PR 11 Vereda dos Balcões

PR 11 Vereda dos Balcões is on the IFCN classified-trail table updated on 2 October 2026 and read here on 12 October 2026. The official distance on that table is 1.5 km each way (3 km there and back). The places named there are Ribeiro Frio and Balcões. The status on that table is: open. Route Summary: 1.5 km each way (3 km there and back) · 45 min – 1 h 00 min · +30 m / -30 m (860 m – 870 m) · Easy · Out-and-back returns to car. As noted in PR 11 Vereda dos Balcões is listed open, the 2 October 2026 table does not mention any board repair or restriction on PR 11. It is a straightforward out-and-back walk starting and finishing at the same roadside gate in Ribeiro Frio.

What makes PR 11 one of Madeira's most accessible viewpoint walks

Following the historic Levada da Serra do Faial from the ER 103 road at Ribeiro Frio, PR 11 runs almost on the level under a high canopy of native Laurissilva trees for 1.5 km before emerging onto the rock spur of Miradouro dos Balcões:

• No tunnels or steep climbs: Unlike longer mountain levadas, PR 11 has a wide, well-graded footpath alongside the water channel with no dark tunnels and minimal elevation change, making it suitable for a short morning or afternoon walk.
• Viewpoint over Ribeira da Metade: The railed balcony at Balcões looks straight down into the lush gorge of Ribeira da Metade and across to the central mountain wall of Pico do Areeiro, Pico das Torres, and Pico Ruivo, with the volcanic rock of Penha d'Águia visible toward the north coast.
• Best timing for clear views: Morning sun frequently illuminates the central peaks before trade-wind clouds rise up the northern valley mid-morning. Even when cloud fills the gorge, the forest walk itself is sheltered and atmospheric.

Parking and bus access at Ribeiro Frio

Ribeiro Frio is located on the winding ER 103 mountain highway between Poiso and Santana:

• Roadside parking: There is no multi-level car park in the Ribeiro Frio ravine; cars park in marked roadside spaces near the trout farm, cafés, and trailhead entrance. Spaces fill rapidly between 09:30 and 14:00 when coaches and hikers for both PR 11 and PR 10 Levada do Furado arrive.
• Public bus: Intercity buses linking Funchal, Poiso, Ribeiro Frio, Santana, and Faial stop right at the trailhead, allowing an easy out-and-back visit without a rental car.
• Combining with other routes: Because PR 11 returns to Ribeiro Frio after 3 km total, drivers often pair it with a drive up to Pico do Areeiro or north to Santana for PR 9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde. Remember that PR 10 starting across the road at Ribeiro Frio is an 11 km one-way walk to Portela, not a short loop.

Footwear, kit, and before you go

Although the path is short and gentle, shade and mist keep the stone edges and wooden bridges damp year-round; wear closed shoes with good grip and bring a light jacket. See What to carry on a levada. The IFCN fee FAQ lists €4.50 per person for one classified route other than PR 1. Residents of the region, children aged 12 or under, and covered disability cases do not pay the fee and still need a reservation. Full details are in PR trail fees and reservation rules on Madeira. This site does not publish a live forecast. Source: Percursos pedestres classificados, table updated 2 October 2026, read here on 12 October 2026. The fee figures are from the IFCN fee FAQ.