This waterfall has two major cascades of comparable height. Water slides down along the nearly vertical cliff, at some places forming a free fall in the air. At the base of upper cascade is small, beautiful lake with a blue-green colored water – Lagoa do Vento. Also at the base of lower cascade is a small pool which is surrounded by stones.
Waterfall is located in the unique laurisilva – relict subtropical rainforest. Similar forest was common in Southern Europe 15 – 40 million years ago. Now it has been preserved mainly in Azores, Canary Islands and Madeira. Rain here is frequent, forest often is covered in mist. Thanks to wet climate Madeira has numerous waterfall.

Risco Waterfall can be accessed by walking the beautiful Levada do Risco – one of the most popular tourist trails through the pristine forest leading along water channel. One should go early in order to enjoy the beautiful sights in solitude.
Risco Waterfall on the map
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Location, GPS coordinates: | 32.7599 N 17.1226 W |
Categories: | Waterfalls |
Values: | Geology, Visual |
Rating: | ![]() |
Where is located? | Europe, Portugal, Madeira, Calheta, high in the mountains |
UNESCO World Heritage status: | located in "Laurisilva of Madeira", 1999, No.934 |
Name in Portuguese: | Cascata do Risco (Risc waterfall) |
Height: | ˜ 100 m |
Drops: | 2 major ones |
Landmarks of Madeira

Waterfalls and rapids
