In Madeira, waterfalls are not powerful or large, but they can be enchanting, thanks to their delicacy and lush surroundings.
Here’s our selection of Madeira’s most beautiful waterfalls and our tips for admiring them.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Madeira’s best waterfalls: selection + maps
Most of Madeira’s most beautiful waterfalls are actually hidden in the lush vegetation. In this article, we focus on waterfalls where the access paths are clearly identified.
Here is a map to help you find your way:
The beauty of the waterfalls can vary according to the conditions. These are our favorites so far. Some require more hiking and others are roadside.
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1. 25 Fontes
About the cascade
This waterfall lies at the end of Madeira’s most famous hike. The trail takes you into a valley where you follow a levada (traditional irrigation channel), surrounded by moss, plants and trees.
At the end of the path is a lagoon with a waterfall: numerous streams of water cascade vertically down the mountainside over a height of 30m. The rocks are shades of brown and road, while the various plants all around make the place even more magical.
Access + useful tips
- Central-western Madeira
- Start of the PR6 hike at the Rabaçal parking lot along the ER110 road
- From Funchal = 50 min drive
- Duration: 2 to 3 hours if you take the shuttle bus down to the forest house at the start of the hike. If you don’t take the shuttle, add 30 minutes of descent and 40 minutes of ascent.
- Moderate hike with steep steps at the start (and then upwards at the end).
- Toilets and café at trailhead (not always open).
>> More about the 25 Fontes hike
2. Risco waterfall
About the cascade
It’s a detour on the same hike as 25 Fontes, but the waterfall is completely different. With a total height of 100 metres, Risco is one of Madeira’s highest waterfalls.
It falls in several stages, and the trail reaches the highest of the falls.
Access + useful tips
- You can only do the walk to the Risco waterfall on the same PR6 trail as waterfall n°1.
- The descent by shuttle or on foot to the forest house.
- During the hike, it’s a detour, a round trip of 1.6km.
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3. Caldeirão Verde
About the cascade
The Levada do Caldeirao Verde (PR9) is another of Madeira’s most beautiful hikes. We loved the verdant setting, where you can observe the lush, endemic flora lining the path.
The path leads to the Cascade de Caldeirao Verde. This hike is far from boring; the route is punctuated by 5 tunnels hidden among damp rock faces and vegetation.
The waterfall is a trickle almost 100m high, falling straight into a small lagoon known as the “green cauldron”. But it is now forbidden to approach the lagoon for safety reasons.
This waterfall is
Access + useful tips
- North of the island, near Santana, in the Parque Florestal de Quiemadas.
- From Funchal: 40min drive
- Round trip: 13km and approx. 5h30 return.
- The path is flat and sometimes narrow, with a few steps and staircases, and the tunnels can be dark.
- This is a very popular walk on the island, so we recommend you take it early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Read more in our dedicated article!
4. Caldeirao do Inferno
About the cascade
Caldeirao do Inferno, or “Devil’s Cauldron”, is an extension of Madeira’s previous Levada do Caldeirao Verde hike.
It’s a small waterfall hidden away in the mountains.
Access + useful tips
- 2.4 km further to Caldeirão do Inferno, after Caldeirao Verde
- Climbing path with stairs and more tunnels
- The path is not always open. Check if there’s a closing sentence here.
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5. Garganta Funda
About the cascade
The Garganta Funda waterfall is an impressive waterfall located in the Ponta do Pargo region, at the south-western tip of Madeira Island. At a breathtaking height of around 140 metres, it rises from a steep, green slope.
And for once, you don’t have to look up, because the view is from above!
From this natural vantage point, you can also admire the ocean, adding to the striking beauty of the landscape.
In summer, however, the waterfall can virtually disappear.
Access + useful tips
- south-western tip of Madeira Island
- village of Serrado / Pedregal
- From Funchal = 50 minutes drive
- Easy hiking trail, approx. 600 m one way.
- dedicated parking
6. Véu da Noiva
About the cascade
This is one of Madeira’s most beautiful viewpoints.
On the way to the Moniz natural pools, there’s a small parking area off the main road where you can stop and admire the cliffs and waterfall.
It’s not possible to get any closer, but the view from the platform is already stunning.
The waterfall is about 35 metres high.
Access + useful tips
- west of the north coast
- between Sao Vicente and Porto Moniz
- From Funchal = 45 min drive
- Easy access, especially in the direction of Porto Moniz
- Parking: about twenty spaces
7. Waterfalls while canyoning
About the cascade
As well as magnificent hikes to the mountain peaks and along the levadas, Madeira also offers great outdoor experiences for those looking for a little adrenalin while admiring nature.
We particularly enjoyed canyoning in its lush landscapes.
All along the canyoning routes, you’ll find waterfalls of varying heights where you can slide or jump!
Access + useful tips
- Beginner canyoning – see options
- Intermediate canyoning – see program and availability
More tips in our article on canyoning in Madeira.
OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY IN Madeira
Catamaran tour to see dolphins and Madeira’s giant cliffs.
8. Cascata de Aguage
About the cascade
This waterfall is hidden near a residential area around Santana.
You’ll have to find the starting point, but it’s well worth the detour if it’s not summer. In summer, it doesn’t look so pretty as the volume decreases.
This is Madeira’s most tropical waterfall.
Access + useful tips
- Northeast coast
- City of Santana
- From Funchal = 45 minutes drive
- Very small parking lot
- 600m round trip, easy path
- Allow 30min including photo time
9. Cascata de Paul do Mar
About the cascade
In the charming village of Paul do Mar, near the small port, don’t miss the opportunity to walk along the seawall.
From here, you’ll discover a fine waterfall several storeys high, set in a crack in the cliff. The total height of the floors should reach around 100m.
Access + useful tips
- south coast
- village of Paul do Mar
- from Funchal = 45 minutes drive
- View from the harbor or a medium-difficulty 1h20 hike.
Find out more about the village of Paul do Mar.
10. Tropical garden waterfall (man-made)
About the cascade
You’re probably looking for natural waterfalls, but we’ve decided to include the waterfall created in Monte’s tropical garden. We really enjoyed the surroundings, and recommend a visit to the garden!
You can walk to the top and see the small steps, or enjoy the waterfall from the lagoon.
Access + useful tips
- In the city of Funchal
- On the heights of the city, in the Monte area.
Take the cable car to Monte, then walk to the garden (it’s well signposted). - Tour duration: a minimum of 2 hours, but we recommend 3 to 4 hours.
- Difficulty of visit: steep slopes to get around, but you can pay for a cart to take you to certain places.
- Link to the official garden website here.
- Or book a private guided tour
Find out more about the Monte Palace Tropical Garden.
10. Levada do Moinho / Levada Nova
About the cascade
A hike takes you into the heart of the Laurissilva Primary Forest. Along the way you’ll come across the ruins of historic watermills linked to the ingenious ancestral irrigation system of the Levadas.
And at some point, you won’t be able to miss the Nova waterfall, with its charming trail running beneath it.
Access + useful tips
- South of the island,
- near Ponta do Sol.
- From Funchal: 35min drive
- The starting point is Lombada da Ponta do Sol, next to the church. It’s not possible to get there by public transport.
- 8 to 10 km loop
- moderate difficulty.
11. Calhau da Lapa waterfall
About the cascade
Along the path down to Calhau da Lapa, keep your eyes and ears open for the pretty Cascade de Calhau da Lapa. We loved this waterfall, which adds a picturesque, wild and refreshing aspect to the walk. The water bounces off the black cliff, hydrating the flora clinging to it.
However, you should be aware that the waterfall may be dry during your visit. In fact, when temperatures rise or it hasn’t rained for a while, some waterfalls can dry out temporarily.
Access + useful tips
- Madeira’s south coast
- In the village of Campanário
- From Funchal: 20min drive
- Level of difficulty: moderate to difficult. The first part is easy and flat, but the second part, including the stairs, is rather difficult.
- Distance and time: 1km to beach, approx. 20min walk
- Ascent: approx. 170m
Find out more about Calhau da Lapa.
About the cascade
Rocha do Navio is one of our favourite viewpoints and cableways in Madeira.
Unfortunately, it is now closed to tourists and only works for farmers. It allows you to descend 330m in 5 minutes.
But you can choose to hike down to the farming area and admire the waterfalls along the way.
Access + useful tips
- North side
- Near the town of Santana
- Limited parking
- From Funchal = 45 minutes drive
- One-way hike: 1.5km with 330m ascent
14. Cascata Dos Anjos (waterfall on the road)
About the cascade
The Cascata dos Anjos, or “Angels’ Waterfall”, has become a popular attraction, as the waterfall falls onto the road.
Personally, we don’t think it’s worth the detour.
It’s crowded, parking is difficult…
But since many love this Instagram photo, we’re listing it for you.
Access + useful tips
- southwest coast of Madeira
- village of Anjos, Ponta do Sol
- Park in Ponta do Sol or drive over (narrow road)
- From Funchal = 30 minutes drive
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15, …. and other waterfalls in Madeira
- the small waterfall along the Levada do Alecrim
- the Lagoa do Vento waterfall
- levada faja do Rodrigues
- and many waterfalls that require difficult or non-existent hiking trails…
Frequently asked questions
How many waterfalls are there in Madeira?
Madeira has an infinite number of waterfalls. No one knows exactly how much. And it all depends on what you count as a waterfall and the time of year. Even the locals can’t answer, they say at least a few hundred stunts.
Which waterfall is near Funchal?
There are no natural waterfalls very close to Funchal.
But nothing is too far away in Madeira, just rent a car.
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Madeira
Best of
Things to do in Madeira
Most beautiful viewpoints
Madeira’s most beautiful beaches
Most beautiful gardens
Natural pools
Most beautiful hikes
Most beautiful roads
Secret places
Practical advice
Getting around Madeira
Rent a car in Madeira
Driving in Madeira
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 7 days – 10 days
