Cascata dos Anjos: Madeira’s Famous Waterfall Over the Road
Cascata dos Anjos, or Angels’ Waterfall, is one of the most unique and photogenic stops on Madeira’s southern coast, and a “must stop” on a Madeira road trip!
Located just west of the town of Ponta do Sol, this relatively small but striking waterfall tumbles directly over the old coastal highway, which is now closed to vehicles. You won’t have to compete with cars to get the perfect shot … just with people!
Whether you’re on a Madeira road trip looking for a scenic stop or a serious photographer chasing dramatic shots, here’s everything you need to know about visiting Cascata dos Anjos.
Key Info on Cascata dos Anjos
- Location: ER 101, just west of Ponta do Sol
- Distance from Funchal: 30km / 35 minutes
- Parking: No lot. It’ll be a roadside squeeze!
- Accessibility: Foot traffic only
- Fee: Free
- Hours Open: 24/7
The 3 Sites I Use for Every Trip
– For tours: Viator
-For travel insurance: Travel Guard
– For rental cars: Discover Cars
Map & Location: Where Is Cascata dos Anjos?
The waterfall is located on the ER101 coastal road, a short drive through a beautiful part of Madeira from Ponta do Sol. This stretch of the ER101 is an older route, now bypassed by a modern tunnel. The road is closed to traffic, and crumbling, but still accessible to walkers and cyclists.
- Distance from Funchal: ~27 km (≈35 minutes by car)
- Distance from Ponta do Sol: ~3 km (≈5 minutes)
Waterfall Map
On this map, you can see where the waterfall is. To the west, just down the road, is the neighborhood you’ll park in.
Parking & Access to the Waterfall
There’s no formal parking lot at Cascata dos Anjos. You’ll have to park along the roadside before the tunnel or near the entrance to the old road, which is now in pretty rough shape.
Space is limited, and you’ll have to share the road with other visitors stopping for photos.
The Walk to the Waterfall
The walk to the waterfall is about a quarter of a mile. You can’t miss it!
This aerial photo shows the waterfall, with the parking area near the homes in the background.
Madeira’s Weather & Seasonal Advice
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early autumn offers ideal lighting and drier conditions. These photos were taken during a visit to Madeira in April/May.
- Rainy Season (Oct–Mar): Heavy rain can swell the waterfall and make the road slippery.
- Dry Weather: In late summer, the waterfall may slow to more of a trickle, but it still makes for a lovely photo spot.
Generally, I’d aim for sunset! Sunrise will likely have a smaller crowd, but the sunsets here are stunning.
By the way, sunrise above the clouds is an iconic Madeira adventure on one of the island’s famous peaks: Pico do Areeiro.
Waterfall Photography Tips
Cascata dos Anjos is a photographer’s dream… *minus* the crowd. Generally, people are pretty good sports about waiting in line for photos and not hogging the sunset light!
Here’s how to make the most of your visit:
- Golden hour (early morning or evening) provides the best light, especially with the ocean behind you.
- A wide-angle lens helps capture the full height of the waterfall and the surrounding cliffs.
- Try a long-exposure shot for that silky water effect. Bring a tripod!
- And let’s be honest: chances are you’ll have a few stragglers in your photo, so you’ll likely have to edit them out in post!
Final Advice for Visitors to the Waterfall
- Be patient: It’s a popular stop. If you want a photo without cars or people, try visiting in the early morning.
- No amenities: There are no restrooms or shops at the site. Stop in Ponta do Sol if you need anything.
- No fees or reservations: Visit whenever you’d like!
Cascata dos Anjos is one of many beautiful sites on Madeira’s southern coast. It’s another reminder of the island’s rugged, dramatic beauty!
