Ribeira Brava was one of first civil parishes being settled in the Archipelago of Madeira. It’s settlement dates back to the XV xentury.

The Ribeira Brava river and ravine valley extends 10 to 12m from the slopes of the west-central mountains of Madeira Island. Its waters have an important role due to the fact that they provide the primary sources of drinking-water to the area and also provides electricity to Madeira Island.

This civil parish owes its name to the wild (Brava) river (Ribeira) that used to flow in this area, and sometimes it still does.

Francisco Correia de Herédia was one of the most important personalities in Ribeira Brava civil parish. He contributed to its local progress and other deeds.

Ribeira Brava is the youngest municipality in Madeira Island. It was created in the first half of the XX century, that is, in 1914. This municipality includes the parishes of Ribeira Brava, Campanário, Tabua and Serra de Água.