Azores Waterfalls: The Best Waterfalls in the Atlantic Ocean
📅 21 January 2021 | Guides, Portugal | ⌛ 15 mins
The heavenly beautiful nature of the Azores islands is something everybody has to witness. Except for their green fields, the Azores of Portugal are prominent for their waterfalls too.
Located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, these islands offer tranquility like no other. On top of that, there are plenty of options to do all kinds of outdoor activities. One of them is for sure hiking and chasing waterfalls.
To make it easier for you, I have made a detailed list of all of the most beautiful Azores waterfalls that are worth a visit. In addition to that, you will find plenty of activities to make your exploration of the islands even more adventurous…🏞️
Azores Waterfalls Map
Salto do Cabrito - São Miguel Island
Salto do Cabrito is one of the most famous waterfall in Sao Miguel, Azores. It’s prominent for the fact that it is an easy to reach waterfall and is close to the city of Ribeira Grande. Its most characteristic feature is that it springs from a huge gorge, which is following the trail to the waterfall. In fact, the hiking trail to Salto do Cabrito starts near the hot springs of Ribeira Grande and takes not more than an hour of walking.
Salto do Cabrito Waterfall Overview:
📋 Height: 20 m
⛅ Best time to visit: March, April, May
📍 Location: Ribeira Grande, São Miguel, Azores
🏞️ Best Way to Get There: Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande to Salto do Cabrito Hiking Trail
⭐ Rating: 3/5
Salto do Prego - São Miguel Island
Since Sao Miguel is the biggest island, it surely has more to offer when it comes to exploring the Azores waterfalls. The Salto do Prego is probably the most magical and well-hidden waterfalls in Sao Miguel, Azores. Set deep into the tropical forests of the island, it is revealing the true beauty of the island in a very tranquil way.
Getting to Salto do Prego is not an easy task and one should be well prepared. The hiking trail to the Prego waterfall is a slippery road, which is sometimes hard to take. It starts at the bus stop of Faial da Terra and goes through old abandoned houses that belonged to some of the first settlers. In general, the hiking trail to Salto do Prego is usually taking around 2 hours, unless you decide to go to Salto do Cagarrão… 🍃
Salto do Prego Waterfall Overview:
📋 Height: 9 m
⛅ Best time to visit: May to September
📍 Location: Faial da Terra, Povoação, São Miguel, Azores
🏞️ Best Way to Get There: Sanguinho Hiking Trail
⭐ Rating: 3/5
Ribeira dos Caldeirões - São Miguel Island
These beautiful waterfalls can be found in one of the protected areas on the island – Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões in Nordeste. The park itself is situated in the northeast part of the island and has several waterfalls spread within. Along with that, there is a huge botanical garden, which is home to many endemic species, which are only found in the Azores.
The Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões is historically and culturally important to the Azores islands. This is the place where you can find lots of mills dating back to the 16th century and learn about the way they were used. Eventually, you can grab some coffee or tea at the café in the park and enjoy the beautiful views… 😍
Ribeira dos Caldeirões Waterfalls Overview:
📋 Height: 3-20 m
⛅ Best time to visit: May to September
📍 Location: Achada, São Miguel, Azores
🏞️ Best Way to Get There: Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões
⭐ Rating: 3/5
Salto do Farinha - São Miguel Island
Salto do Farinha is for sure one of the most picturesque waterfalls of the Azores. Its situated in the northern part of the island between the parishes of Salga and Achadinha. The hiking trail leading to this waterfall is one of the most well-known trails on the island. however, it is not an easy one and requires some effort. Nevertheless, it will surely reward you with some of the most beautiful views on the island… 😌
Salto do Farinha Waterfall Overview:
📋 Height: 20 m
⛅ Best time to visit: February, March, April
📍 Location: Salga, Achadinha, São Miguel, Azores
🏞️ Best Way to Get There: Padrão das Alminhas to Salto da Farinha Hiking Trail
⭐ Rating: 4/5
Poço Azul - São Miguel Island
The Poço Azul waterfall chain is one of the most magical places on the island of Sao Miguel. It is prominent for its crystal clear waters and the lush tropical vegetation that surrounding the waterfalls.
Although, it is quite hard to get to the waterfalls, it is surely worth the hike. In fact, it is one of the few places on the island where you can take a refreshing dip in the water. Or simply admire this magical place from afar…
Poço Azul Waterfalls Overview:
📋 Height: 3-5 m
⛅ Best time to visit: June, July, August
📍 Location: Salga, Achadinha, São Miguel, Azores
🏞️ Best Way to Get There: Padrão das Alminhas to Salto da Farinha Hiking Trail
⭐ Rating: 3/5
Caldeira Velha Waterfall - São Miguel Island
The Caldeira Velha hot waterfall is set within the Parque Natural da Caldeira Velha on the road to the parish of Ribeira Grande. This Fogo volcano biosphere reserve is known for being home to some of the biggest endemic species and ferns. Along with that, it has lots of hot springs spread all over it, where some of them gather and create small hot natural pools.
Caldeira Velha is a quite known hot springs complex in the heart of Sao Miguel island and is usually crowded. The best time for a visit is on a rainy day either early in the morning or in the afternoon. The water is around 20 degrees Celsius, thus it is perfect for a relaxing bath after a long day strolling around the island…
Caldeira Velha Waterfall Overview:
📋 Height: 9 m
⛅ Best time to visit: Whenever
📍 Location: Ribeira Grande, São Miguel, Azores
🏞️ Best Way to Get There: Caldeira Velha Spa Complex
⭐ Rating: 5/5
Salto do Rosal - São Miguel Island
Hidden deep into the Laurisilva forests surrounding the Furnas lake is the Salto do Rosal. It’s a magical waterfall set in the middle of the island. This is one of the reasons why many peace lovers hike to it on the run to find true peace…
The path to Salto do Rosal is more like a leisure walk and starts near the Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias and the Garden of Lagoa das Furnas. It is going through a beautiful alley, arranged with the notable hydrangeas of the Azores and enchanting Laurisilva vegetation. Eventually, after a couple of minutes of walking you will be there…
Salto do Rosal Waterfall Overview:
📋 Height: 20 m
⛅ Best time to visit: April – September
📍 Location: Furnas, São Miguel, Azores
🏞️ Best Way to Get There: Garden of Lagoa das Furnas
⭐ Rating: 4/5
Hot waterfall of Ribeira Quente - São Miguel Island
The Hot Waterfall of Ribeira Quente is the most magnificent waterfall on the island of Sao Miguel. Surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and perfectly hidden between two tunnels, it is one of the toughest waterfalls to reach in the Azores islands.
What makes the Hot Waterfall of Ribeira Quente so special is the fact that it has a thermal source and it is also the highest waterfall. Reaching the waterfall is no joke and is considered dangerous, as the path is set between two tunnels on the way to Ribeira Quente. However, many enthusiasts pass through them with great caution and get a glimpse of this masterpiece…
Hot Waterfall of Ribeira Quente Overview:
📋 Height: 25 m
⛅ Best time to visit: April – September
📍 Location: Ribeira Quente, São Miguel, Azores
🏞️ Best Way to Get There: Follow road EN2-A2 and stop before the tunnels
⭐ Rating: 5/5
Aveiro Cascade - Santa Maria Island
Although, Santa Maria is one of the smallest islands in the Azores archipelago, it has one of the most beautiful waterfalls. The Aveiro Cascade is situated in the southeast part of the island, near the coast of the island. Surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and charming vineyards, Aveiro Cascade is a truly magnificent waterfall that is worth a visit.
What makes it an even more appealing waterfall is the fact that it provides some of the most breathtaking views over the area. Plus, there are lots of ducks that live around this area and make the place perfect for picnics…
Aveiro Cascade Waterfall Overview:
📋 Height: 120 m
⛅ Best time to visit: March, April, May
📍 Location: Maia, Santa Maria, Azores
🏞️ Best Way to Get There: Santo Espírito to Maia Hiking Trail
⭐ Rating: 4/5
Parque das Frechas - Terceira Island
Having in mind, that Terceira is known as the flattest island of all of the Azores, it is hard to believe that there are actually any waterfalls there. Contrary on the expectations, there are a couple of waterfalls located in the magical Park of the Frechas.
This park is known as the perfect spot to gather with your family for all sorts of celebrations. The locals usually go to the park to celebrate their birthdays and casually have a cold shower under the many waterfalls in it.
If you are in for a leisure walk and occasionally waterfall sightseeing, then this is the perfect place for you!
Parque das Frechas Waterfalls Overview:
📋 Height: 3-10 m
⛅ Best time to visit: March, April, May
📍 Location: Agualva, Terceira, Azores
🏞️ Best Way to Get There: Parque das Frechas
⭐ Rating: 3/5
The Waterfall of Santo Antão - São Jorge Island
The small parish of Santo Antão in the southeast part of São Jorge is one of the most remote villages in the Azores islands. Exactly in this remote parish is located the only waterfall on the island of São Jorge.
The waterfall of Santo Antão is a small and charming waterfall, which only adds to the beauty and serenity of the area. It is located in the heart of the village and close to its chapel, so it is easy to find it. Along with this charming waterfall you are also guaranteed a serene landscape of the ocean…
The Waterfall of Santo Antão Overview:
📋 Height: 5 m
⛅ Best time to visit: March, April, May
📍 Location: Santo Antão, São Jorge, Azores
🏞️ Best Way to Get There: Follow road EN2 to Santo Antão, São Jorge
⭐ Rating: 3/5
Cascata do Poço do Bacalhau - Flores Island
The waterfall of Poco do Bacalhau is often overlooked by tourists as it is sitting into the shadow of the waterfall of Ribeira do Ferreiro in Flores. Although, this waterfall is for sure worth a visit, as it is one of the tallest waterfalls on the island. It is also famous for being home to lots of eels, which can be observed in its pond. Despite this fact, many of the locals dip into it during the summer months to refresh themselves…
Poço do Bacalhau Waterfall Overview:
📋 Height: 90 m
⛅ Best time to visit: April, May, June
📍 Location: Fajã Grande, Flores, Azores
🏞️ Best Way to Get There: Miradouro das Lagoas to Poço do Bacalhau Hiking Trail
⭐ Rating: 4/5
Cascata da Ribeira do Ferreiro - Flores Island
The most heavenly beautiful waterfall you will ever see! That is quite true, as the Cascata da Ribeira do Ferreiro has been the nominal for a beautiful waterfall in the Azores for quite some time.
Its beautiful walls covered in green moss and surrounded by tropical vegetation make it a one of a kind cascade. Not to mention the evergreen forest surrounding the area and leading to the cascade, which is truly astonishing.
The Cascata da Ribeira do Ferreiro is one of the most serene places in the Azores. It truly will make your jaw drop and leave you breathless with its out of this world beauty. The cascade of Ribeira do Ferreiro is definitely worth a visit and should not be missed, especially in the afternoon when the sunlight is focused on the cascade…
Ribeira do Ferreiro Overview:
📋 Height: 100 m
⛅ Best time to visit: May – September
📍 Location: Fajã Grande, Flores, Azores
🏞️ Best Way to Get There: Lajedo to Fajã Grande Hiking Trail
⭐ Rating: 5/5
Azores Waterfall Activities
The Azores islands are considered to be one of the best islands to do water sports on. Whether it be surfing, canoeing or diving you will be for sure entertained. Below are some of the best things to do on the Azores waterfalls:
Caldeirões Canyoning Experience: Caldeirões park offers its visitors canyoning on the waterfalls to rush your adrenaline and have some fun! Caldeirões park is perfect for beginners in canyoning!
Salto do Cabrito Canyoning: If you want to level up in canyoning, then you can try climbing Salto do Cabrito!
São Miguel’s Hidden Gems: Fancy seeing more hidden waterfalls around Sao Miguel? Then, you should definitely check this guided tour!
Read More About the Azores Islands:
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Hi, I'm Alex. For the past years, I have extensively travelled around Europe. In 2019 I have moved to Portugal where I spent a couple of months learning about the Portuguese culture, traditions and language. My speciality is mainly in travelling in a sustainable and less harmful to the environment way. I am focusing more on ways to travel on a budget or money-for-value.
I hope that you liked post about the Azores waterfalls. Did you have the chance to visit any of them?
Which waterfall is your favourite?
