Best Madeira’s easily accessible Waterfalls

Waterfalls are simply magical and for many reasons we feel magnetically drawn to them.

Sergio

Sergio

Madeira, Portugal

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Madeira is definitely an island of waterfalls and many are quite remote and only accessible through (long) hikes, like the famous Cascata do Caldeirão Verde for which a 6.5 km (return) hike is required. However, I can imagine that sometimes you do not feel like hiking or simply don’t have the time. But did you know that there are also quite a few magical waterfalls hidden away that can easily be reached, if only you knew where to look?

Therefore I will share with you below 6 of our personal favourites:

Garganta Funda owes its name to the kettle shaped rock around it and falls directly into a small lake 140m below. This gorgeous waterfall can be found in the village of Ponta do Pargo, but is dependent on the island’s most recent weather conditions. In summer there is a high chance of the waterfall to be dry. However, you would still have an amazing view over the cliffs and ocean. To get to this spot a small, easily signposted hike is required.

Véu da Noiva or ‘Bride’s Veil’ is quite a famous waterfall viewpoint showing the beautiful Northcoast of Madeira island towards the East. Did you know that this waterfall used to fall over the Estrada Antiga (old road) connecting the villages of Seixal and São Vicente? Unfortunately erosion due to the water and the rough weather on the Northcoast has caused the old road to collapse, making it now inaccessible. Luckily we still have an incredible view.

Rocha do Navio Waterfall situated on the dramatic Northcoast near Santana can be explored in multiple ways. You chose to be mesmerized by the waterfall and the steep, green sea cliffs from the gardens of the Quinta do Furão hotel. Or you can decide to take the cable car down to Fajã Rocha do Navio and explore the Nature Reserve and village.

Road Waterfall (Cascata Água d'Alto) in São Vicente, in the direction of Seixal, is easy to find, very accessible and there is even a small parking right next to it. Don’t be surprised if you see people abseiling from this waterfall as there are some canyoning companies offering this type of adventure!

Cascata da Aguage in Santana is still one of Madeira island’s best kept secrets today. There is still a good chance you will have this waterfall completely to yourself. It is situated Lamaceiros and Feiteira do Nuno easily accessible either by a short walk over a gravel road or by descending a stairs bypassing some local farmland. Either way, the result is stunning.

Cascata do Pisao. From the center of Funchal just 15 minutes by car + one kilometer by foot and you will see this amazing picture with your own eyes. This place is unknown to the average tourist and is clearly very much underrated. The most amazing discovery for me was its accessibility – you can visit it with children and elderly relatives. Moreover, here you can enjoy the view, which will easily compete with any of top places in Madeira.

I hope you have enjoyed this blog post about some of Madeira’s most easily accessible, yet magical waterfalls. For more Madeira inspiration and tips, head over to my interactive guide of Madeira with map or Instagram account: @s.x.traveler

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The article was written in collaboration with @themadeiratravelista. Interested in learning more about Madeira? Follow the link to read her books about this wonderful island.

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