I’ve written more than once about the fact that Portuguese Madeira is an unique island. Surrounded by the waters of the Atlantic, lies near the northern coast of Africa. Thanks to its mild climate it’s often called the island of eternal spring. The mountainous, volcanic structure is overgrown with lush forests cut through by numerous streams, lakes and waterfalls. For me, it’s an island of waterfalls. There are many of them, each is different and you can easily plan your trip to the island just to search for the most beautiful ones. I managed to visit almost all of them and I strongly recommend you to do the same during your own trip. To make it easier for you, I have created a list of the most spectacular ones. If you are still hesitating, just look at the photos below – they say more than a thousand words :)
Risco waterfall
The Risco waterfall is actually several streams of water that fall from a height of 100 m on an almost vertical slope. At the foot of the waterfall is a small natural lake surrounded by rocks covered with fine vegetation. The waterfall is located near Rabaçal. On the route leading to it there is also an amazing Cascata das 25 Fontes waterfall.
25 Fontes waterfall
25 Fontes ’25 Spring’ is another waterfall, which creates several streams of water flowing vertically down the slope from a height of 30 m. It ends with a small natural pool, surrounded with rocks covered with juicy green vegetation. The waterfall is hidden in a laurel forest. You can reach Cascata das 25 Fontes waterfall and Risco waterfall by following the Levada das 25 Fontes trail. In my opinion, it’s one of the most unique places on the island.
Levada Nova waterfall
It owes its name to the Levada Nova irrigation canal. The water flows out of a tunnel carved in the rock and falls with a bang into a trough filled with stones. To reach it, you have to follow the Levada Nova trail, which leads behind a wall of water, which makes this route even more spectacular.
Cascata dos Anjos waterfall
Cascata dos Anjos waterfall “Angel Falls” looks like water is falling from a rock wall directly into the ocean. However, in reality it breaks down on a road running along the coast. The local people call it’s ‘the only free car wash on Madeira’. It can be reached from the beach side of Ponta to Sol via the Er 101 tunnel.
Levada do Alecrim waterfall
The streams of the waterfall form a wide ribbon, flowing down a slope overgrown with a lush vegetation. The waterfall ends in a lake – a natural swimming pool. It’s a paradise for tourists who dare to swim in crystal clear but icy water. You can get here through the Levada de Alecrim channel, from which it takes its name.
Caldeirão Verde waterfall
One of the most spectacular waterfalls in Madeira is the Cascata do Caldeirão Verde “Green Crater Falls”. A stream of water falls into the lagoon inside the extinct volcano crater. The water flows down walls covered with moss and small vegetation. To reach it, you have to follow the route of the Levada Caldeirão Verde, but in my opinion is one of the most magical places in Madeira: Magical tropical Madeira – the Caldeirão Verde waterfall
Cascata da Garganta Funda waterfall
The name of Cascata da Garganta Funda ‘Waterfall with a Deep Throat’ reflects its character very well. A narrow but very rapid stream of water falls into a 140 m deep canyon. It is the second highest waterfall on the island. The best view of this natural wonder is from the edge of the canyon.
Agua D’Alto waterfall
Agua D’Alto waterfall ‘High Water’ is 150 m high and flows down on almost vertical rocky slope, dying in a wooded valley. It is worthy to go there in the winter months, when the water flow is greater, creating a stronger impression. It’s located on the Levada Lombo Galego – Faial route. You can also see it from the terrace of Quinta do Furao Hotel.
Paul do Mar waterfall
The picturesque Paul do Mar waterfall towers over the village of the same name. It falls almost directly into the ocean near the small port. Its stream has carved a deep trough in the cliff. It’s best to admire it from a distance. You have the impression that the water and the buildings of the village form a unity.
Véu da Noiva waterfall
The Véu da Noiva lookout point, located between Seixal and São Vicente, allows you to see the Véu da Noiva waterfall and the northern coast of the island. It is located on the old road connecting Seixal and São Vicente. From here you can see the Véu da Noiva waterfall, which resembles the veil of the bride, due to its altitude and the currents that flow down the hillside. This viewpoint also offers a beautiful view of the Atlantic and the slopes of Madeira’s northern coast.
Caminho Real waterfall
The Caminho Real Waterfall, or Royal Way Falls is narrow but high. The water flows in a steep gully. It is located in a rocky mountain massif, about 100 m from the ocean, not far from the Paul do Mar waterfall. Both can be reached via the Levada do Paul to Mar trail.
The photos you can see in this post are the effect of my collaboration with Michael. We believe in the synergy effect, which is why we have decided to work together during this trip. We hope that it will be an inspiration for your European trips.
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