Along Madeira’s dramatic south coast near the town of Ponta do Sol lies one of the island’s most curious natural attractions – Cascata dos Anjos, or “Angel Falls.” Most waterfalls tuck themselves deep into forested valleys or along remote mountain trails, but this is not that kind of waterfall. As if the angels themselves wanted front row access, Madeira’s Angel Falls (Caminho das Fontes 15) is right beside the ocean flowing straight down onto the old coastal road known as ER101.
The sight of water tumbling over a cliff and splashing directly onto the pavement is so unusual that it has become one of Madeira’s most popular places for Instagrammers to gather.
History
There are two diverging stories when it comes to the history of Angel Falls.
The heavenly version: According to local legend, angels used to descend from the heavens and bathe in the refreshing waterfall with its beautiful view of the ocean.
The more down to earth version: According to a different set of locals, the water from Angel Falls was originally irrigated beneath the street until the pipe above was destroyed during the storms of 2010. Apparently, the water is dirty and contains a lot of waste from the farmers and population up the hill.
Depending on which version of history you choose to believe, you may want to take another shower shortly after cooling off under Angel Falls.
Free Shower or a Car Wash, Perhaps?
For years, visitors have delighted in driving through Angel Falls itself and letting the spray wash over their cars while stopping to take pictures with the Atlantic in the background.
Although Google Maps says that the road leading to the waterfall is now closed, it is actually still accessible, but driving along the road is taking risk into your own hands due to potential rockfall from above. You have been warned!
Should you still attempt to drive through the falls, we suggest that you do it early in the morning when the path is free of influencers and avid photographers.
These days, most people park nearby and walk under the falls. The road is narrow and its surface is uneven and occasionally muddy, so it’s best to proceed slowly and with caution. However, it is a short, easy walk to get your free shower (+ photo) in one of Madeira’s most intriguing and charming spots.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is early in the morning or around midday. Later in the day, the narrow road at the base of the waterfall can become crowded with visitors taking turns posing for photos. Patience and timing are key as social media has made this a popular spot (and you don’t want to be stuck waiting for influencer in the middle of a 20-minute posing session). If you go early, you’ll likely have the place mostly to yourself.
If you go midday, there’s also a small roadside stand nearby that sells bananas at very reasonable prices, which makes for a nice snack after your refreshing time under the waterfall.
A Quick Stop on Your Madeira Journey
Despite its beauty and Instagram fame, Cascata dos Anjos is not a major tourist site. There are no facilities, picnic areas, or restrooms, and the waterfall itself is quite thin, a continuous burst more than a deluge. Most visitors stay only five or ten minutes, take their photos, and move on.
That being said, it has a certain magic that’s hard to describe. Perhaps it’s the small size of the waterfall in its unusual location that makes it so inviting – or the beauty of its name.
Before We Go
Cascata dos Anjos may not be the grandest or most impressive waterfall on Madeira, but it is one of the most memorable. If you find yourself near Ponta do Sol, it’s worth taking a short detour to witness this “Waterfall of the Angels.” Just remember to bring your camera, possibly a bathing suit, and maybe a towel for your car afterward.
Enjoy the beauty of Madeira!
