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Enjoy beautiful views at PR11 Levada dos Balcões in Madeira
Looking for an easy, scenic hike in Madeira that’s great even if you’re not super outdoorsy? And are you not a mountaineer? Then, no worries! Levada dos Balcões is an easy hike for all ages. I think it’s one of the easiest walks in Madeira and is extremely child-friendly.
At Miradouro dos Balcões, many birds will say hello, and this was one of our favourite moments on the trail. And the views… are incredible! Are you an experienced hiker? There are many trails near Ribeiro Frio that could be added.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how to reach the trail, whether you need to reserve anything, and what amazing sights you can expect along the way. Let’s check it out!
Enjoy a walk and discover PR11 Levada dos Balcões!
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What is Levada dos Balcões Madeira?
Levada dos Balcões, also known as Vereda dos Balcões, translates to the Balcony Path. It is a short hike that starts in Ribeiro Frio. It’s probably one of the easiest hiking trails on the island of Madeira and is accessible to everyone.
The surface is flat, and no climbing is involved apart from where you park your vehicle. The signs are clear, and all you have to do is follow the path! You’ll see many families here and people of all ages. The hiking trail is loved by tourists as well as locals.
The trail will take you along beautiful trees, flowers, and rock formations. So, even though the hike is short, take your time to enjoy the greenery. You’ll pass a small cafe where you can enjoy a drink and a snack.
The winding path takes you further along until you come across a narrow pathway between the rocks. It’s completely covered with moss! Within about 20 to 30 minutes, you’ll reach the viewpoint! Easy peasy!
Handy Hiking Apps!
WalkMe Madeira is a mobile app which provides detailed information about hiking trails and routes on the island of Madeira. You can use the AllTrails App to plan more trails in Portugal or worldwide. Both apps benefit hiking planning and provide download offline maps and safety features! Plus much more!
Enjoy the magnificent Balcões viewpoint
The PR11 Vereda dos Balcões trail follows an easy-to-follow path toward the fabulous Balcões viewpoint. From Miradouro dos Balcões, you have a stunning view of some of the highest peaks of Madeira. You’ll spot Pico Ruivo (the highest peak at 1862 meters), Pico do Areeiro (1818m), Pico do Gato (1782m), and Pico das Torres (1852m).
Towards the north, you’ll enjoy the view towards Faial, the peak Penha de Águia (590m), and the sea. Madeira is known for its clouds, so the view is not a given. Often, they clear quickly, so hang around the viewpoint for a while, and maybe you’re lucky. But if it’s clear, you’ll love the view of the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean.
Ribeiro Frio Forest Park
Levada dos Balcões is located in Parque Natural do Ribeiro Frio, where you can discover some endemic flora. It’s the perfect location to spot some birds, and the little creatures are curious around here. They are very used to people, so bring some bird food or small seeds to feed them!
You might spot wildlife such as the Grey Wagtail, Blackbird, Madeira Chaffinch, Madeira Firecrest, or Robins. You can even spot the rare Madeira Laurel-pigeon and Buzzards if lucky. A walk in the Laurissilva forest is something you won’t forget. It’s even classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO!
Remember to take out travel insurance!
Hiking is all fun and game, but accidents can happen! Whenever I travel, I take out travel insurance with HeyMondo. Not only for injuries, but also my photography equipment, transport, and luggage are covered. As a Discover Portugal reader, you’ll receive a 5% discount on a policy!
Madeira hiking update: mandatory trail reservations
From January 1st, 2026, some popular hiking routes in Madeira, including parts of the Laurissilva Forest, require a mandatory time-slot reservation. Learn how to make Madeira trail reservations (step-by-step guide).
Why this matters
The system helps reduce overcrowding and protect nature, while keeping Madeira’s levadas and viewpoints enjoyable for everyone.
What hikers need to know:
- You must reserve a time slot before entering selected trails
- Capacity is limited per time slot
- Booking is done via the official SIMplifica platform
- Tourists and non-residents do not need to create an account
- A payment is required at the time of booking
- If a slot is full, you can choose another time the same day
- Only Madeira residents qualify for resident tickets
Starting point of PR11 Levada dos Balcões
The easiest way to reach Vereda dos Balcões is by car. The GPS location is 32.735484 – 16.886276, or you can follow the ER103 and the signs to Ribeiro Frio. The journey takes around 40 minutes from Funchal and is a 30-minute drive from Santana.
If you want to explore Madeira Island, renting a car will give you lots of freedom. It’s the easiest way to discover hidden gems on the island! Check out your car rental options in Madeira and start exploring! Need help with car rental in Portugal? Read the complete guide! Or check the best deals on the island with DiscoverCars.
Levada dos Balcões parking
There are several free parking areas at Ribeiro Frio, which are only a short walk from the walk’s starting point. As Vereda dos Balcões is so easy, it’s also a popular walk! That means many tour buses stop here and, together with cars, fill the spots quickly.
But the trek is short, people always come and go, and you’ll find a place to park very close. Some parking spots are near Restaurante Snack Bar Faísca, Ribeiro Frio Restaurant, and the Ribeiro Frio Trout Farm. There is also a paid toilet and a souvenir shop.
How to get to Ribeiro Frio by bus?
No car? No worries! From Funchal, you can take buses 56, 103, and 138. The bus from Funchal to Ribeiro Frio takes just over 30 minutes. If you travel from Santana, bus 103 will take you to Ribeiro Frio, and the ride will take around 40 minutes.
Book a tour to Ribeiro Frio
If you don’t have a car, joining a tour from Funchal might be easier! Transport is included, and you won’t have to organise anything yourself! Another bonus is that tours often stop at multiple places. It’s the perfect way to explore the East of Madeira and stop in towns like Camacha and Santana. The whole day will be taken care of so you can relax and enjoy Madeira’s beauty!
What else to do around Vereda dos Balcões
The area has more hiking opportunities, so you can fully enjoy the green nature of Ribeiro Frio Natural Park. For example, follow route PR 10 Levada do Furado from Ribeiro Frio to Portela. This route is 10.7 kilometres (point to point) and will take 3-4 hours to complete.
The path is quieter, and the chance of spotting birds is higher. The water flows next to you along this trail, and if you’re lucky, you’ll see some trout swimming! It’s classified as an easy walk, with only a 53-meter increase in height.
A fun roundtrip walk is the Chão das Feiteiras route. This walk starts at Forest Park in Ribeiro Frio and ends at the same spot. This hike is 7.4 kilometres long (circular route) and will take two to three hours to finish. Some climbing is involved, though, and it’s a moderate hike. You’ll climb a total of nearly 500 meters.
Are you looking for a more exciting thing to do in nature? Canyoning is perfect for you! You’ll abseil from waterfalls, swim in canyons, and follow an adventurous path through the canyon. A professional guide will ensure your safety and transport you around the canyon.
Sights within half an hour of Vereda dos Balcões
A short drive will take you to another beautiful viewpoint. Pico do Arieiro is the second-tallest mountain in Madeira and from the car park it’s only a short walk to the top! The easiest way to enjoy the view! It does get busy here, and if you don’t mind a short walk, you can enjoy a quieter and more stunning view from Miradouro do Juncal.
It’s also the starting point of the PR 1 Vereda do Areeiro – Pico Ruivo. This challenging hike is 10.5 kilometres with an increase in altitude of 1172 meters. You can arrange transport to make this a one-way journey, as a return hike is not for the fainthearted.
Luckily, many tour guides provide this hike, and it’s a favourite of many. The views are simply stunning! And you’ll get a real sense of achievement! The PR 1.2 Vereda do Pico Ruivo is much easier and shorter.
Santana is also just a 30-minute drive away, and you can visit the famous a-framed Madeira houses. A must-see during your holiday!
Hotels near Ribeiro Frio Forest Park
In this stunning landscape, you’ll also discover beautiful hotels. You’re surrounded by nature, and you can enjoy the best views! Take a look, for example, at Casa do Ribeiro Frio. From the hotel, you’ll easily discover the nearby hikes. Or enjoy a sustainable stay in the beautiful Mountain Eco Shelter 3 in the middle of the mountains!
Eira do Serrado – Hotel & Spa is a popular place to enjoy the view over the Valley of the Nuns. Check the below map for all the unique places to stay in Madeira! Whether it’s in the city of Funchal or the middle of nature, there is something for everyone on the island!
Not sure where to go in Portugal?
Take the free Portugal travel quiz and find the destination that best matches your travel style. You’ll get your result plus practical tips to help you start planning your trip.
FAQ
How long is the Levada dos Balcões?
The Vereda dos Balcões trail is only 2.7 kilometres (1.67 miles) one way (5.4 kilometres/3.3 miles for a round trip). Most people can walk the trail in about an hour, but you might spend some time admiring the view from the balcony viewpoint.
How do you get to Levada dos Balcões?
The Vereda dos Balcões trailhead is in Ribeiro Frio, a small village in the mountains. The easiest way to reach the trailhead is by rental car, but there is also a bus from Funchal and Santana.
Ready to troll to the best views on the island?
Visiting Levada dos Balcões is absolutely worth it! The incredible views are mesmerising, and you’ll spot many birds along the way. The route is accessible for everyone, so even if you’re not into hiking or your fitness levels aren’t what they used to be, Verede dos Balcões is doable!
The biggest downside for us is that it was very busy. An early start is therefore advisable to enjoy some alone time with a view! Thanks to the reservation system that was introduced in 2026, crowds will be better distributed throughout the day as well.
Also, if you like more of a challenge, there are many other hikes in Madeira. Take Levada do Caldeirão Verde for example. This is also an easy hike, just a lot longer. There are fewer people on the trail, and it’s one of Madeira’s best hikes for beginners! The PR8 at Ponta de São Lourenço is a beautiful coastal trail with amazing views. Read all about this trail by clicking here.
Other things to do in Madeira, Portugal:
- 30 best things to do in Madeira Island Portugal
- 30 Amazing things to do in Funchal Portugal
- Discover the beautiful Monte Palace Madeira gardens
- Ride the toboggan in Madeira, one of the coolest commutes in the world
- Visit Santana in Madeira and discover beautiful Santana Madeira houses
- How to make Madeira trail reservations (step-by-step guide)
- Beautiful Vereda do Pico Ruivo hike to Madeira’s highest peak
- Enjoy beautiful views at PR11 Levada dos Balcões in Madeira
- Beautiful PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde: A Madeira must-do
- The stunning PR6 Levada Das 25 Fontes and Risco Waterfall
- Beautiful Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço Hike in Madeira
- Discover Walks Madeira – hike some fabulous trails
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