PR11 Levada dos Balcões — Attraction in Santana

Review for PR11 Levada dos Balcões – 5 Stars

If you’re looking for an unforgettable hike in Madeira, the PR11 Levada dos Balcões is an absolute must! This stunning trail offers breathtaking views, peaceful surroundings, and the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in Madeira’s natural beauty.

Starting from Ribeiro Frio, this 2.7 km round trip is an easy hike suitable for all levels, even beginners or families with children. The path follows the famous Levada da Serra do Faial, leading you through lush Laurisilva forests, which are a UNESCO World Heritage site. The trail is well-maintained and mostly flat, making it incredibly accessible.

As you walk through the vibrant greenery, you’ll be surrounded by the soothing sounds of the forest and occasional sightings of Madeira’s unique wildlife, like the Madeiran chaffinch. The highlight of the hike is the Balcões Viewpoint, a stunning platform that offers panoramic views of the island’s rugged peaks and valleys. You can see the majestic Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo, two of Madeira’s highest mountains, along with the beautiful ravines that cut through the landscape. On clear days, the view is absolutely spectacular, making it one of the most popular viewpoints on the island.

The PR11 Levada dos Balcões is a relatively short hike, taking around 1 to 1.5 hours to complete, which means it’s perfect for anyone who wants to experience the island’s beauty without committing to a full-day trek. The trail’s accessibility and the magnificent scenery make it a must-do activity in Madeira.

I highly recommend this hike to anyone visiting the island. It’s not only beautiful but also a peaceful escape into nature. Whether you’re an avid hiker or just looking for a stunning viewpoint, the PR11 Levada dos Balcões will...

One of the most popular hiking trails of Madeira due to its low difficulty, easy access and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Because of all of that, expect a lot of people coming here. That will cause some parking chaos in the town of Ribeiro Frio, so unless you're coming here very early in the morning or late in the evening, I would strongly recommend to park about 800m down south of the town at the extra dedicated parking spots and then walk back to the start the trail. You also lower the risk someone will damage your car.

The trail itself is short and will take most of the people around ~20-30 minutes. Most of the altitude profile is flat and you do not need to be very fit to make it. I would also argue it's suitable for strollers and more adventurous wheelchairs.

At the beginning of PR11, there is a local café and souvenirs, which I really recommend, because they make delicious coffee and Madeiran cakes.

The end of the track features "the balcony" - a viewing platform overlooking the valley right under the highest Madeiran mountains (Pico de Areeiro).

Overall a nice and short relaxing hike with beautiful viewing point, which is unfortunately spoiled by the massive overtourism and foreigners breaking even the basic rules for nice photos and boosting their social klout (do NOT feed the endemic birds!). I hope Madeirans will become stricter in enforcing the nature...

Our visit to Levada dos Balcões left me enchanted with its serene charm. The trail, short and pleasant, weaved through a flat forest, offering a gentle trek. Though it could get a bit wet and muddy, being prepared enhanced the experience.

The end of the levada unveiled a breathtaking terrace, treating me to beautiful views that made the journey worthwhile. Opting for a late start, after 6 p.m., proved to be a stroke of brilliance, as the trail was blissfully uncrowded, allowing me to appreciate the surroundings in peaceful solitude.

The walk, as described by others, was indeed accessible to all, even those with mobility limitations. The natural beauty of the landscape, with its trees, rocks, and captivating views, made the journey a visual feast. The advice to embark early in the morning was validated, as it ensured the avoidance of crowds and the potential disturbance of noisy gatherings.

While the levada itself was adorned with leaves, the absence of flowing water did little to diminish the overall allure. A delightful surprise awaited halfway through the trek, a charming bar offering the refreshing Brise marakuja, adding a pleasant pause to the adventure.

In conclusion, Levada dos Balcões proved to be a hidden gem best enjoyed in the quietude of early mornings or late evenings, providing a serene escape into the...