The most visited place on Flores is hidden in the deep forests of the west coast, less than 1 km from the main road.
On the map you can also find the place under the names Alagoinha or Lagoa das Patas.
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Waterfalls like silver ribbons
The Ferreiro River, flowing from the central mountain plateau in the middle of the island, turns into dozens of large and small waterfalls on the edge of a high and almost perpendicular cliff, which fall like silver ribbons from heights of more than 150 metres.
The white, foamy water contrasts beautifully with the light and dark shades of green, which also take on a golden hue when the sun shines on them in the afternoon.
These waterfalls are collectively known as Cascata da Ribeira do Ferreiro.
A lake in the middle of virgin nature
All the waterfalls fall into a piece of flat space, where they form a beautiful lake known as Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro.
The lake can only be accessed from one side. The rest is surrounded by impermeable forests and marshy undergrowth that are home to frogs, insects and dozens of species of birds.
There are several grassy patches around the lake, ideal for a short picnic and sitting with the scenery of the most beautiful place on the whole island.
How to get to the lake?
A signposted and quite comfortable hiking trail leads from the car park on the main road 800 metres away.
The parking lot is accessible only by car and parking is free, buses do not stop here.
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The start of the hiking trail at Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro can also be reached by other marked hiking trails from nearby villages:
The path itself from the car park to Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro is mostly made of worked stones and partly with railings. It goes quite uphill, but due to the short distance, even untrained hikers can manage the path.
When to go to the waterfalls?
The Cascata da Ribeira do Ferreiro waterfalls wall is set towards the west, so it's best to head here in the afternoon after about 1:30pm, when you'll have the falls beautifully illuminated by the sun.
As the cliff is over 150 metres high, the sun's rays shine here even at sunset, and even when the lake itself is already in shadow.
Where are the other views?
If you want to see Cascata da Ribeira do Ferreiro from further away, head to the viewpoint by car Miradouro do Portal at the junction with the turn-off to Mosteiros.
From this viewpoint, you'll have a spectacular view of the village of Fajãzinha and, of all things, the monumental cliffs of western Flores.
View from the cliff edge
During our visit we were looking for a way to see the falls from the other side, from the top of the cliff edge.
Unfortunately, there is no safe trail along the cliff edge and Ribeira do Ferreiro Falls can only be viewed from the lake.
Where to stay nearby?
We recommend staying in the town of Fajã Grande, 4 km from the falls, where there are also the necessary facilities in the form of a shop and several restaurants.
An alternative is the cute village of Fajãzinha 2 km from the falls, but with minimal facilities.
Wonderful accommodation Aldeia da Cuadawhich you absolutely need a car to access, can be found about 3km away in modern but traditional cabins.
What to see around
Discover all the places to see in Flores.
