Água d'Alto Waterfall, São Vicente, Madeira
The Água d'Alto Waterfall in São Vicente is an impressive waterfall on the coast road to Seixal and Porto Moniz.
Not to be confused with the Água d'Alto in Faial in the east of Madeira in the municipality of Santana, the waterfall is one of the highest on the island at around 150 meters.
It is located just before the entrance to the São Vicente Tunnel.
Descending a very steep cliff the cascade makes for a wonderful sight. A path by the side of the road goes to a viewing platform above the road.
Be careful when you get out of your tour bus or car and walk along the road to the waterfall. The road is busy and the traffic is moving quickly.
Access
The waterfall is on the itineraries of most tours of the western side of Madeira. From Funchal, Água d'Alto and São Vicente are a 30-minute drive on the ER101, ER104, VE4 and VE2 roads.
By public transport take the number 39 bus from Funchal to Porto Moniz and get off in São Vicente (2 and a half hours). Another option is the longer but more scenic Rodoeste Bus 6 Funchal to Boaventura (3 hours).
The Hotel Calamar is a recommended place to stay in São Vicente.
Hotels in Funchal
Top end hotels on Madeira include the LTI Pestana Grand Ocean Resort Hotel, with spa, steam baths, saunas and indoor pool, and the long-establised Reid's Palace Hotel Madeira.
The Pestana Casino Park Hotel & Casino, overlooking the Bay of Funchal, the Pestana CR7 Funchal above the Museu CR7 and The Cliff Bay - PortoBay boasting indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a 2-Michelin star restaurant and free Wi-Fi are also superb.
Budget options in Funchal include the 3 star Hotel Monte Carlo, the Hotel Catedral, also 3 star with air-conditioned rooms and terrace and the excellent, value for money Hotel Madeira.
Other options include the Hotel Quinta Bela S.Tiago or the budget Pensao Residencial Mirasol.
If you wish to stay in the Monte area of Funchal try the Quinta do Monte.
See a full listing of hotels in Funchal and hotels in Madeira as a whole.
