Discover Madeira’s PR11 Vereda dos Balcões hike, a peaceful walk offering breathtaking views of the verdant valley and mountain peaks. This accessible walk is one of our favorite hikes and a perfect introduction to the treasures of Madeira Island.
Here are all our useful tips for planning your PR11 Vereda dos Balcões hike in Madeira.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Tour summary and map
- Distance: 3km
- Type of route: round trip
- Duration: 1h to 1h30
- Difficulty: easy
- Difference in altitude: minimal (almost all flat)
- Trail opening: check the accessibility of the route before you come here
- Reservation required and access fee: remember to reserve your 30min entry slot and pay the entry fee to access the trail here.
Here’s the map of the hike:
Reservations and admission fees
To visit this protected area, you must pay in advance via the Madeira government’s SIMplifica portal. We recommend that you book your slot before your trip, as access is regulated to preserve this fragile ecosystem. Admission is €3 for visitors over 12, and free for children 12 and under.
This conservation measure limits the impact of tourism on the Laurissilva forest and guarantees a quality experience for all visitors. You will receive a receipt of payment to present on arrival at the site. To make your reservation and get more information, visit the SIMplifica portal here.
Is the PR11 Vereda dos Balcões hike worth it? Our review
Yes, the PR11 Vereda dos Balcões hike is well worth a visit. This is one of our favorite walks in Madeira, and we highly recommend it, especially at the start of your stay and if you’re not up to more challenging hikes.
It’s the perfect introduction to the island and its natural treasures. Here you’ll discover lush flora, breathtaking views over the lush green valley and typical irrigation canals built in the 16th century.
This is one of Madeira’s most beautiful hikes and among the island’s most beautiful landscapes.
Our favorite moments:
- The Balcões viewpoint with its grandiose view over the valleys
- Discover the Laurissilva forest and its endemic species
- Birdwatching from the belvedere
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What are the difficulties?
This route is easy because it is all flat terrain. The trail mainly follows the Levada da Serra do Faial through the Laurissilva forest.
The ground is natural but fairly flat. There are occasional rocks and roots, but nothing technically difficult.
Given the lack of dedicated parking and the limited number of parking spaces along the ER103 road, we advise you to arrive early or at the end of the day for easier access.
Access to Ribeiro Frio
Where to find PR11 – map
- The hike is located in the central-eastern part of the island, near Ribeiro Frio.
- From Funchal: 40min drive
- From Porto da Cruz: 25min
- Here’s a map to help you find your way: number 4, in the center of the eastern half, is the PR11 hike:
Access road by car
The hike starts along the ER103 road between Funchal and Santana, in the small village of Ribeiro Frio.
It’s a winding mountain road.
It has tight bends but is not particularly difficult. Just take your time.
Parking
The starting point is along the ER103 mountain road near Ribeiro Frio. There is no dedicated parking, but a few spaces are available along the road. We recommend arriving early or at the end of the day to find a seat more easily.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING YOUR CAR AT Madeira
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Take a car with a good engine for hilly roads, but not too big for manoeuvring.
- There’s plenty of demand and few cars, so book early.
Access by public transport or organized transfer
Ribeiro Frio can be reached by public transport (bus) from Funchal.
Useful tips
For how long?
Allow around 1h to 1h30 for a leisurely round trip and to take full advantage of the Balcões viewpoint. The trail is 1.5km in each direction, for a total of 3km.
Best moment
First of all, check the accessibility of the itinerary before coming here. The time of day is of little importance for this hike, as it passes through the Laurissilva forest, which offers natural shade. However, arriving early in the morning or at the end of the day will make it easier to find a parking space and avoid the crowds.
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The meaning of hiking
This is a round trip. You follow the same path in both directions, which makes orientation much simpler.
The well-marked trail follows the Levada da Serra do Faial to the Balcões viewpoint.
You won’t get lost.
Reduce hiking
As this hike is already short and easy, there’s no need to shorten it. You can, however, stop halfway if you want to turn back earlier, especially at Café Flor da Selva, which already offers great views and facilities.
But as a result, you won’t be able to see the magnificent view from the balcony.
Hiking with children
This tour is ideal for families with children. The flat terrain, short distance and lack of technical difficulties make this an ideal walk for younger riders. Children will also enjoy birdwatching and discovering Madeira’s lush natural environment.
Installation
You’ll find restaurants and other shops in Ribeiro Frio, as well as a café (Flor da Selva) with toilets and a lovely viewpoint halfway along the hike.
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Crossing the Laurissilva forest
The short route takes us along this levada through the magnificent Laurissilva forest, a unique ecosystem listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We enjoyed the native species endemic to Madeira, which offer different shades of green to this ancestral forest. During the walk, you’ll be able to observe tree species from the Lauraceae family, as well as exotic species scattered along the edges of the trail. This forest plays a crucial role in capturing fog water through plant leaves, feeding the island’s springs and streams.
The levada
Along the way, we follow the Levada da Serra do Faial, one of the ingenious irrigation canals built in the 16th century for which Madeira is famous. We enjoy being accompanied by the constant flow of water in this canal. You’ll find that this levada winds harmoniously through the forest, guiding your steps towards the Balcões viewpoint. These canals bear witness to the hydraulic genius of the island’s ancient inhabitants, who harnessed mountain water to irrigate the cultivated land below.
At the halfway point, the trail takes us through a charming little passageway carved out between the mountain’s rock formations. We particularly enjoyed this moment when the path narrows. This passage adds variety and adventure to this family-friendly walk. You’ll notice that the vegetation changes slightly in this cooler, wetter section, where moss gently covers the rocks and the atmosphere becomes more mysterious.
The Balcões viewpoint
At the end of the Vereda dos Balcões, we reach the highlight of the show: the viewpoint from the balcony, where you can contemplate a grandiose setting. We loved admiring the valleys covered by the dense green vegetation characteristic of the Laurissilva forest.
On a clear day, the island’s central cordillera is revealed at Pico do Areeiro, offering a breathtaking panorama of Madeira’s highest peaks.
And on the other side, we looked out over the sea towards Santana.
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Birdwatching
This belvedere is the perfect place to observe a fabulous variety of birds, whose chirps fill visitors with wonder. We were lucky enough to observe several species during our visit. These charming little creatures include the Madeira Kinglet, the Tree Finch, the Wagtail, the Blackbird, the Robin and the Trocaz Pigeon. This wealth of birdlife makes the area a paradise for birdwatchers and nature photographers alike.
The return and the forest park
On the way back, you take the same path.
Back in the village, we recommend a visit to the Ribeiro Frio forest park, where you’ll find an aquaculture center with a rainbow trout nursery. This complementary tour enriches the experience by allowing you to discover another aspect of the local ecosystem.
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