Levada dos Balcões: the easy Ribeiro Frio levada
Short and almost flat: 1.5 km of levada to a viewpoint over the central massif. Even so, you need a booked time slot.
In short. The PR11 runs from Ribeiro Frio to the Miradouro dos Balcões along the Levada da Serra do Faial: 1.5 km each way, almost flat (between 870 and 880 metres), in about 1 hr 30. It’s one of the easiest trails on the island, but you need a booked time slot on SIMplifica and it costs €4.50, even if you only go to the viewpoint.
- to the viewpoint, and the same back
- 1.5 km
- time given by the IFCN
- 1 hr 30
- between the highest and lowest points
- 10 m
- Duration
- 1 hr 30 on foot (official time)
- Route
- 1.5 km out and 1.5 km back
- Level
- 1 of 5, easy
- Altitude
- 870 to 880 m
- Where
- 31 mins by car from Funchal
- Trail managed by
- IFCN
In this guide: 8 sections
What it is
It’s one of the easiest levadas on the island: from Ribeiro Frio, along the Levada da Serra do Faial, to the Miradouro dos Balcões (the Balcões viewpoint). It hardly climbs or drops at all and makes a short walk, good for children and for anyone who only wants to walk a little.
At Ribeiro Frio there’s also the Centro Aquícola, a trout farm, and a restaurant by the road.
Before you go: booking and rules
- Booked time slot and fee, even for the viewpoint. Booking on SIMplifica is compulsory for everyone, even if you only go to the Miradouro dos Balcões, and the fee is €4.50 for non-residents over 12.
- Weather and ground. The IFCN information board warns that the weather changes often and that the ground is slippery.
What it costs
| What | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| PR11 fee (non-residents over 12) | €4.50 | Portaria 48/2026 |
| Children up to 12 and residents | Free, with booking | IFCN |
| Ribeiro Frio Centro Aquícola, if you want to see the trout (from age 13) | €3 | Portaria 801/2025 |
Shall we arrange it all?
We book your time slot and take you to Ribeiro Frio. It pairs well with sunrise at Pico do Areeiro, on the same road.
Ask for a proposal on WhatsApp
We’ll reply with a proposal and a fixed price, with no obligation.
How to get there
By car, Ribeiro Frio is 31 minutes from Funchal on the ER103 (17.6 km). There’s parking, a restaurant, toilets and a bus stop.
What to bring
- Warm layers
- A waterproof
- Non-slip footwear
What if the weather changes?
In fog, the view from the viewpoint disappears: if you can, change the day. With a bad weather warning, the IFCN may close the trail.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Levada dos Balcões good for children?
- It’s one of the easiest: 1.5 km, almost flat, to the viewpoint. Children up to 12 don’t pay the fee, but they also need a booking on SIMplifica.
- Do you need to book just to go to the viewpoint?
- Yes. Visit Madeira points out that a booked time slot is compulsory even if you only go to the Miradouro dos Balcões.
- How long does it take?
- The IFCN and Visit Madeira give 1 hr 30; the distance is 1.5 km each way.
- Can you combine it with another tour?
- Yes: Ribeiro Frio is on the Pico do Areeiro road (ER103), so it pairs well with sunrise at the Pico do Areeiro viewpoint.
Sources and review date
The facts on this page were checked against the official sources below on 11 October 2026. Rules, opening times and roads change: always check the latest status of the route before you set off.
Shall we arrange it all? Just tell us the day.
We book your time slot and take you to Ribeiro Frio. It pairs well with sunrise at Pico do Areeiro, on the same road.
Ask for a proposal on WhatsApp
We’ll reply with a proposal and a fixed price, with no obligation.
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