Portugal · Madeira
Risco waterfall
The Risco Waterfall is a group of waterfalls located in Rabaçal, Paul da Serra, in the Madeira Islands. The waterfall is 100m high, consisting of a group of different water streams coming vertically down the mountainside.
Facts from Wikidata and Wikipedia, compiled September 2026; season and access are our estimate, not a visit report. How we build these pages.
Risco waterfall drops 100 metres (328 ft). It is a cascade-type fall, and the nearest base for a visit is Calheta, Portugal. Access to the main viewpoint is rated moderate.
Summary adapted from the Wikipedia article (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Risco waterfall is the tallest of the 8 waterfalls we cover in Portugal. As a cascade waterfall, water tumbles down a series of rock steps rather than falling free.
What you can do here
Also good forHikingPhotography
When to go
Winter rain and spring snowmelt: March to June is the season, and late summer can leave the smaller falls dry.
Getting there
- Base town Calheta, Portugal
- Country Portugal
- Region Madeira, Southern Europe, Europe
- Access Moderate — a real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail
How it compares
This waterfall
Risco waterfall
Portugal
Height100 mWidth—
Most similar
Engstligen Falls
Switzerland
Height97 mWidth—
Also a cascade waterfall, of similar height and in Switzerland
Largest curtain
Victoria Falls
Zimbabwe · Zambia
Height108 mWidth1,708 m
Largest single sheet of falling water
Tallest on earth
Angel Falls
Venezuela
Height979 mWidth—
Widest on earth
Khone Phapheng Falls
Laos
Height21 mWidth10,783 m
Measured across the whole multi-channel system
Angel Falls is 9.8× taller than Risco waterfall. It is about the same height as Victoria Falls (108 m). We don't have a reliable crest width for Risco waterfall yet, so it is left off the width chart. Tallest · widest lists.
On the map
32.76003, -17.12308
Quick answers
Where is Risco waterfall?
Risco waterfall is in Portugal (Madeira). The nearest base is Calheta, Portugal. Its coordinates are 32.7600, -17.1231.
How tall is Risco waterfall?
Risco waterfall drops 100 metres (328 feet). It is a cascade-type waterfall.
When is the best time to visit Risco waterfall?
Peak flow is March to June. Winter rain and spring snowmelt: March to June is the season, and late summer can leave the smaller falls dry.
What can you do at Risco waterfall?
Beyond the viewpoints: swimming, hiking and photography. Access to the main viewpoint is rated moderate — a real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail.
Can you swim at Risco waterfall?
Yes — swimming is a normal part of a visit to Risco waterfall, in the pools away from the falling water. Only swim where it is permitted on the day, stay clear of the base of the falls where currents recirculate, and skip it after heavy rain.
How do you get to Risco waterfall?
The usual base is Calheta, Portugal. A real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail from there.
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