How to hike Vereda dos Balcões PR11: Full Guide + Tips

When we first added PR11 Levada dos Balcões to our Madeira plan, it wasn’t high on our list — we didn’t expect much from it. But walking through the forest and reaching the viewpoint changed that fast. The trail is shaded and quiet, and then it suddenly opens up to a deep green valley with steep mountains on both sides.

It’s exactly the kind of walk that fits nicely alongside longer routes from our best hikes in Madeira guide.

In this guide, we share what the hike is really like based on our experience, plus practical tips on parking, timing, and what to expect at the viewpoint.

Why we think this hike is worth it?

PR11 Levada dos Balcões is worth doing because it delivers a wonderful view with very little effort. Based on our walk, it’s a calm forest path followed by a wide, dramatic viewpoint over the valley and surrounding peaks.

We also liked how flexible it is. It works well as a short standalone walk, a warm-up before a longer levada, or a stop on the way through Ribeiro Frio. If the weather isn’t perfect higher up in the mountains, this trail is often still doable, which makes it a great backup option too.

It’s not an adrenaline hike and it’s not meant to be. But if you want an easy way to experience Madeira’s landscapes without a big time commitment, this one surprised us in the best way.

Hiking Map

When to hike Vereda dos Balcões

We hiked Vereda dos Balcões in the afternoon and were surprised how calm it still felt. Even though this is a popular trail, it didn’t feel overcrowded when we went, and we had enough space at the viewpoint to enjoy the scenery.

In general, this hike works well at almost any time of day, but clear weather matters more than the hour. The viewpoint only really shines when the mountains are visible, so it’s worth waiting for a break in the clouds.

If you want the quietest experience, early morning is still a safe bet, but based on our walk, a later visit can work just as well — especially if you’re combining it with other stops around Ribeiro Frio.

Getting to the trailhead

We had a rental car for our whole Madeira trip, which made getting to Ribeiro Frio and the PR11 trailhead very easy. If you’re planning to do more levada hikes, we really think a car is the most flexible option — we usually book through DiscoverCars, and it’s what we recommend in our car rental in Madeira guide.

Parking at Ribeiro Frio can be a bit tricky, though. There isn’t much official parking space near the trailhead, and it fills up fast. When we arrived, it looked full at first, but after a few minutes we managed to find a spot along the main road, so it’s worth being patient rather than turning around immediately.

If you’re using public transport, buses do stop at Ribeiro Frio. You can get here on lines 56, 103, and 138.

Trail Description

After leaving the parking area at Ribeiro Frio, we found the start of the trail almost immediately — it’s where most people head, and there’s a big sign marking the entrance, so it’s hard to miss.

From the first steps, the path felt more like a forest walkway than a hike: wide, flat, and shaded by tall trees.

We followed the levada the whole way, with water flowing quietly beside us. After a short while, we reached the small mountain hut with open views over the valley — a nice spot to pause for a drink before continuing.

One of the most interesting parts came a bit later, when the path squeezes between two tall rock walls.

Not long after that, the forest opened up and we arrived at the viewpoint — a wooden balcony hanging over the valley with mountains layered in front of us. There are a few benches where we could sit down, catch our breath, and just take in the view before heading back the same way.

Facilities on the trail

Around the Ribeiro Frio parking area, you’ll find a few small restaurants and bars, souvenir shops, and a public restroom.

On the trail itself, there’s a simple mountain hut about 30 minutes in, where you can get food and drinks with views over the valley. It’s a really nice place for a short break before heading to the viewpoint or on the way back.

They also have a paid public restroom, which is useful if you’re spending more time in the area.

Trail difficulty

PR11 Levada dos Balcões is one of the easiest official hikes in Madeira. The path is wide, flat, and well maintained, with no steep climbs or exposed sections. Based on our walk, it feels more like a relaxed forest stroll than a proper hike.

It’s suitable for most fitness levels and works well if you’re travelling with kids or just want something gentle between longer trails. The only thing to keep in mind is that the path can be a bit muddy after rain, so proper shoes still make a difference, even though the route itself is straightforward.

Where to stay

Madeira has a great mix of resort-style hotels by the ocean, small boutique stays, and quiet countryside retreats.

If you’re still deciding which part of Madeira suits you best, check out our full guide on where to stay in Madeira — it breaks down the best areas, including hand-picked hotel recommendations.

Here are the ones we’d happily book again:

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Hotel Porto Mare – PortoBay (our top pick) – Staying here felt like being in a tropical garden resort right inside Funchal. We loved how peaceful it was despite being close to the city, with several outdoor pools tucked between palm trees and ocean views from the rooms.

Evenings were a highlight for us thanks to the themed buffet dinners with a big choice of quality food, and waking up to the Atlantic outside the window never got old. It’s the kind of place we’d book again without overthinking it.

⭐️ Best for: a relaxed base in Funchal with resort vibes
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⭐️⭐️ Aqua Natura Bay – This one really stands out for its location — being directly across from Porto Moniz’s natural lava pools is hard to beat. After swimming, we’d head back to a beautifully designed hotel with a calm, elegant interior and surprisingly good food.

The rooftop infinity pool was one of our favourite spots, with views of both the ocean and the mountains, especially around sunset. If we were coming back to Porto Moniz, this would be our first choice again.

⭐️ Best for: Boutique stay, views, and a quiet base
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⭐️ Quinta das Vinhas – This is a totally different Madeira experience — more countryside than coast. Set among vineyards in Calheta, it feels quiet, and very local, with traditional stone houses and open views over the valley.

It’s the kind of place we picture booking when we want space, fresh air, and a more rural side of the island, rather than a hotel atmosphere.

⭐️ Best for: Quiet countryside vibes and total switch-off
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FAQs

Final Thoughts

PR11 Vereda dos Balcões is one of those walks that surprised us. It’s short, easy, and doesn’t demand much from you — but the view at the end feels far bigger than the effort it takes to get there.

Based on our experience, it’s a great choice if you want a taste of Madeira’s landscapes without committing to a long hike. We’d happily recommend it as a relaxed stop around Ribeiro Frio.