Cascata dos Anjos: Is this Waterfall Worth the Stop?
You’re visiting the beautiful island of Madeira and you want to see some waterfalls. But, you might not be into long hikes, want to deal with crowded trails, having to get up before dawn just to get a parking space, or any of the other negatives that come with the popular destination spots.
That’s where Cascata dos Anjos, a roadside waterfall not far from Ponta do Sol, may be of interest. Cascata dos Anjos is one of the easiest waterfalls to get to on the entire island. That’s because you can literally drive right through it.
What is Cascata dos Anjos
Translated, the name means Angels Waterfall or Waterfall of the Angels. If you do a search for Cascata dos Anjos, one result says, “A dramatic waterfall cascading off a cliff & landing on a narrow coastal road below.” Many people have left reviews, saying it is an “unforgettable experience”, “magical”, “a must-see”, “beautiful”, and “definitely worth it”.
While I’m all for magical experiences, I don’t want to promote the hype train without just cause.
The Real Cascata dos Anjos Experience
If you are looking for a quick Instagram spot, this waterfall can certainly work, but be prepared to wait a while for your chance to get some snaps without a crowd of strangers in the background.
This waterfall is a popular tourist spot and it ranges from crowded to ultra crowded during the height of tourist season. The narrow stretch of road can overflow with pedestrians enjoying themselves as they experience the falling cascades of water. There might be children running around, squealing with glee each time they splash through the cold water. And there are bound to be others trying to set up that perfect picture, waiting to get a great shot. Some might even be flying a drone in the area.
If you are not worried about getting that special Instagram moment and simply want to experience the waterfall up close and personal, you can certainly do that. It will be an enjoyable experience. In addition to the main waterfall, the entire cliffside is saturated with streams of water running down its surface. This, combine with the view of the ocean, make this a great spot to pause and enjoy the smaller things.
And, if you are traveling with one or more children in tow, Cascata dos Anjos is easy to get to and a relatively safe (apparently there is the occasional rockslide) waterfall to experience and enjoy. If you or your kids want to have fun in the water, you should show up in a swimsuit, bring a change of clothes, or at least have a towel waiting in the car. And face it, your kid, if not you, will want to run under the waterfall. Let them, or do it yourself. You’ll probably only be here once, so enjoy it to the fullest.
The Parking Situation and Driving Under the Waterfall
If you are driving to Cascata dos Anjos and want to experience the waterfall on foot, you’ll need to think about parking. I will go ahead and say: parking anywhere close to Cascata dos Anjos is a nightmare. People start parking on the side of the road well before the waterfall. If you are visiting in any of 2026, and especially if you haven’t been before, you might not realize that the road through the waterfall is technically closed to vehicles. This doesn’t stop people from driving on the road though. The road is set to reopen in December 2026. Due to the road closure, many people get to the road closed sign and want to turn around. This is almost impossible and can cause a lot of stress as you white knuckle your way through a series of tight K-turns. And you won’t the only one stuck either, which adds to the stress.
For your safety and the safety of your vehicle, I suggest you abide by the road closure signs and don’t drive under the waterfall. It simply isn’t worth the risk.
Final Thoughts
Cascata dos Anjos works best as an add-on stop to/from other destinations. It probably isn’t worth visiting by itself, unless you are staying close by. We did it after our Levada Nova / Levada do Moinho hike, which was amazing. Stopping in the charming town of Ponta do Sol for a bite to eat or visiting the beach (Praia da Ponta do Sol) and other nearby attractions, such as Ponta do Sol Pier and Rocha Kamasora can extend your time in the area. I highly recommend the Restaurante Sol Poente for some amazing views while you dine. If you are driving from Funchal, you can add Cabo Girão to your stop. Overall, Cascata dos Anjos is a nice scenic spot with a waterfall that attracts a crowd. Kids will enjoy playing in the water and you’ll probably want to leave before they do. If you are in the area, it is worth a visit, but it isn’t worth going out of your way to experience.