32° 54′ N, 16° 53′ W
Overview
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PR11 Vereda dos Balcões hike overview
1,5 km one way
3 km in total
30 m
30 m
1 to 2 hours
Out & Back
Easy - Moderate - Difficult - Expert
PR11 Vereda dos Balcões Hike
The PR11 Vereda dos Balcões is one of Madeira’s classic levada hikes. Vereda dos Balcões, literally translated to ‘Balcony path’ is one of the easiest, following the Levada da Serra do Faial and ending at the stunning Balcões viewpoint, where you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the Metade and Faial valleys. Even though the hike is easy and it’s only a short distance to the viewpoint, there’s plenty to take in along the way. Ferns, moss, flowers, and even birds add to the charm.
What do PR and levada hike mean: The “PR” stands for ‘Pequena Rota’ or ‘small routes’ in English, and these are government-recommended trails. There are 25 in total in Madeira island of which 9 are levada hikes.
Levadas are old irrigation channels built to bring water from the lush, rainy parts of the island to the drier agricultural areas. Over time, they’ve turned into amazing walking trails to explore Madeira in a unique way. A levada hike means you’re following these water channels, winding through forests, mountains, and valleys. The best part? It’s usually a pretty easy walk since the paths are mostly flat.
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The route
The route starts at Ribeiro Frio, where you’ll find a little complex with restaurants, a trout farm, and some souvenir shops. From here, you can start your hike along the Levada da Serra do Faial, following the signs for “Balcões”.
The trail leads you into a beautiful laurel forest, with greenery all around and massive moss-covered rocks forming natural corridors along the way. Halfway you pass the little Snack Bar Flor da Selva where you can have a little break.
Reservation and fee
As of January 1st 2026 the PR11 hike on Madeira require advance reservations and a small fee. This system helps control daily capacity and supports trail maintenance. You can make your reservation on the Simplifica Madeira website.
One of the coolest parts is a narrow section where you walk between two rock walls on both sides creating a natural hallway covered in moss.
After around 20 minutes of walking, you’ll reach a small house. Here, you turn left for the final stretch to the highlight of the trail: the Balcões viewpoint, also known as Balcões de Ribeiro Frio.
Miradouro dos Balcões
The most breathtaking part of Vereda dos Balcões is undoubtedly the view from the famous balcony Miradouro dos Balcões. From here, you can see Madeira’s highest peaks like Pico do Arieiro (1818m), Pico Ruivo (1861m), and the stunning Ribeira da Metade valley. If you’re lucky with the weather, the views are absolutely spectacular, stretching all the way to the ocean. However, Madeira is known for its clouds and fog, which often roll in and cover the peaks, so you’ll have to be lucky for clear views.
But it’s not just the views that make this spot special. Vereda dos Balcões is also a bird paradise. You might spot species like the goldcrest, chaffinch, wagtail, and even the rare Madeira wood pigeon. The birds here are friendly and used to visitors, especially the chaffinches, which will come right up to you if you’re patient enough.
Just remember, only feed them the small seeds provided on-site. If there aren’t any available, it’s important not to feed them anything else. So if you’re planning to let a bird eat from your hand, make sure it’s with the right food!
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How to get to Vereda dos Balcões
The Vereda dos Balcões hike starts right in the Ribeiro Frio forest park, where you’ll see signs for the hike. You can easily navigate to this pin PR11 Vereda dos Balcões on Google Maps. The village is worth exploring on its own, with lovely gardens, trout ponds, streams, and small waterfalls. There are also a few restaurants and cafés if you want to grab a bite before or after your hike.
By car
The easiest way to get to the starting point is by rental car. If you’re driving from Funchal, it takes about 40-50 minutes to get there by car. The road to the trailhead includes some sharp turns and steep hills.
Keep in mind that parking is limited, so if you arrive early, you’re likely to find a spot easily. Otherwise, cars often park along the road as the area gets busier.
By bus
If you’re not traveling by car, you can also take bus 103 or 56 from Funchal.
By organized tour
If you’d rather skip the hassle of planning, you can join an organized tour that includes a stop at Vereda dos Balcões. These tours usually offer a guide who knows the area, round-trip transportation, and sometimes even extras like snacks or lunch. It’s a great option if you want to explore more of Madeira while learning interesting facts along the way. Just be sure to check what’s included before you book.
Best time to hike
The best time to hike the PR11 Vereda dos Balcões is from April to September. During these months, the weather is warm and dry, which means you’ll have the best chance for clear views of the beautiful scenery. Spring is lovely with blooming flowers, while autumn has nice temperatures but can bring more rain and fog. Winter is cooler and wetter, and you’ll see fewer hikers.
The Mirador dos Balcões can sometimes be foggy, so it’s smart to hike on a clear day. The best time to arrive is right after sunrise, especially if you are visiting during peak tourist season (May to October). This way, you can avoid crowds and enjoy the views all to yourself. This hike is very popular because it offers stunning views of Madeira’s highest peaks, and it’s easier than many other trails. Just don’t go for sunrise because the lookout is in the shade.
Alternatively, one to two hours before sunset is also a great time to hike. It will be more crowded compared to sunrise, but less busy than the middle of the day. Plus, the lighting is magical when the sun shines over the mountain peaks.
Where to stay
The closest town to PR11 Vereda do Balcões, where you can stay, is Santana. This charming village is known for its traditional A-framed houses and has various accommodation options, including guesthouses, hotels, and charming rural stays.
Funchal is also a good option to stay, especially if you want to visit other parts of the island. It has a wider range of accommodations with a bit more comfort, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Plus, Funchal is a great base for exploring the island, with plenty of restaurants, shops, and attractions to enjoy after your hike.
Hotels
Find the best places to stay in Funchal and enjoy a comfortable trip.
Funchal
Funchal
Funchal
via Booking.com
Tips & Safety
Only feed seeds to the birds
Do not feed the birds anything else but the seeds on-site to respect their natural diet.
Allow enough time
The trail might be short, we strongly advise you to allow enough time as you might want to stay a bit longer at the viewpoint.
Bring water
Although there is a little snack bar along the way, it's always good to bring some water with you to stay hydrated, especially on hotter days.
Sun protection
Even though most parts of the hike are shaded, it is recommended to protect yourself against the sun.
Weather forecast
The weather in the mountains of Madeira can change quickly. Always check the weather forecast before you start hiking and bring a raincoat just in case. It's also best to get to Vedera dos Balcões for the best views.
Leave nothing but footprints
Please, don't litter, not along the trail, nor somewhere else.
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Win-Win for everyone
Did you know that, if you buy or book something through our links, we receive a small commission?
However, you still pay the same and therefore have no extra costs! So a win-win for everyone. This way, we can continue to add even more travel inspiration and tips to this blog for your next adventure. Thanks a lot!
