Guide to Ribeira Brava

'Sun-splashed and serene, this seaside holiday dream is as relaxing as they come.'

It's all mountain high and valley low at this beach holiday hotspot. With breathtaking views, dizzying cliffs and a sheltered suntrap of a seafront, Ribeira Brava has got bags of seaside sparkle. Tucked between the mountains it's protected from the strongest coastal breezes, making it the sunniest place on the island. And a newly built jetty makes a bubble-like barrier between the beach and the rolling waves. This means the glistening waters are as calm as a mountain lake. Perfect for paddling with the little ones, playing frisbee with your friends or relaxing on an inflatable made for two. Away from the water, whip out your euros and take them on a Madeiran shopping trip. Many of the shops here look like houses from the outside, but poke your head round the doorways and you'll find wall to wall souvenirs and boutique-y leather goods just begging to be bought. And you don't have to head for Funchal for serious shopping either. Instead, max out your credit cards on clothes, shoes and accessories in the malls here. All shopped out? Then just browse the morning market for a glimpse of the exotic fruits the mountain farmers grow here. Madeira might be famous for its flowers, but the green-fingered growers can coax some tasty treats out of the ground too. From fruits and spice to ice with a slice, after perusing the market what better way is there to relax than with a cool iced water in a waterfront cafe? Well perhaps watching the sunset while you sip a cosmopolitan, or of course a glass of the famous Madeiran wine. With the sea breeze in your hair and a cold cocktail in your hand, you'll be feeling holiday happy in a flash.

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