7 Incredible Waterfalls in Madeira You Won’t Want to Miss
Madeira isn’t short on jaw-dropping viewpoints and dramatic cliffs, but it also hides some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Europe. From roaring cascades tucked deep within laurel forests to streams pouring directly onto coastal roads, these are the waterfalls that truly show off the island’s wild side.
Whether you’re chasing a gentle forest walk or an epic hike through volcanic valleys, this list covers the best spots to explore, photograph, and (sometimes) even shower under.
Waterfalls at a Glance
Levada Nova
Risco waterfall
Véu da Noiva waterfall
Cascata Água d'Alto
Cascata dos Anjos
Caldeirão Verde and Caldeirão do Inferno.
Garganta Funda
When to Visit Madeira’s Waterfalls
If you’re planning to chase waterfalls in Madeira, timing matters. The island’s waterfalls are almost entirely rain-fed, which means their flow can vary dramatically throughout the year.
The best time to visit is spring (March to May), when rainfall is still frequent and the forests are at their lushest. This is when you’ll see the waterfalls at their most powerful and photogenic.
Later in the year, especially from late summer into autumn, many waterfalls slow to a trickle or even dry up completely. When I visited in October, several were far less impressive than expected. Garganta Funda, for example, was completely dry.
So, if waterfalls are high on your Madeira bucket list, plan your trip for spring, pack a rain jacket, and embrace the island at its greenest.
If you do visit later in the year, maybe reign in your expectations and stick to the waterfalls that don’t require much effort to reach. Otherwise, you might end up disappointed like me. I hiked 19 km to Caldeirão Verde for what turned out to be… a trickle.
Photo by Reinaldo Photography on Unsplash
Levada Nova Waterfall
Where to Park: Levada Nova trailhead car park
Difficulty to Reach: Moderate — narrow and exposed sections
Hike Info: 9 km loop | 2–4 hours | 150 m elevation gain
How Long You Need: 2–4 hours
The Levada Nova trail is hands down one of Madeira’s most exciting and photogenic hikes. It follows a narrow levada carved into a cliff face before reaching a waterfall you can actually walk behind. Despite being fairly easy, it’s not for the faint-hearted. The path is less than a metre wide in places, with steep drops on one side.
If you’re good with heights, though, it’s a total gem. The waterfall itself crashes over the path into a deep green ravine, and the whole route has sweeping views of the south coast. Bring sa head torch as you will have to pass through one tunnel.
Risco Waterfall
Where to Park: Rabaçal car park
Difficulty to Reach: Easy–Moderate
Hike Info: 5.6 km out and back | 2–3 hours | 300 m elevation gain
How Long You Need: 2–3 hours
Risco Waterfall is one of Madeira’s tallest and most iconic waterfalls, plunging around 100 metres down a moss-covered cliff. It’s reached via the Levada das 25 Fontes trail, and though it’s one of the most popular hikes on the island, it’s popular for a reason.
The path takes you through dense forest, past small streams, and eventually to a platform facing the main fall which is an incredible sight, especially after rain. You can combine it with Lagoa do Vento (below) for a longer adventure, Set off pre-am to avoid the crowds.
Photo by Yana Petkova on Unsplash
Lagoa do Vento
Where to Park: Rabaçal car park
Difficulty to Reach: Moderate
Hike Info: 7 km out and back | 2–3 hours | 400 m elevation gain
How Long You Need: 2–4 hours
Hidden above Risco Waterfall, Lagoa do Vento is one of Madeira’s most rewarding hikes. The path drops steeply into a secluded ravine where a tall waterfall crashes into a small lagoon surrounded by mossy cliffs and jungle-like vegetation.
It’s a bit of a climb, with steep steps on the way back up, but the reward is total peace and quiet. The combination of Risco and Lagoa do Vento makes for one of the best waterfall double-headers on the island.
Véu da Noiva Waterfall
Where to Park: Miradouro do Véu da Noiva car park
Difficulty to Reach: Very easy
Hike Info: Short path from the viewpoint | 5–10 minutes
How Long You Need: 5-20 minutes
Translated as “The Bride’s Veil,” Véu da Noiva is one of Madeira’s most famous and photographed waterfalls. It cascades down the cliffs straight into the Atlantic Ocean, creating a misty, veil-like effect hence the name.
The viewpoint is easy to reach, with no real hike involved, and offers stunning views of the north coast. You can’t access the base of the waterfall anymore due to landslides, but the view from above is more than enough. Visit after rain when the flow is strongest.
Photo by Mick Waanders on Unsplash
Cascata Água d’Alto
Where to Park: Trailhead pull-off near Faial
Difficulty to Reach: Moderate
Hike Info: <1 km out and back | 30 minutes | 50 m elevation gain
How Long You Need: 1–2 hours
Less visited than many other waterfalls, Cascata Água d’Alto feels wild and remote. The short trail winds through dense greenery before reaching a tall, narrow waterfall that cascades down into a natural pool.
It’s not the biggest waterfall on the island, but its peaceful atmosphere and untouched setting make it one of the most rewarding stops in the area. Its worth a pit stop if you are heading upt Pico Ruivo.
Cascata dos Anjos
Where to Park: Old coastal road lay-by near the tunnel
Difficulty to Reach: Very easy (roadside stop)
Hike Info: None
How Long You Need: 15–30 minutes
The Cascata dos Anjos, or “Waterfall of Angels,” is one of Madeira’s most unique sights . It is a waterfall that flows directly over the old coastal road. You can literally drive beneath it, turning it into the island’s most scenic car wash.
It’s hugely popular on social media, so expect a small crowd and a bit of queuing for photos. Early morning or late afternoon is best if you want it quieter.
Caldeirão Verde and Caldeirão do Inferno.
Where to Park: Parque Florestal das Queimadas
Difficulty to Reach: Moderate
Hike Info: 13 km out and back | 4–6 hours | 300 m elevation gain
How Long You Need: Half a day
I’ll be honest, I think Caldeirão Verde is a overhyped, but I’ll let you be the judge of that.
The 6.5 km one-way trail is long and very narrow, meaning you’ll likely spend a good chunk of time waiting for people coming in the opposite direction, especially during peak season. There are also several tunnels along the way, which can add to the lengthy queues.
The scenery is pleasant, winding through lush Laurisilva forest, but it’s surprisingly sheltered and doesn’t really open up until the final kilometre .
When I visited in October, the flow was weak and underwhelming. To make things worse, I had to park further away as the main car park was full, which added an extra 5 km to the hike. In total, we ended up walking 19 km for very little reward!
That said, if you visit in spring, after heavier rainfall, the waterfall will be far more impressive and worth the effort. Just make sure you go early in the morning to avoid the queues and enjoy the trail while it’s still quiet.
If you’ve still got energy to spare, you can extend the hike another 2 km each way to reach Caldeirão do Inferno. The extension adds more tunnels (some long and dark), a few sketchy drops, and a fair bit of mud , but the payoff is said to be a much more dramatic waterfall in a wild, remote canyon with far fewer people.
Garganta Funda
Where to Park: Garganta Funda Viewpoint car park
Difficulty to Reach: Easy
Hike Info: 1 km out and back | 20–30 minutes | minimal elevation
How Long You Need: 30–45 minutes
One of Madeira’s most dramatic coastal waterfalls, Garganta Funda drops nearly 140 metres into a deep gorge framed by rugged cliffs and the open Atlantic beyond. The short walk to the viewpoint is quick and easy, but the scenery feels wild and remote.
Don’t expect much if you visit later in the year. When I went in October, the waterfall was completely dry, not even a trickle. It’s one of those waterfalls that really depends on recent rainfall, so it’s best seen in spring or after a few wet days.
That said, the viewpoint is still worth the stop if you’re already heading towards Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse for sunset. Even without the waterfall, the cliffs and sea views are spectacular.
Final Thoughts
Madeira’s waterfalls are as diverse as its landscapes, from coastal cascades to hidden jungle falls. They’re an incredible part of the island’s scenery, but it’s worth remembering that when you visit will play a huge factor in what they look like.
Most of Madeira’s waterfalls are seasonal and heavily reliant on rainfall. In spring (March–May), they’re at their best — powerful, full, and framed by the island’s greenest vegetation. Later in the year, especially from late summer into autumn, many fade to a trickle or dry up entirely. Trust me, few things are more disappointing than hiking for hours only to be greeted by a damp rock wall (Caldeirão Verde and Garganta Funda).
If you’re visiting in the drier months, focus on the easier-access spots like Cascata dos Anjos, or the coastal areas around Seixal and Porto Moniz, where the dramatic scenery makes up for reduced water flow. For levada hikes, Levada Nova, Levada do Moinho, and Levada do Vento are your best bet, shorter, more exciting, and with waterfalls that still impress even outside the rainy season.
What is the best way to get around Madeira?
The most effective way to get around Madeira is by car as it allows you freedom to visit the locations you want, whenever you want, in the shortest time possible. Meaning you can take advantage of the many incredible locations on the island to watch the sunrise and sunset.
If you do rent a car I would advise the following:
I would avoid renting a big car as many of the mountain roads and residential streets in Madeira are very narrow.
I would avoiding renting a car with a low powered engine, otherwise you will be spending most of your uphill journey changing between 1st and 2nd gear.
If you struggle with clutch control then I would definitely opt for an automatic car as some of the junctions are savagely steep.
I booked my car rental through discovercars.com, I have used them all over Europe and they search both international and local operators for the best deal.
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