Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões

Our second stop was the Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões.

This is a lush, scenic park where waterfalls, old watermills, and dense Macaronesian forest come together in a riverside setting.

This protected area stretches along the Ribeira dos Caldeirões stream, on the slopes of the Serra da Tronqueira. The park has some impressive waterfalls, abundant greenery, and traditional watermills.

The cascade of Ribeira dos Caldeirões is the park’s main attraction, a fall surrounded by rich vegetation and mossy rocks.

You can walk through the forest typical of Macaronesia, with ancient tree ferns, cryptomerias and hydrangea thickets that make the landscape feel almost tropical.

Several watermills from as early as the 16th century still stand in the valley and some of them have been restored.

In summer you can also do guided canyoning experiences along the river, combining waterfalls, natural slides, and jumps into clear pools.

Entrance is free and open year-round. Best time to visit is spring and early summer when it's warm and waterfalls are still in full flow.Read more