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PR11 Vereda dos Balcões

Vereda dos Balcões (often called Levada dos Balcoes) is a beautiful 1-hour walk through serene woods leading to an epic balcony viewpoint. The wide forest path follows a levada and, although popular, makes a must-do hike on your Madeira itinerary. 

Once you reach the balcony, you’re awarded some of the best views over the vast Atlantic Ocean and Madeira’s tallest mountains, including the famed Pico do Arieiro. Watch how the beautiful greenery reveals itself throughout the trail – you’ll want to bring a camera for this one! 

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The short 1.5-kilometer walk to and from the viewpoint barely has any incline, making it an incredible warm-up trek before tackling the longer and steeper hikes on Madeira. The trail is clearly marked and well-maintained throughout, with no dangerous parts. It’s also perfect for all ages, so it’s a great hike to do together with your family.

• Total km: 3 km
• Time: 1 – 1,5 hours
• Elevation: 140 meters
• Difficulty: Easy
• Route type: In-and-out
• Entrance: Free to visit, no tickets.

The Route

The trail begins in Ribeiro Frio, a peaceful area with a few restaurants, shops, streams, and lush surrounding nature. From here, it follows the Levada da Serra do Faial all the way to the viewpoint. 

Then, you’ll pass Snack Bar Flor da Selva, a charming cafe where you can enjoy some delicious Madeira Honey Cake, a drink, and a quick restroom break. Continue left after the cafe and walk along for a few more minutes.

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Quinta Da Penha De Franca

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The Balcony Viewpoint

After about 20 minutes of walking from the start, you’ll reach Levada dos Balcoes viewpoint: the famous balcony that peers over the ocean on the right and the island’s biggest peaks on the left. These majestic mountains, including the iconic Pico do Arieiro, tower above all else and are often shrouded in clouds. However, sometimes, you get to see their peaks on a clear day!

While the views are the real show-stopper, another highlight of this spot is the many Madeira Firecrest birds. These tiny birds have become so accustomed to being fed by visitors that they eagerly flutter around the balcony and sometimes feed straight from your hand. 

We brought some old bread and crushed almonds for them. They clearly preferred the nuts, which we later shared with some kids who had only brought some bread. The little birds then all eagerly flocked to them, creating such an incredible scene!

The Best Time to Hike Levada dos Balcões

Because of its tropical climate, Madeira rarely gets really cold, with an average temperature of 20 – 25 degrees Celsius year-round. However, head into the mountains, and you’ll notice that temperatures (and the weather) can change due to the higher elevation.

Because of this, it’s best to wear layers on your Levada dos Balcões hike to prepare you for unpredictable weather. It’s common to experience cold, warm, windy, cloudy, and clear conditions all on the same day! Tip: Check the Madeira webcams or Windy.com to see what the weather is like at your chosen hiking trail before setting out. 

Best

Good

Mixed

Poor

18°C

Jan

19°C

Feb

19°C

Mar

19°C

Apr

21°C

May

22°C

Jun

24°C

Jul

25°C

Aug

25°C

Sep

24°C

Oct

21°C

Nov

20°C

Dec

°C
°F

Depending on your preference, you can hike early in the morning (a popular choice) or later during the day to witness the sunset. There’s nothing quite as magical as seeing the tall surrounding peaks and valleys color in a soft, golden glow. However, make sure you wrap up the hike before it turns dark. We recommend avoiding the middle of the day in summer, as it can get really warm (and busy)!

How to Get to the Levada dos Balcoes Trailhead

The trail starts at Ribeiro Frio, which lies about a 30-minute drive directly north of Funchal, Madeira. This area is an attraction in itself, with lush gardens, ponds, and waterfalls, so it tends to get quite busy. Because of this, it’s not easy to find parking nearby. However, you can park down the street to hike PR11, Madeira. 

You’ll spot numerous signs at the start of the trail to guide you, making it hard to miss the trailhead. If driving yourself is not an option, you can also choose to book a private transfer or taxi to the trail. 

What to Bring on Your Hikes in Madeira

PR11 Vereda dos Balcões is a highlight on your Madeira itinerary and one of the most popular things to do. Here are some items to pack to make this incredible hike go as smoothly as possible:

• Good shoes (waterproof sneakers or hiking boots)
• Sunglasses
• Environmentally-friendly sunscreen
• Cap

• Plenty of water (in a reusable bottle; the perfect way to travel plastic-free!)
• Some snacks 
• Layers (temperatures can change throughout the trail)
• Waterproof jacket
• Your camera

Hotels Near PR11, Madeira

Stay at one of the nearby hotels in Funchal to soak up the serenity and breathtaking scenery of Madeira’s mountainous landscape. These accommodations, nestled amidst the lush greenery, offer some of the best panoramic views, making it the perfect base for hikers.

Our favorite hotels in Funchal

View all

Quinta Da Penha De Franca

Funchal

Atlântico Azul

Funchal

Hotel Alto Lido

Funchal

See available hotels in

Funchal

Check available hotels

Check available hostels