Best waterfalls around Água De Alto are found in regions like São Miguel Island in the Azores and Madeira, offering diverse natural landscapes. The area is characterized by its coastal beauty, black-sand beaches, and lush inland environments. Waterfalls here range from easily accessible roadside cascades to those requiring a hike through tunnels or along levadas. These natural features contribute to the region's appeal for outdoor exploration.
Last updated: October 17, 2026
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This is the wrong waterfall. You can find it here: https://www.google.com/maps/search/salto+do+rosal/@37.742788,-25.3405024,2692m/data=!3m1!1e3?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDgwNi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D
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Between two tunnels is the entrance to a short trail toward the Cascata da Ribeira Quente waterfall. The trail was impassable (summer 2025). Walking through the stream, you can still get close to the waterfall.
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An adventurous path leads from the parking lot, which is located inside the tunnel, through the first of the tunnels (so please be very careful! - even if the drivers warn you by constantly honking their horns👍🏻). The waterfall can already be seen between the two tunnels. You can also walk further. However, the path is rocky, and you have to walk through the river to get closer. Waterproof shoes are helpful. But it's definitely a highlight.
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At this point, you'll have to pay a 4-euro entrance fee, which allows you to visit the garden and hike about 1.5km past mammoth trees to the Salto do Rosal waterfall. The park is very beautiful, but keep in mind that the actual hike is already several kilometers long, and the walk to the waterfall and back adds an additional 3-4 kilometers.
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The "Mata/Jardim José do Canto," not to be confused with the "Jardim José do Canto" botanical garden in Ponta Delgada, is located on the southern shore of Lagoa das Furnas. The approximately 120-hectare park was created starting in 1852 by reforesting unforested slopes with trees from the five continents. An approximately 10-hectare section of the property is home to the garden landscape created by the French landscape architect Barrillet-Deschamps, at the western end of which is the "Vale dos Fetos." The area includes the Nossa Senhora das Vitórias hermitage, the Casa dos Barcos (Navigation Pavilion), and the Casa da Lagoa (Fishermen's Pavilion). The streets and paths of Mata/Jardim are flanked by centuries-old camellias. The garden also features giant sequoia trees and the two-kilometer-long Salto do Rosal trail, which leads to a waterfall with icy water. For opening hours and admission prices, see the website: https://matajosedocanto.com/
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Beautiful waterfall. When it rains a lot, the circular route is not possible because the path further down is then washed away by the stream.
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Beautiful botanical garden, you will find all kinds of trees and plants from all over the world. You can then relax and unwind in the warm natural pools. The entrance fee is not too expensive!
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The region offers diverse waterfall experiences. For an adventurous journey, explore the Window of Hell Waterfall, where the path leads through several tunnels up to 50 meters long, requiring a flashlight. Another unique spot is Rosal Waterfall, which involves an adventurous path starting inside a tunnel and a rocky trail that may require walking through a river to get closer.
Yes, several waterfalls offer opportunities for bathing. Cabrito Waterfall, a two-stage cascade in a narrow gorge, is a great spot to pack your bathing suit. The Secret Waterfall on the Ribeira da Praia River also has water around 15°C where you can swim. Additionally, the Caldeira Velha Hot Springs and Waterfall offers both a waterfall with water up to 25°C in winter and hot springs at 35-38°C for bathing.
The Caldeira Velha Hot Springs and Waterfall is a popular bathing oasis. It's highly recommended to book your tickets online in advance, as entry costs €10 per adult for a 1.5-hour slot. Remember to bring swimwear to enjoy the warm waters.
Yes, the region has options suitable for families. The Window of Hell Waterfall is considered family-friendly, offering an exciting hike through tunnels. Cabrito Waterfall is another family-friendly spot, located in a beautiful gorge. The Caldeira Velha Hot Springs and Waterfall is also tagged as family-friendly, providing a unique bathing experience.
You'll find a variety of hiking trails near the waterfalls. For example, the hike to Window of Hell Waterfall is described as exciting, involving tunnels. The path to Rosal Waterfall is adventurous and rocky, sometimes requiring walking through a river. You can explore more options, including easy and challenging routes, in the Waterfall hikes around Água De Alto guide.
For hikes involving tunnels, like the one to Window of Hell Waterfall, a flashlight is highly recommended. If your hike involves walking through rivers or rocky paths, such as at Rosal Waterfall, waterproof shoes will be very helpful. For waterfalls where bathing is possible, like Cabrito Waterfall or Caldeira Velha, remember to bring swimwear.
The Secret Waterfall is a less-known gem located on the Ribeira da Praia River, offering a beautiful spot for those willing to undertake a fair amount of climbing for access. In Madeira, the Cascata Água d'Alto in Faial, Santana, is also considered a 'hidden gem' with an easy, relatively short levada hike.
Beyond waterfall visits, the Água d'Alto region offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous waterfall hikes, including easy loops like the 'Secret Waterfall loop from Água de Alto'. For cyclists, there are road cycling routes, and runners can explore various running trails, including challenging ones around Lagoa do Fogo.
The region's waterfalls are beautiful year-round. However, to experience the waterfalls at their fullest flow, visiting during or after periods of rain is often ideal. For bathing in the Caldeira Velha Hot Springs and Waterfall, the hot springs are consistently warm, while the waterfall's temperature can be around 25°C even in winter.
The waterfalls in Água d'Alto are set amidst diverse natural landscapes. You'll encounter narrow gorges, lush forests, and rivers. Some waterfalls, like Window of Hell Waterfall, feature aqueducts, while others, like Cabrito Waterfall, are nestled within gorges. The general area of Água d'Alto on São Miguel Island is also known for its stunning sea views and coastal beauty, including black-sand beaches.
While many waterfalls require a hike, some are more conveniently located. In Madeira, the Cascata Água d'Alto near São Vicente is directly along the ER101 road, making it an easily accessible stop for travelers to view its approximately 80-meter drop.
Visitors frequently praise the adventurous and exciting nature of the hikes, especially those involving tunnels and unique geological features. The opportunity for bathing in natural pools and hot springs is also a major draw. Many appreciate the less crowded, 'hidden' natural attractions and the stunning scenery, often describing the experience as 'heaven' due to the beautiful surroundings.


Happy to travel a little further afield? Then browse these guides for the best waterfalls around Água De Alto: