10 places
Waterfalls
From the roadside falls you can see from the car to the ones at the end of a levada, with how to reach each.
Seen from afar Cascata dos Anjos
Ponta do Sol · South
The waterfall everyone has seen online: it pours straight down onto the old ER 101 coast road just west of Ponta do Sol. That stretch of road is now closed to the public because of falling rock, and the authorities ban access to the fall itself. The photographs are old; the rocks that keep coming down are not. See it from a distance instead, from the new road above or from the sea, and only after rain: it runs strongest from autumn to spring and can slow to a trickle in a dry August. Do not go past the barriers. It is a fine, and the reason for the barriers is real.
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Levada Walk Risco Waterfall
Rabaçal · West-Central
One of Madeira's tallest waterfalls at around 100 m, dropping into a moss-covered basin surrounded by UNESCO laurel forest. The walk from Rabaçal is mostly flat and shaded along the Levada do Risco: about 3 km return, 1.5 hours, easy for most fitness levels. Usually combined with 25 Fontes (same trailhead). Most powerful in spring. An official shuttle van runs the steep 1.5 km from the car park to the trailhead (~€3), or you can walk it. Warning: the Rabaçal access road is single-lane and steep. Drive carefully or use the shuttle.
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Levada Walk 25 Fontes (25 Springs)
Rabaçal · West-Central
The signature Madeira waterfall hike. You arrive at a green lagoon where roughly 25 thin cascades stream down a fern-draped wall into a pool, one of the most magical spots on the island, and the busiest. About 8 km return along levadas with a steeper final descent and climb; allow 3–4 hours. Can be combined with Risco. Start early (before 9am): the trail and shuttle get very crowded by mid-morning. Proper hiking shoes; the pool is freezing so most people just paddle. Warning: sections are muddy and exposed. Wear grippy footwear and watch the drops.
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Levada Walk Caldeirão Verde
Santana · North
The Levada do Caldeirão Verde from Queimadas Forest Park clings to vertical cliffs and passes through four hand-cut rock tunnels before reaching a thin 100 m waterfall dropping into a round emerald pool. Around 13 km return, 4–5 hours, moderate but exposed in places. The tunnels are pitch dark: a head torch is essential, along with a rain jacket as they drip. The thatched-roof houses at the trailhead are worth a photo. Warning: some cliff sections have steep unguarded drops. Stay on the path and keep children close.
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Hard Hike Caldeirão do Inferno
Santana · North
"Hell's Cauldron" extends beyond Caldeirão Verde for those wanting more, deeper into the mountains to a dramatic amphitheatre of sheer rock walls and waterfalls that few tourists see. Significantly tougher: narrow, exposed, with more tunnels and rougher footing. Around 18 km return, 6–7 hours, for experienced well-equipped hikers only. Same trailhead as Caldeirão Verde (Queimadas). Head torch, proper boots, water and food: there is nothing en route. Warning: serious trail with exposure and tunnels, not suitable in rain or for casual walkers.
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Viewpoint Garganta Funda
Paúl do Mar · Far West
One of Madeira's highest waterfalls, dropping around 150 m into an inaccessible ravine near the western tip. You view it from a clifftop, not from below. A short but rough, unmarked path leads to the viewpoint. It only flows meaningfully after rain and can vanish in dry spells, so time your visit for autumn through spring. Very few tourists make it out here. Warning: unprotected cliff edge: stay well back, especially in wind.
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Levada Walk Levada Nova Walk-Behind Falls
Ponta do Sol · South
The Levada Nova above Ponta do Sol has a memorable moment where the path runs right behind a waterfall: you walk through the spray under the rock overhang. A quieter, more local route than the famous Rabaçal trails, about 8 km as the usual loop from the Lombada church, with some narrow exposed levada edges. Scenery includes terraced farmland, banana plantations and ocean views. You will get sprayed walking behind the falls. Bag your phone. This is not a classified PR trail, so no booking is needed. Warning: narrow levada edges with sheer drops. Watch your footing on wet sections.
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Viewpoint Véu da Noiva (Bridal Veil)
Seixal · North Coast
A tall, thin waterfall cascading down the lush north-coast cliffs near Seixal toward the sea, viewed from a dedicated roadside miradouro. The setting (green vertical cliffs meeting the Atlantic) is classic north-coast Madeira. No hiking required; a quick stop on the coastal drive with a café/viewpoint platform. Strongest after rain. Combine with Seixal beach and Porto Moniz on a north-coast day; best light in the afternoon.
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Levada Walk Levada do Rei Waterfall
São Jorge · North
The "King's Levada" starts at a water station near São Jorge and winds deep into pristine Laurisilva forest, ending at a small waterfall. It is one of the best walks for experiencing Madeira's ancient laurel forest without the crowds. About 10 km return, moderate, with lush vegetation, small tunnels and footbridges. A great choice if Rabaçal feels too busy. Bring a torch for the short tunnels; great for birdwatching and native plants.
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Hard Hike Lagoa do Vento & Alecrim Falls
Rabaçal · West-Central
A hidden gem below the Rabaçal plateau: a waterfall feeding a striking turquoise lagoon in a sheltered valley. Reaching it involves a steep, demanding descent off the main levada network, and an equally tough climb back out. Far quieter than 25 Fontes because of the effort required, with one of the prettiest swimming spots on the island for those who make it down. Accessed via the Rabaçal PR trail network. Warning: steep, slippery descent and a tiring climb back. Carry enough water and only attempt with good fitness and proper footwear.
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