Risco waterfall

Risco waterfall is a mountain waterfall in the Rabaçal area of Madeira with two main cascades that together reach about 100 meters in height. The water flows down the mountainside and collects in natural pools, surrounded by dense forest growth.

The waterfall sits within the Laurisilva forest, which became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 to protect its ancient subtropical forest. This woodland has developed over thousands of years and remains one of the last intact examples of its kind in the region.

The name comes from the Portuguese word meaning risk, referring to the sheer drop of water down the mountainside. Local people have long regarded this place as a notable landmark within their mountain landscape.

The waterfall is reachable via marked hiking trails, including the Levada do Risco and the Rabaçal loop, which pass through forested terrain. Sturdy footwear and water or snacks are important since the paths can be wet and uneven.

At the base of the upper cascade, Lagoa do Vento forms a small lake with blue-green water surrounded by rocky shores. This hidden pool is easy to miss if you focus only on the waterfall itself.

GPS coordinates: 32.76026,-17.12294

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:26