| Is Ribeira Brava Beach open on Sundays? | Yes. The beach area is accessible daily. Bathing complex facilities operate during summer months including Sundays. |
| Is the beach sandy? | No. The beach surface is a combination of pebbles and black volcanic sand. Water shoes are recommended. |
| Are there showers? | Yes. Showers and changing rooms are available at the bathing complex. |
| Can you swim year-round? | Sea swimming is possible year-round, though facilities including pools and lifeguards operate during summer months only. Water temperature ranges from 18°C in winter to 22-24°C in late summer. |
Things to do near Ribeira Brava Beach
Ponta do Sol (6km west): Coastal town with colourful houses, beachside promenade, Church of Nossa Senhora da Luz, and John dos Passos Cultural Centre.
Boca da Encumeada viewpoint (11km north): Mountain viewpoint at 1,007 metres altitude offering panoramic views of north and south coasts and the valleys of Ribeira Brava and São Vicente.
Calheta Beach (15km west): One of Madeira’s few golden sand beaches, created with imported Saharan sand and protected by breakwaters. Swimming pools and beach facilities available.
Madeira Ethnographic Museum, Ribeira Brava (town centre): Museum displaying Madeiran cultural heritage, traditional crafts and historical exhibits.
Levada walks near Ribeira Brava: Multiple levada (irrigation channel) walking trails start from the region, including Levada do Norte (easy), Levada do Moinho with waterfall (moderate difficulty), and Levada Nova-Tabua (easy). Free access to trails.
