Vereda dos Balcões

Vereda dos Balcões (PR 11) is a short IFCN classified trail at Ribeiro Frio, on the regional road ER 103 in the mountains between Funchal and the north coast. It follows the Levada da Serra do Faial for 1.5 km to the Balcões viewpoint and returns the same way (3 km in total), with an official time of 1 h 30 min. It is the easiest way to look over a deep valley of UNESCO-listed laurel forest towards Madeira's highest peaks.

How long and how hard is the Balcões walk?

With a 10 m difference between the highest and lowest points, this is one of the flattest classified trails on the island.

What can you see from the Balcões viewpoint?

The viewpoint looks over the deep valley of the Ribeira da Metade and the parish of Faial, covered by the Laurissilva, a World Natural Heritage site since December 1999 and part of the Natura 2000 network. The Fajã da Nogueira hydroelectric plant is visible in the valley; IFCN notes that it uses water retained in the forest to produce electricity for the municipality of Santana. On clear days the central mountain range is visible, with Pico do Areeiro, Pico das Torres and Pico Ruivo, as well as the rock mass of Penha d'Águia.

If you plan to hike the high peaks, this viewpoint shows the ridge crossed by the Vereda do Areeiro, which starts at the Pico do Arieiro viewpoint.

Is it good for birdwatching?

Yes. IFCN describes Balcões as an excellent spot for endemic birds: the Madeira firecrest (Regulus ignicapillus madeirensis), the smallest bird on the island, the Madeira chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs maderensis), which often comes close to walkers, and, less often, the Madeira laurel pigeon (Columba trocaz).

Booking and fee

Although short, PR 11 is part of IFCN's paid time-slot system: book on the SIMplifica portal. The 2026 fee for visitors is €4.50; children up to 12 and Madeira residents are exempt but must still register. IFCN refunds or reschedules only if it closes or restricts the trail. See our trail booking and fees guide.

How do you get to Ribeiro Frio?

By car, Ribeiro Frio is on the ER 103 between Poiso and Faial; the trail starts beside the road. By bus, CAM's routes from Funchal to Santana and Arco de São Jorge via Poiso call at Ribeiro Frio a few times a day: 801 and 850/860 (numbered 56 and 103 before March 2026). Check current times on SIGA before planning a return. More in getting around Madeira without a car.

What do people commonly misjudge?

• Weather. IFCN warns that conditions change frequently here; bring a warm layer and a waterproof even in summer.
• Footing. The path can be slippery; wear shoes with grip.
• Booking. Even a 3 km walk needs a booked slot and fee.

Combine it with

At Ribeiro Frio you can visit the fish hatchery (Posto Aquícola), which raises rainbow trout to restock Madeira's streams. The longer PR 10 Levada do Furado (11 km, Ribeiro Frio – Portela) also starts here. For a full day in the north, pair Balcões with the Levada do Caldeirão Verde on another day, or explore Madeira's mountains.