4.5
(1312)
9,028
hikers
PR11 Vereda dos Balcões Trail
00:52
2.89km
90m
Hiking
Hike the easy PR11 Vereda dos Balcões Trail, a 1.8-mile route through Madeira's Laurissilva forest, leading to panoramic mountain views.
Last updated: February 26, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
8 m
Ribeiro Frio Trout Farm and Restaurant
Highlight • Restaurant
Translated by Google •
Tip by
425 m
Balcões Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
1.44 km
View from the Miradouro dos Balcões
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Tip by
2.89 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
2.77 km
< 100 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
2.77 km
< 100 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Wednesday 6 May
16°C
11°C
30 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the PR11 Vereda dos Balcões Trail suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, this trail is widely considered one of Madeira's easiest and most family-friendly hikes. It's suitable for beginners, families with young children, and even those with strollers for most of the path, thanks to its minimal elevation gain and well-maintained surface.
How long does it take to hike the PR11 Vereda dos Balcões Trail?
The trail typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to complete, including time spent enjoying the views at the Balcões Viewpoint. It's a relatively short out-and-back route.
What is the terrain like on the Vereda dos Balcões Trail?
The trail primarily follows a 'levada' (irrigation channel), resulting in a largely flat and well-maintained path. It's mostly a wide dirt and stone track, leading through a lush forest. While generally easy, it can become a bit muddy on rainy days.
What can I expect to see along the PR11 Vereda dos Balcões Trail?
The hike takes you through the beautiful UNESCO-protected Laurissilva forest, with its dense greenery and unique endemic species. The main highlight is the Miradouro dos Balcões at the end, offering magnificent panoramic views of the Ribeira da Metade valley and Madeira's central mountain range, including Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo on clear days. You'll also pass the Ribeiro Frio Trout Farm and Restaurant near the trailhead.
Can I see wildlife on the trail?
The trail is an excellent spot for birdwatching, especially at the viewpoint. You might encounter friendly birds like the Madeiran Firecrest and chaffinch, which are known to interact with visitors.
Where can I park for the PR11 Vereda dos Balcões Trail?
The trail starts in Ribeiro Frio, where there is parking available. It's advisable to arrive earlier in the day, especially during peak season, as parking spots can fill up quickly.
How can I get to the trailhead using public transport?
Public transport options to Ribeiro Frio are available, typically via bus services from Funchal. It's recommended to check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information on routes and timings.
What is the best time of year to hike the Vereda dos Balcões Trail?
The trail can be hiked year-round. However, for the best views and most pleasant conditions, spring and autumn offer mild temperatures and lush scenery. Even on cloudy days, the forest walk is enjoyable, but clear days are best for the panoramic views at the Balcões Viewpoint.
Are there any fees or permits required for the PR11 Vereda dos Balcões Trail?
As of January 1, 2026, a €3 fee and advance reservations may be required to access the trail. It's always best to check the official Visit Madeira website for the latest requirements before your visit.
Is the PR11 Vereda dos Balcões Trail dog-friendly?
While dogs are generally allowed on many trails in Madeira, it's always recommended to keep them on a leash to protect the local wildlife and ensure the comfort of other hikers. Please be mindful of any specific signage regarding pets.
Does the trail intersect other well-known paths?
Yes, the route for the PR11 Vereda dos Balcões Trail also covers sections of other official trails, including Caminho Real 24 and PR 10 - Levada do Furado, offering a glimpse into Madeira's extensive network of paths.
What amenities are available at the trailhead in Ribeiro Frio?
The starting point in Ribeiro Frio offers convenient amenities for hikers. You'll find restaurants, snack bars, souvenir shops, and the Ribeiro Frio Trout Farm, perfect for a meal or refreshments before or after your hike.
Nearby routes
Trail Reviews
Unfortunately, it was very foggy, but you could still get a glimpse of the view. A short stretch for a break.
Difficulty level: Easy Length: 1.5 km (+ 1.5 km return) Duration: 1h30 Highest point: 860 m Lowest point: 830 m Start: E.R. HE. 103 (Ribeiro Frio) End: E.R. 103 (Ribeiro Frio) The floor can be slippery, wear non-slip shoes. How to get there: bus lines 56|103|138 The small path that starts at Ribeiro Frio on the E.R. 103, follows the Levada da Serra do Faial and leads to the Balcões viewpoint. On the way we have beautiful views of the Ribeira da Metade valley and the municipality of Faial. At the Balcões viewpoint, we can enjoy the magnificent scenery of the valleys covered by the laurel forest. This original forest of the Madeira Islands is an important "water supplier" of the local ecosystem. Along the levada grow mainly endemic plants such as the Canary laurel (Laurus novocanariensis), the Madeiran mahogany (Persea indica) or the Madeiran fingerroot (Dactylorhiza foliosa), but also such exotic trees as English oaks (Quercus robur) and maple-leaved plane trees (Platanus). x acerifolia). During the hike we can also observe various birds such as firecrest (Regulus ignicapillus madeirensis), Madeiran chaffinches (Fringilla coelebs madeirensis), buzzards (Buteo buteo harterti) or the extremely rare silver-necked dove (Columba trocaz). On a clear day you can see the central mountain range and the highest mountains of Madeira, the Pico Ruivo, the Pico do Areeiro, the Pico Gato and the Pico das Torres.
The Balcões viewpoint offers a wide view of the valley of the Ribeira da Metade, a gigantic landscape dominated by the laurel forest. On days with good visibility, you can see the central mountain range of the island, from which the Pico do Areeiro, the Pico das Torres and the Pico Ruivo stand out, as well as the Penha d'Águia, a special geological formation. To get to the Balcões viewpoint, you have to walk a short 1.5 km path. The Vereda dos Balcões trail starts in Ribeiro Frio and then follows the levada of the Serra do Faial, crossing the typical dense laurel forests. The hiking experience is enhanced by the exotic vegetation.
A busy little walk—"hike" is an exaggeration. Easily doable for children and older people. The view is nice, but you'll be sharing the balçoes with many others. Entrance fee: €3.
Small walk to the "balcony". Short and beautiful. But immediately afterwards back to the starting point - we continue across the street with our Tour Mad 42..... It demands more from us!
Really worthwhile, but you should really start very early. We were at the starting point at around 10 a.m. and on the way back whole hosts of guided hiking groups came towards us.
