Madeira, often hailed as the “Island of Eternal Spring,” is not only famous for its lush landscapes and rugged mountains but also for its spectacular waterfalls. These natural wonders are abundant across the island, cascading over cliffs adorned with verdant forests and offering breathtaking scenes that beckon nature lovers and photographers alike.
From the towering heights of the Risco Waterfall to the enchanting series of cascades at the 25 Fontes, Madeira’s waterfalls are as diverse as they are beautiful.
Whether you’re trekking through ancient laurisilva forests on levada walks or exploring remote mountainous regions, discovering these hidden gems provides a refreshing escape. Each waterfall has its unique charm, there’s even one that cascades down on the road in the South of Madeira.
8 Waterfalls in Madeira that you absolutely can’t miss
I visited all of these stunning waterfalls in Madeira myself. Some of them are part of a hiking trails in Madeira, while others can be found right on the side of the road.
There are hundreds of waterfalls scattered all over the island. But I do believe that this collection offers a glimpse of the best that Madeira has to offer.
The island is relatively small which makes it ideal to explore by rental car. If you only have 1 week to discover Madeira you can easily fit all of these waterfalls into your 7 day Madeira travel itinerary.
🚗 You can grab your rental car from SunnyCars for the best experience. The biggest tip I can give you is to choose an automatic cause the roads on Madeira can be very steep!
1. The stunning Levada Nova Waterfall
The Levada Nova waterfall is actually one of my personal favorites on Madeira, hence why I also choose it as number one on this list!
This beautiful waterfall can be found along the Levada Nova hiking trail which starts from Ponta do Sol. It’s hidden within a verdant green gorge and you can securely walk behind it!
Now there are two options to see this waterfall:
- You can hike the Levada do Moinho – Levada Nova trail which is an easy 9km trail with a small elevation gain of only 150 meters. This hike actually connects two different levada’s through stairs and offers incredible panoramic views over the nearby valleys and Atlantic Ocean. This is absolutely the way I would recommend!
- Another option is to simply hike the Levada Nova trail up until you reach the waterfall and then turn back to Ponta do Sol. You won’t be cutting the kilometers in half but it will save you some time if you have to make choices like this.
💡 TIP – On the Levada Nova trail there is a 200 meter long tunnel for which you will need a flashlight. In some parts the ceiling can be pretty low so make sure to always watch your head.
2. Cascata dos Anjos
Cascata dos Anjos is located on the southern coast of Madeira, along the regional road between the towns of Ponta do Sol and Madalena do Mar. This makes it easily accessible by car, and it’s a popular stop if you’re driving along this scenic stretch of coastline.
What sets Cascata dos Anjos apart is its direct spill onto the road. Originally, the waterfall cascaded directly into the sea, but road construction captured this natural flow in a unique way. As vehicles pass, they can drive right through the falling water, providing a refreshingly cool experience on hot days. If you prefer to stay dry, there’s also a small area to park and enjoy the view without getting soaked.
Visitors often stop here to take photos and admire the waterfall, which flows year-round but is particularly impressive during the wetter months, from October to April, when rainfall on the island increases the volume of water cascading down the cliffs.
💡 TIP – Visit early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the crowds and allow for better photo opportunities with softer lighting.
3. Garganta Funda
Garganta Funda, is one of Madeira’s hidden natural gems, featuring a stunning waterfall that cascades into a beautiful and secluded basin. This lesser-known attraction offers a more off-the-beaten-path experience compared to the island’s more popular waterfalls.
Garganta Funda is located in the southwestern part of Madeira, near the village of Ponta do Pargo. Access to this area involves driving through some of the island’s most scenic countryside, featuring rolling hills and agricultural terraces.
At the end of the village you can park your car on the side of the road and from there it’s only a short walk until you reach this impressive waterfall.
The best time to visit Garganta Funda is during the rainy season from late autumn to early spring. This is when the waterfall is most likely to have a strong flow, although Madeira’s weather can be unpredictable, and rainfall can occur at any time of the year.
4. Miradouro do Véu da Noiva
This iconic sight is located on Madeira’s north coast and is a favorite among tourists for its breathtaking scenery and easy accessibility. The Miradouro do Véu da Noiva is situated on the old coastal road between Seixal and São Vicente.
The waterfall at Véu da Noiva is one of Madeira’s most beautiful, pouring from the lush greenery above directly down to the rocky coastline below. Its dramatic drop and the mist it creates give it a mystical appearance, especially when sunlight catches the spray.
From São Vicente, take the ER101 road towards Seixal. There is a designated parking area near the viewpoint, from which visitors can walk a short distance to the viewing platform. The viewpoint itself is well-developed, with a platform that allows you to safely enjoy the panoramic views of the waterfall and the North Atlantic Ocean.
5. Levada do Caldeirão Verde Waterfall
The Levada do Caldeirão Verde is one of the best levada walks on Madeira where you’re surrounded by lush jungles and will encounter incredible waterfalls. Yes you heard that right! Along this trail you’ll not just bump into one but three absolutely stunning waterfalls!
This is an ideal hike if you love hiking without adding the pressure of a lot elevation gain. For the most part the Levada do Caldeirão Verde is relatively flat and offers 12km of spectacular views through a dense laurel forest.
There are 4 tunnels in total, some are short, others are longer. But make sure to bring your headlamp and be careful not to bump your head.
🅿️ PARKING – There is a parking area at Queimadas Forest Park where you can leave your car before starting the hike.
💡 TIP – Bring a rain jacket, waterproof hiking boots, waterproof backpack and a flashlight.
6. Caldeirão do Inferno Waterfall Hike
The Caldeirão do Inferno waterfall hike is actually an elongation of the Levada do Caldeirão Verde and I highly recommend completing the entire trail! By doing so you’ll get to see a couple more spectacular waterfalls and walk through a mesmerizing canyon. I promise that you won’t regret it!
During our visit it wasn’t possible to venture through the canyon due to heavy rainfall and a storm the day before. But if you continue along the canyon you’ll end up at one final massive waterfall.
In total you’ll add 5km more to the hike but it’s absolutely worth it!
🅿️ PARKING – There is a parking area at Queimadas Forest Park where you can leave your car before starting the hike.
💡 TIP – Bring a rain jacket, waterproof hiking boots, waterproof backpack and a flashlight.
7. Levada das 25 Fontes Waterfall
The Levada das 25 Fontes is one of the most popular levada’s on Madeira. This levada walk is famous for its beautiful scenery, lush vegetation, and the stunning waterfall at the end, which feeds a clear, serene lagoon. The name “25 Fontes” refers to the many springs that feed into this lagoon, although counting all 25 is a challenge for many visitors!
The trail is located in the Rabaçal area in the western part of Madeira. It starts from the Rabaçal car park and descends into the valley where the levada (an irrigation channel) leads hikers through a dense laurel forest, part of the Madeira Laurisilva forest, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The round trip is approximately 9 km (5.6 miles) long and has an elevation gain of 300 meters.
8. Levada do Risco Waterfall
The trail is located in the same general area as the Levada das 25 Fontes, within the Rabaçal valley in the western part of Madeira. It shares the same starting point at the Rabaçal car park, making it convenient for you to explore both trails in a single visit if you wish.
The hiking trail here is wider than on the PR6 so if you wish to combine both hikes I would suggest you start with the PR6 and then do the PR6.1 before returning to the parking lot. The round trip is approximately 4km (2.5 miles) long.
The main attraction of this hike is the Risco Waterfall, a beautiful cascade that plunges into a serene pool below. The waterfall is particularly impressive during the rainy season when the water flow is at its peak.
The best time to see waterfalls in Madeira
The best times to visit and see waterfalls in Madeira are during the winter (December to February) and spring (March to May) when rainfall is more abundant, resulting in fuller and more spectacular cascades.
Winter offers the most powerful flows due to the peak rainfall, while spring provides a pleasing balance of good weather and lush, blooming landscapes alongside impressive water flows.
Summer sees a significant reduction in waterfall activity due to drier conditions, making it less ideal for viewing waterfalls. If visiting in autumn, early in the season might still yield some decent waterfall activity following late summer rains. For the best experience, start your hikes early in the morning and always check local conditions beforehand to ensure safety and optimal viewing.
Map of the most beautiful waterfalls in Madeira
🗺️ How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to “Your Places,” click Maps, and you will see this map on your list.
If you have any questions about Madeira or if you want to share your experience, comment below!
More information on Madeira
Pico Do Arieiro To Pico Ruivo Hike – PR1 On Madeira
The 14 Most Epic Hikes in Madeira (Including Map + Tips)
Achada do Teixeira To Pico Ruivo Hike – PR1.2 On Madeira
Hiking The Levada do Caldeirão Verde – PR9 On Madeira
Vereda Do Larano Coastal Trail In Madeira
Levada do Moinho – Levada Nova Waterfall Hike In Madeira
The Spectacular Ponta de São Lourenço Hike – PR8 In Madeira
The Perfect 7 Days Madeira Travel Itinerary
19 Incredible Viewpoints In Madeira You Have To See
The 14 Best Places To Stay In Madeira
Best Tips For Driving And Renting A Car On Madeira
Where to stay on Madeira – Sé Boutique Hotel
All rights reserved © Charlies Wanderings. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc.), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited.
Hi! We’re Charlotte, Christof & César!
Armed with our cameras & drone we’re always on the lookout for the next adventure!
We’ve been traveling together since 2020 and the best adventures are yet to come!
Read our full story here
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.