PR11 Vereda dos Balcões
An easy, flat 3km forest walk to a breathtaking viewpoint, famous for its friendly finches. Perfect for all ages and fitness levels.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
PR11 Vereda dos Balcões
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An easy, flat 3km forest walk to a breathtaking viewpoint, famous for its friendly finches. Perfect for all ages and fitness levels.
"The easiest hike in Madeira with breathtaking views and birds that feed from your hand!"
🐦 Bring Birdseed!
The finches at the viewpoint love to be fed. Bring some seeds for a memorable interaction!
👟 Easy, Flat Terrain
Perfect for all fitness levels, including pregnant visitors. Minimal inclines or declines.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Balcões Viewpoint
End of the PR11 trail
A breathtaking panoramic vista overlooking a vast mountain valley. The ultimate reward after a gentle forest stroll.
Enchanting Laurel Forest
Along the PR11 trail
Wander through a magical laurel forest filled with the scent of nature and the symphony of birdsong.
Friendly Finches
Balcões Viewpoint
These charming birds are known to flock to visitors, eager to be fed birdseed right from their hands.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Easy Access, Big Rewards
Birdseed & Beyond
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐦 Bring Birdseed!
The finches at the viewpoint love to be fed. Bring some seeds for a memorable interaction!
👟 Easy, Flat Terrain
Perfect for all fitness levels, including pregnant visitors. Minimal inclines or declines.
⏰ Short & Sweet
The 3km round trip takes about an hour, making it ideal for a quick scenic stop.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Convenient parking is available, making access to the trail straightforward.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐦 Bring Birdseed!
The finches at the viewpoint love to be fed. Bring some seeds for a memorable interaction!
👟 Easy, Flat Terrain
Perfect for all fitness levels, including pregnant visitors. Minimal inclines or declines.
⏰ Short & Sweet
The 3km round trip takes about an hour, making it ideal for a quick scenic stop.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Convenient parking is available, making access to the trail straightforward.
🧥 Dress in Layers
Mountain weather can change quickly; be prepared for cooler temperatures.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the PR11 Vereda dos Balcões for its incredibly easy, flat trail through a beautiful forest, leading to a stunning viewpoint. The highlight for many is the chance to feed friendly finches. Some minor drawbacks include potential noise from nearby road construction and a faint odor near rocks on warm days.
"Easy hike.. Beautiful forest walk through the forest along a lavada to a beautiful overlook. Brind birdseed if you can get some as the birds at the top come straight to you!"
Thomas Baker
"Short walk to viewpoint, mainly flat but there are stones that jut out of the ground. Bring birdseeds. By the mountain rock it smells of urine, yucky since it was a warm day so magnified! So whoever is going there, just stop. Keep nature clean. Beautiful views."
Lisa Young
"I recommend this tour to everyone! It’s really easy, with no steep sections or declines.
The trail is 3 km long, and it’s very easy to follow the path.
Parking is free, and the price of the levada tour is only €3 per person.
You can book it online or buy your ticket at the entrance."
Falucskai Dóra
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Vereda dos Balcões (PR11) is by car, as it's located in Ribeiro Frio. Several bus routes also serve Ribeiro Frio, including buses 56, 103, and 138 from Funchal.
Yes, there is free parking available at the trailhead in Ribeiro Frio, which is very convenient for visitors.
Yes, you can take public buses from Funchal to Ribeiro Frio. Buses 56, 103, and 138 are good options. The journey typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour.
The roads leading to Ribeiro Frio are generally well-maintained, but like many mountain roads in Madeira, they can be winding. Driving carefully is advised.
If you don't have a car, taking a public bus from Funchal is a viable option. Alternatively, consider booking a guided tour that includes transportation to the trail.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While some sources mention a small fee of €3 per person for a 'levada tour', many visitors report that access to the Vereda dos Balcões trail itself is free. It's best to check upon arrival or book online if a fee is confirmed.
The trail is an outdoor natural attraction and is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no specific opening or closing times posted.
Access to the viewpoint at the end of the Vereda dos Balcões trail is typically free of charge.
If there is a fee associated with the 'levada tour', booking online or at the entrance is recommended, especially during peak season.
No, there are no age restrictions. The easy, flat nature of the trail makes it suitable for all ages, from young children to seniors.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The walk is approximately 1.5 km each way, totaling 3 km round trip. It typically takes about 1 hour to complete, including time to enjoy the views.
No, the PR11 Vereda dos Balcões is considered one of the easiest hikes in Madeira. It's a mostly flat, well-maintained path suitable for beginners and families.
You'll walk through a beautiful, lush laurel forest with a levada (irrigation channel) alongside. The highlight is the panoramic viewpoint at the end.
There's a small shack snack bar mentioned along the trail where you can get a view of the valley.
The trail is mostly flat and well-maintained, making it accessible for strollers. However, some uneven stones might pose a slight challenge for wheelchairs.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The main photo opportunities are the panoramic views from the Balcões viewpoint, the lush forest scenery, and close-ups of the friendly finches.
Mornings often offer clearer skies and fewer crowds, while late afternoons provide beautiful golden hour light for landscape shots.
Yes, if you bring birdseed, you can get very close to the finches for excellent close-up shots.
The main viewpoint at the end of the trail is the primary spot for expansive landscape photography.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the panoramic views, while a telephoto lens can be useful for bird photography. A smartphone camera is also sufficient for most visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
The ease of the trail allows you to relax and soak in the surroundings, making it a perfect addition to any itinerary, whether you're looking for a quick stop or a peaceful morning stroll. 🤰 Pregnant Visitors
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enchanting Laurel Forest
Many visitors describe the forest walk as a highlight in itself, offering a peaceful escape and a chance to connect with Madeira's natural beauty. The path is well-maintained, making it easy to appreciate the flora and fauna without any strenuous effort.
Flora and Fauna
The laurel forest is home to a variety of plant species, and the air is often filled with the songs of endemic birds. Keep an eye out for the vibrant colors of the local birdlife, especially near the end of the trail.
The Iconic Balcões Viewpoint
This viewpoint is particularly famous for its abundance of friendly finches. Visitors are encouraged to bring birdseed, as these charming creatures are known to land on hands and shoulders, creating a unique and memorable interaction. It's a delightful experience for both children and adults.
What to Expect at the Viewpoint
While the views are spectacular, it's important to note that the viewpoint can get crowded, especially during peak hours. The space is not vast, so be mindful of others. On foggy days, the view might be obscured, but the forest walk itself remains a beautiful experience.
Accessibility and Ease of the Trail
Even individuals with mobility concerns or those who are pregnant have found this hike to be very manageable. The path is generally wide and well-trodden, though some protruding stones have been noted. The short distance of 3km round trip means you can enjoy the stunning scenery without committing to a long, arduous trek.
Practical Considerations for Accessibility
While the trail is easy, wearing comfortable walking shoes is still recommended. The presence of a levada alongside the path means there's always water nearby, adding to the lush environment. The straightforward nature of the trail ensures a stress-free and enjoyable outing for all visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit