PR 11 — Vereda dos Balcões
Briefly
The shortest and most rewarding easy walk on Madeira. A flat path through the forest leads to a “balcony” viewpoint that offers a stunning 360-degree panorama of the island’s highest peaks (Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo) and the valley of Ribeira da Metade. It’s perfect for birdwatching and photography.
Basic Information
Start: Ribeiro Frio
End: Balcões Viewpoint (and back)
Distance: 1.5 km (round trip)
Time: 45 minutes
Elevation gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
Entrance: €4.50
Parking: Ribeiro Frio (Roadside parking)
Best season: All year round
How to Get There
Located in Ribeiro Frio. The entrance is on the main road (ER 103), clearly marked near the snack bars.
Open Ribeiro Frio on Google Maps
Important: Go early (before 10 AM) to avoid the big tourist buses and enjoy the silence.
What to Bring
- Comfortable shoes
- Camera
- A small piece of bread/seeds (for the friendly “Bisbis” birds)
- Water
Key Points
- Birdwatching: The endemic Madeiran Chaffinches and “Bisbis” (firecrests) are very tame here and will often land on your hand.
- The View: On a clear day, you can see the entire central mountain massif and even the ocean at Porto da Cruz.
- Accessibility: The path is wide and flat, suitable for almost everyone.
Booking
Advance booking is mandatory.
Book here: SIMplifica
Madeira residents: Free entry, but booking still required.
Similar Trails
- PR 10 — Levada do Furado: The much longer trail starting from the same spot.
- PR 6.8 — Levada do Paul II: Another very easy and flat walk on the plateau.
- PR 22 — Vereda do Chão dos Louros: A short forest loop near Encumeada.
Hiked this trail? Share your photos and current conditions in the comments! 