Quick Facts
Accessibility: 8/10 (Easy/Moderate, complicated to view with traffic)
Height: 197′ / 60 m
Length of Hike: Roadside
The Record
In March 2024, we traveled to the Azores and then to Madeira. We rented a car on multiple islands in the Azores and on Madeira, but driving on Madeira was a bit of an adventure in itself. The island has many waterfalls, but reaching them isn’t always straightforward. Many of the interior roads are incredibly steep and narrow, requiring a bit of nerve and a lot of focus. If you’re looking for a slightly more accessible introduction to Madeira’s falls, the northern coast is your best bet. Here, the dramatic cliffs meet the sea, and several cascades pour directly toward the ocean along the main coastal routes.
One such hidden gem is Cascata Córrego da Pedra, located between São Vicente and Seixal along the VE2. This waterfall is a spectacular sight, tumbling down cliffs just a stone’s throw from the crashing waves. However, the complicated nature of Madeiran driving comes into play here. Finding a safe spot to stop is the real challenge. Pull-offs and parking areas near the falls are scarce and can be quite tight. Because of the winding nature of the coastal roads, visibility is often limited, making it difficult to spot oncoming traffic when you’re trying to park or pull back onto the road.
If you decide to hunt for this waterfall, exercise plenty of caution and keep a sharp eye out for small pockets of space to leave your vehicle. I think we parked in a very limited space where the ruins of the old coastal road are visible. The view of the water dropping against the backdrop of the rugged north coast is absolutely worth the effort, but safety on these narrow roads should always come first. It’s a perfect example of how Madeira rewards the patient traveler. Just make sure you’re as focused on the road as you are on the scenery!
Directions
- There are a few ways to arrive at the northern shoreline of Madeira. None of them are distinctly less winding than the others. Set your GPS or Maps app to Sao Vicente on the north shore and you’ll be close to the falls.
- Drive west along VE2 toward Seixal. The waterfall will be on your left if headed west, but the parking “area” will be on the right. A tunnel starts/ends right near the waterfall, and there are multiple other coastal cascades nearby.
Waterfall Record 
Leave a comment