If you’re looking for the easiest hike in Madeira with one of the most breathtaking viewpoints on the island, PR11 Vereda dos Balcões is it.

This short out-and-back trail is flat, safe, mostly stroller-friendly, and ends with a stunning balcony viewpoint overlooking Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo. On clear days, you can even see the ocean behind Faial.

After living on Madeira for a year and exploring hundreds of trails, beaches, and miradouros, this is the one hike I recommend to every visitor—families, beginners, pregnant hikers, and anyone who wants an effortless walk with a stunning viewpoint.

If you want a beautiful Madeira hike that won’t cause vertigo or mom-anxiety—this is the one.

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Quick Trail Overview: Vereda dos Balcões (PR11)

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Why Hike Vereda dos Balcões?

This trail is one of Madeira’s shortest, safest, and most accessible hikes, making it perfect for families, cautious hikers, and anyone who doesn’t want to commit to a steep or technical trail.

There are snack bars at the beginning, shops along the way, and plenty of places to stop and rest.

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Trail Information: What to Expect on PR11

Ribeiro Frio, the small mountain village where the trail begins, sits in the heart of Madeira’s UNESCO-protected Laurisilva forest. The drive up to this mountain village takes time, but you’ll be rewarded with cool mountain air and lush forest vegetation.

In Ribeiro Frio you’ll also find:

• Several levada trails
• Restaurants and poncha bars
• A trout farm
• Toilets and visitor information
• Souvenir shops

Plan 2–4 hours in the area, plus an additional hour-long drive each way. My family and I like to combine a trip to Ribeiro Frio with two hikes, Balcões and the Levada.

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How Long Does Hiking P.R. 11 Take?

• Fast/experienced hikers: under 1 hour
• With babies or toddlers: 2–3 hours
• Inexperienced Hikers: 1-2 hours

I’ve hiked this trail with both a stroller and a baby carrier, a baby and a toddler. We stopped for lunch and spent 30 minutes feeding the Madeiran Fire Crest birds at the viewpoint – it was worth every second!

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Trailhead Location

The trail begins in Ribeiro Frio, about 40 minutes from Funchal.

You’ll see signs for the Vereda. Once you’re on the main path, navigation is effortless—there are no confusing forks until the very end.

Parking in Ribeiro Frio can be difficut – this hike is popular and if a cruise ship is in town, be prepared to navigate around large busses.

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On the Trail: PR11 Vereda dos Balcões

The route starts through a lush green forest typical of Madeira’s interior. Although the road is nearby, you won’t hear it.

Helpful things to know:

• The trail is clearly signposted
• There are no exposed edges
• It’s mostly shaded
• There are snack stops along the way

We stopped at Flor de Selva for a drink, then returned after the viewpoint for sandwiches. The owner is incredibly friendly and loves chatting with visitors.

As you walk, you’ll pass farms, small houses, and sections of deep forest—just enough variety to keep the trail interesting. My toddler loves finding trout swimming in the levada alongside the trail.

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The Final Stretch (and Where to Leave the Stroller)

After a short natural corridor between two mossy rock walls, you’ll reach the first and only fork.

Follow the yellow sign toward Balcões (to the right).

The trail narrows and becomes rocky, so we left our stroller here. It’s not very far to the viewpoint.

Before reaching the viewpoint, you’ll have the opportunity to feed some Madeiran Firecrest birds. They’ll eat right out of your hand – unless you have a wiggly baby or squealing toddler!

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The Viewpoint: Balcões Balcony

This viewpoint is stunning. From the balcony platform you can see:

• Pico do Areeiro
• Pico Ruivo
• The Ribeira da Metade valley
• The Atlantic Ocean

There are rocks to climb on, plenty of photo ops, and railings to keep you safe. Just to let you know – the viewpoint gets busy, especially on tour bus days, but the crowds disperse quickly. If it’s packed, wait 5–10 minutes.

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Return Hike

This is a classic out-and-back trail. Simply follow the same path back to Ribeiro Frio.

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What to Bring (Especially With Kids)

• Layers (Ribeiro Frio is much cooler than Funchal)
• Water bottle (I bring a Lifestraw and refill from levadas)
• Trail runners or hiking shoes
• Snacks
• Birdseed for the Firecrests
• A baby carrier for the final stretch
• Go-bag with toddler essentials

Please wear appropriate hiking or trail-running shoes—rain can make even easy trails slippery.

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Before You Hike: Important Tips

Check the Weather

We use Windy for real-time mountain forecasts.

Madeira weather changes fast. Clouds and light rain are beautiful, but storms make this trail unsafe, especially early in the morning when clouds sit low.

Dress for the Mountains

Ribeiro Frio sits at ~1000 m elevation and can be up to 15°C cooler than Funchal. Pack layers for the whole family.

Leave No Trace

Even easy trails need responsible hikers. Things not considered “biodegradable”:

• Banana peels
• Orange/apple cores
• Tissues
• Toilet paper

Pack it all out.

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How to Get to Vereda dos Balcões

By Rental Car

Driving is the easiest option. After Funchal, the roads are narrow but manageable. When you get close to Ribeiro Frio, parking fills up fast—especially after 10 a.m.

We use Discovercars to rent all our vehicles on Madeira.

By Bus or Tour

Public buses rarely go this far into the mountains. If you don’t want to drive, join a group tour of Eastern Madeira, which often includes:

• Balcões
• Pico do Areeiro
• Santana traditional houses

Here’s a link to the best tour options of Eastern Madeira, including Balcões.

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