The Azores are a paradise for nature lovers. Especially if you’re a sucker for waterfalls like I am. Every time I see these magical creations by nature, they take my breath away. So I decided to create a list to take with you on your next adventure to the Azores! Here’s all you need to know to discover the Azores’ most beautiful waterfalls!
Azores: must visit waterfalls
Salto do Prego | Faial da Terra |Sao Miguel
This waterfall can be found on the trail PRC9SMI which starts and ends at Faial da Terra. It’s quite a steep hike but pleasant to do next to the stream Ribeira do Faial da Terra. The views on your way are stunning and the relief is huge when you reach the waterfall. The water is freezing cold, so I didn’t take a plunge. But it is possible.
Salto do Cabrito | Ribeira Grande | Sao Miguel
To reach the Salto do Cabrito you need to follow the trail PRC29SMI (which is currently closed but I can’t find out why) near Ribeira Grande. This hike is different than others because you walk over the pipelines of the Hydroelectric Power Plant. If you’re afraid of heights this trail can be scary!
Cascata da Ribeira dos Caldeirões | Sao Miguel
This waterfall is very easy to find because it’s next to the road at the Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões. I wasn’t sure if I should add this one because I discovered it’s not a natural waterfall. It’s created by water coming from pipes. (you can discover this in this video)
Caldeira Velha | Ribeira Grande | Sao Miguel
Another one that is easy to find because it’s probably the most famous. It is located on the north slope of the Fogo Volcano. Parking can be a challenge to be able to visit the park but it’s worth it! The water has a nice temperature and what’s more delightful than swimming at a waterfall?
Cascata Ribeira do Rosal| Furnas | São Miguel
This stunning waterfall should be situated near the Lagoa das Furnas and I truly regret not knowing about it until I returned home. I’m sure its steep and straight rock composition will impress you!
Poço do Bacalhau | Fajã Grande | Flores
Situated near Fajã Grande at Flores, the most impressive island of the Azores in my opinion. Easy to reach and also here you can take a plunge, but it was way too cold for me! I was very impressed by this waterfall’s height (90m) and the power of the water coming down. Go here in the late afternoon when the setting sun shines directly on the waterfall.
Poço da Alagoinha | Lagoa dos Patos | Flores
My absolute favorite place to admire the most stunning waterfalls of the Azores! I could sit here for hours listening to the splashing water, the birds and the wind blowing through the trees and enjoying the magnificent view. Don’t do the hike on sandals, it’s just not comfortable and rather dangerous on the slippery rocks. The walk takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
Cascata Ribeira do Aveiro | Santa Maria
I didn’t go to Santa Maria, but I discovered this waterfall a few weeks ago on a website. When I return to the Azores it will be on my bucket list! It’s situated in the Southeast of the island and 110m high.
Did I forget something? Did you discover more waterfalls? Please don’t hesitate to share your experiences in the comments down below!
There are many more, bigger waterfalls in Sao Miguel:
Almost inaccessible, but very large – 80m and a powerful waterfall – Cascatas das Lombadas – that name sometimes refer to other falls on the same river too. I think the height includes an upper level not seen in the video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhwtXo1HDSA
Also a large one, the 40m salto do farinha on the north east. It is sometimes dry.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCVRmj6tDbQ
Cascata da Ribeira Quente, also a very tall waterfall. Some pictures:
http://jcrphotos199.blogspot.dk/2014/07/linda-cascata-na-ribeira-quente.html
Hi!
Thanks for your comment!
I know there are more, but some were dry when I was there or I couldn’t find them.
Next time I’m going I’ll be looking more 🙂
Or you could send me a map already 😉
Cheers!
Joëlle
I don’t know much details – I just heard this from someone else. I’ve never even been to the Azores!
Anyway, here’s the trail map to the Padrão das Alminhas – Salto da Farinha trail.
http://trilhos.visitazores.com/sites/default/files/trails/sao-miguel/pr21smi-3599.jpg
I believe that if you walk from the west, the trail will be short.
The large waterfall at the Lombadas is to the NE of Lagoa do Fogo, but as I understand, it is very hard to reach, despite being one of the biggest and most scenic waterfalls on the island!
This is the only info I could find: http://pt.wikiloc.com/wikiloc/view.do?id=9836481
The last one I don’t know much about, here’s the Portuguese Wiki page:
https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cascata_da_Ribeira_Quente
Thanks for all this info!!
Very appreciated! 🙂
I forgot to say, your page is awesome and I love your videos.
thanks!! I’m very grateful for this! 🙂
Yesterday we went to Cascatas das Lombadas after searching for a way to get there by foot for 2 days. We started off at Villa das Lombadas and followed the river downwards. Here is a really nice view where a lot of water moves between two cliffs, but it’s not possible to get over these cliffs without tools. We tried to find a way around it by going upwards, but that is a really long off road walk with no notable progress.
So how did we get there? We found a well hidden human made trail (including a wooden plank to walk over and rope to climb down off, it was awesome). It starts in the lowest U-bend of the road towards Villa das Lombadas and brings you to the river a few 100m away from the waterfall. From there out you have to find a way to get closer (we made a stone bridge to cross the river, but still got wet feet :p) . In the end we got up to 20m or so from the waterfall because the rocks there were too wet and slippery, but the view was breath-taking!
So far this was the best and most exciting adventure on the Azores, but sooo soooo worth it 😀 Note do not follow this trail when you expect rain, it’s quite steep and you’re often just standing on plants and ground.
HI Jochem,
Heading to Sao Miguel tomorrow. Could you please send me a pin drop on a map of the start of the track at the U-bend you are referring to? Super keen for this waterfall!!!
Many thanks,
Tristan