Cascata do Aveiro: The Highest Waterfall of Portugal in the Azores

Travel 03/09/2025

Travel

.

1 month ago

Copywriter

Melissa Masvaleix

Photos

Álvaro Palácios

Nestled in the stunning southeast coast of Santa Maria Island in the Azores, Cascata do Aveiro is proudly the tallest waterfall in all of Portugal. Located within the Protected Landscape Area of Baía da Maia, this majestic waterfall is not only a scenic gem but also a geological treasure that attracts many visitors to the island.

This waterfall is part of the Azores Geopark and is recognized as a geosite of regional significance for both science and tourism, offering a breathtaking sight to all who visit. It is also part of the Natura 2000 Network.

Let’s unravel its deepest secrets in this complete article about Cascata do Aveiro, on the Yellow Island.

Contents hide

2 Plan Your Visit to Cascata do Aveiro

2.1 How to Get to Cascata do Aveiro

2.2 Best Time to Visit

2.3 Pro Tips

3 Nearby Attractions

3.1 Gonçalo Velho Lighthouse

3.2 Museu de Santa Maria

3.3 Ribeira de Maloas

3.4 Praia de São Lourenço

4 Complementary Information

4.1 Best Season to Visit the Azores

4.2 How to Get to the Azores

4.3 Travel Essentials

4.4 Useful Tools & Apps

5 Video

6 Conclusion

7 Map

What is Cascata do Aveiro

@zito_hioshimito on Instagram | Cascata do Aveiro, Santa Maria island — @zito_hioshimito on Instagram | Cascata do Aveiro, Santa Maria Island

With an impressive height of approximately 110 meters, Cascata do Aveiro is one of the Azores’ most remarkable natural landmarks.

The surrounding geological landscape tells the story of ancient volcanic activity. Visitors can see sequences of basaltic lava flows, thanks to erosion, including flows from both land and submarine eruptions. These formations are part of the Pico Alto Volcanic Complex, dating back to the Pliocene era. Geology enthusiasts must explore this place during their visit to Santa Maria Island!

The Ribeira feeds the Cascata do Aveiro, also known locally as Ribeira dos Lagos, and flows through an area once used for vineyards, where basalt stone enclosures remain, adding a cultural touch to the natural setting.

Plan Your Visit to Cascata do Aveiro

@takyfaria on Instagram | Wonderful view on Cascata do Aveiro — @takyfaria on Instagram | Wonderful view of Cascata do Aveiro

How to Get to Cascata do Aveiro

Cascata do Aveiro is located in Lugar da Maia, within the parish of Santo Espírito. There are two main ways to reach the waterfall.

First, by foot. Adventurous visitors can take the hiking trail PR04 SMA — Santo Espírito-Maia, which descends alongside the waterfall, from the top of the cliff down to sea level. The 4.1 km route (one way) takes about 2 hours and offers panoramic views surrounded by lush vegetation.

Also, you can definitely reach the waterfall by car or taxi. Drive on the Maia road to a designated parking area at the end of the road, near the waterfall. There is only a short walk if you want to get closer to the water.

→ Find directions here!

Best Time to Visit

The best time to witness the full beauty of Cascata do Aveiro is during winter, when rainfall increases the volume of water, creating an even more dramatic and powerful waterfall. However, this place is beautiful all year round and offers peaceful moments in nature.

If you plan to hike there, summer is preferable for better conditions. Always check if the trail is open and take adequate gear with you. We recommend going in the morning to have plenty of time to hike around during the day.

Pro Tips

At the foot of the waterfall, you will find a small leisure area where ducks like to swim in the pond. They are friendly, but please don’t get too close and avoid feeding them.

Did you know

Feeding bread to ducks is actually not good for them. It is generally not recommended for their diet because it lacks the essential nutrients and can lead to malnutrition.

There are also barbecue facilities and parking areas nearby, making it an excellent spot for a picnic or a relaxing break during your active day on the island of the sun.

Nearby Attractions

Gonçalo Velho Lighthouse

The lighthouse of Gonçalo Velho has been working since 1927. It was built on private land that was purchased to create this critical signal for boats. It reaches up to 25 Miles (46.3 km).

Also known as Farol da Maia, its tower reaches 14 meters high. It is located on the Southeastern tip of Santa Maria Island, 114 meters above sea level. It initially worked with gas, and in 1957, electricity was installed. You can visit the lighthouse and learn more about its story.

→ Related Article: Miradouro Vigia da Baleia

Museu de Santa Maria

The Museum of Santa Maria, or Unidade Museológica de Santo Espírito do Museu Santa Maria, is located in a typical 2-floors house in the village of Santo Espírito. It was built in the 20th century but suffered some changes over the years.

Inside, you will find a collection of furniture, traditional tools, and objects from the Azoreans’ everyday life and architecture. This museum aims to represent and preserve the identity of the people from Santa Maria and the Azores.

The museum is open every day except Monday, and there are also temporary exhibitions that change throughout the year.

Ribeira de Maloas

Ribeira de Maloás is one of the most fascinating geological sites on Santa Maria Island. This stunning natural formation is renowned for its massive columnar basalt formation, which measures between 15 and 20 meters in height, accompanied by a waterfall. A true natural gem! The basaltic wall stretches approximately 220 meters in length.

Formed by the interaction between the sea and a subaerial basaltic lava flow from the Pico Alto Volcanic Complex, this geological marvel features rare polygonal columns that resemble the famous Giant’s Causeway in Ireland.

This hidden gem in Santo Espírito is easily accessible on foot, thanks to a marked trail that allows visitors to view it from both above and at ground level.

Praia de São Lourenço

Alvaro RP | Amazing view on São Lourenço bay area — Alvaro RP | Amazing view of São Lourenço bay area

The beach of São Lourenço in Santa Maria Island, located inside a quiet bay of the same name in the parish of Santa Bárbara, is definitely one of the most beautiful beaches of the Azores! Nestled inside a volcanic crater and surrounded by vineyards, the amphitheater-like scenery in itself is extraordinary. But the beach and its crystal clear water are even more spectacular.

→ Related Post: Best beaches in the Azores. Read more!

Enjoy the quiet ocean for some snorkeling, with an average depth of about 12 meters and a wealth of marine life. In the summer, this is a big favorite for locals and tourists to relax in the sun. There is also a natural pool for those who prefer not to use the sand.

In 1987, the bay was declared a nature reserve due to its rich natural patrimony. Don’t forget to visit the bay at the viewpoints for a breathtaking view and excellent photo opportunities.

Check all our articles about each one of the most relevant points of interest on Santa Maria Island: Praia Formosa | Barreiro da Faneca | Cascata do Aveiro

Complementary Information

Best Season to Visit the Azores

The Azores Archipelago boasts a unique climate that shapes its lush landscapes, making it a splendid year-round destination. With mild temperatures and minimal fluctuations, each season offers something unique. Spring averages 16 °C, summer reaches 21 °C, autumn cools to 18 °C, and winter remains mild at 14 °C.

How to Get to the Azores

The Azorean Archipelago is easily accessible through numerous flight routes. Lisbon and Porto are the main entry points to the continent, with direct flights to São Miguel (PDL), Terceira (TER), Faial (HOR), Pico (PIX), and Santa Maria (SMA) available. To find the best flight, use search engines like eDreams or Skyscanner. These platforms enable you to compare prices and schedules from various airlines in one convenient location.

For more details on how to get to the Azores, take a look at our complete guide. But what if you want to explore beyond your arrival island? We’ve got you covered!

→ Once you’ve found the perfect route, book your tickets and get ready to experience one of the world’s most stunning island groups!

Travel Essentials

Useful Tools & Apps

The weather in the Azores can be variable, so it’s helpful to use some apps before visiting the islands. Spotazores provides live camera feeds from the main tourist attractions, allowing you to check the weather and plan your visit. For accurate weather predictions, use Windy or Windguru — they provide the most reliable predictions.

Video

Azores Top 10 | Cascata do Aveiro, Santa Maria Island

Conclusion

Cascata do Aveiro is, without a doubt, one of the most captivating attractions on Santa Maria Island. Its combination of natural beauty, geological interest, and serene environment makes it a must-visit destination for nature lovers, hikers, and those seeking peace.

A visit to Cascata do Aveiro offers moments in nature, where the only sounds you’ll hear are the soothing rush of falling water and, perhaps, the ducks. Don’t miss this magical place when exploring the island, and take some great photos!

Authors’ Note

I am pleased to inform you that all the recommendations in this article are based on my personal experience and observations. As the author, I have personally visited each attraction mentioned, ensuring that every suggestion is grounded in first-hand knowledge and genuine enthusiasm.

Map

Lagoa dos Nenúfares: The Water Lilies Lake in São Miguel Island

Impactful & unforgetable experiences

Browse all the outstanding experiences you can live in the Azores

Whale Watching

Lying in the middle of the mystical Atlantic Ocean, the wonderful Azores islands are a permanent home or point of passage for more than a third of the entire world’s whale and dolphin species.
Dive into this lifetime adventure with ancestral creatures where science and emotion come together at their highest level!
This may be the best place on earth to observe these magnificent animals.

Jeep Tours

Feel the rush, surprise, and emotion in an all-terrain vehicle, this adventure will take you to the core of secrets. We will take you where nobody has ever reached before. Experience moments of adrenaline in our jeep tours. The adventure through the interior of the islands will begin!
The trips are made in 4×4 vehicles properly equipped, capable of taking you to places little explored. It is intended for those who want to discover new perspectives and unusual scenarios on the Azores Islands in a more adventurous way. We pass on secondary roads, which are not usually found on the usual tourist routes. They are narrow paths, dirt paths, called “canadas” in Azorean, and are mostly used by farmers.

Kayaking & SUP

Find solace in listening to the birds chirping and enjoy the peacefulness of the moment, and make sure you capture it with your camera this unforgettable experience.
Sete Cidades is a volcanic complex where you can visit several lakes. Inside one of the craters, you can find two lakes, known as Lagoa Verde (green lake) and Lagoa Azul (blue lake), that feature in a legendary love legend about the lake’s creation. This special place was elected as one of the country’s seven natural wonders and once you are there, you will definitely understand why.
The contrast of colors between the two mysterious lakes is mesmerizing, and being on the water, in the middle of the volcanic crater, will give you a different perspective of the high green cliffs around.

Canyoning

The boldest and most unique adventure! Heading through the natural landscape you will be able to enjoy some adrenaline-fueled activities. Wet, wild, and absolutely unforgettable.
This experience involves trekking through river gorges, around pools, or even behind waterfalls.
Canyoners navigate down waterways by abseiling down waterfalls, clambering over rocks, or jumping into water rock pools. You will get wet for sure, even with an exposure suit, but this is not too bad with the relatively warm climate of the Azores.

Van Tours

Take a seat in the emotion sector, stop wherever you want and where your curiosity demands it. Taste, observe, and treasure the entire originality of this Atlantic paradise.
If you want to get to know the island of São Miguel more peacefully, without the worry of renting a car, opt for more comfort, on a pleasant van ride. Make the most of your vacation and get away from the city.
This way, you are guaranteed to know the main points of interest, but also those you will not find in travel guides. This is perhaps the best choice for those looking for convenience and security.

Hiking Tours

From lush green vegetation to a great variety of wildlife, enjoy heaven after a long ramble with otherworldly vistas.
Enjoy your holidays in the Azores walking through the beautiful landscapes of volcanic origin. Breathe fresh air and contemplate all the diversity of fauna and flora you will find.
You can start the day feeling the nature among mountains, enjoy more than one lagoon on the island of São Miguel, and finally, to end the day in a perfect way, take a boat trip to see the sunset.

Bike Tours

In order to discover São Miguel island and stay active, cycling is definitely the way to go!
At Sete Cidades volcanic complex, have one of your best bike adventures! Indeed, we are not taking you to a random place. We are talking here about one of the Seven elected wonders of all of Portugal.
This is where our awesome bike adventures take place and we can tell that we love to take our guests there!

Coasteering

Here, you can explore the geography of the giant rocky cliffs climbing through the sky and how the pounding waves smooth the coastline. Coasteering is an exhilarating experience combining rock and water activity with coastal landscapes. It was originated as a combination of mountaineering and orienteering.