PR 11
Ribeiro Frio - Balcões. Highlights: Balcões viewpoint, Ribeiro Frio, endemic birds.
Decision for today
Status and basic weather do not show an obvious blocker. Still check IFCN/SIMplifica before starting.
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Access and parking
Quick access check
A short trail with parking and tourist facilities in Ribeiro Frio.
Coordinates for navigation
32.73554, -16.88638Enter them into an offline map or the car's navigation before you set off: on mountain roads the signal can drop out for long stretches.
Look for connections to Ribeiro Frio; this is one of the logistically easier short trails.
Search in SIGA: Funchal, Ribeiro Frio.
simpler logistics. Start: Ribeiro Frio. End: Balcões.
By car
Ribeiro Frio. Set the start point in maps and check whether parking is available in the morning and afternoon.
Without a car
Search in SIGA: Funchal, Ribeiro Frio.
Return
The return is simpler because the trail is a loop or usually returns the same way.
Confirm departure times with SIGA on the day of your hike.
Trail map
Orientation point
Ribeiro Frio / Balcões · start
This is an orientation point, not a full GPS trail.
Parking / access
Ribeiro Frio
A short trail with parking and tourist facilities in Ribeiro Frio.
833-914 m
Indicative values: elevations read from a terrain model along the GPS track, not measured on the path. On rock ledges and near tunnels the model can show the slope above the trail.
EU-DEM 25 m · OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Hike plan
Ribeiro Frio
Start point1.5 km · about 30 min · Easy
Good to go. Status and basic weather do not show an obvious blocker. Still check IFCN/SIMplifica before starting.
PR 6.1 - Levada do Risco
Open alternativeOffline map / saved start
Signal in mountains and valleys can be unstable.
Water and snacks
Even shorter trails can take longer due to weather and stops.
Daylight
Estimated time: about 30 min. Latest reasonable start: 18:58 (45 min buffer before dark).
Data confidence
IFCN live
Last read: 15/09/2026, 14:22.
official
Shown as official or consistent with the source label.
start
This is an orientation point, not a full GPS trail.
guidance
Checked: 14/05/2026, 01:00. Confirm schedules in SIGA.
Open-Meteo
Updated: 15/09/2026, 14:22. Refresh about every 1h.
After the hike
4.9(2,104 reviews)Google Maps rating, checked on 25 July 2026
The highest-rated place in Ribeiro Frio, right by the start of both trails. Wood-fired meat and its own free car park. They close around 18:30, so on the Furado keep an eye on your finishing time.
4.2(831 reviews)Google Maps rating, checked on 25 July 2026
Right at the start of both trails, so you do not have to drive anywhere. The speciality is trout from the farm next door. They close at 18:00, so a late finish on the Furado can mean missing it.
We checked the ratings and hours once, on the date shown, and this kind of data ages fast: confirm before you drive out. We have no agreement with these places and earn nothing on these tips.
Trail FAQ
Open. Trail status and weather can change quickly. Before you go, check IFCN, SIMplifica, IPMA/ProCiv and local signage.
Roughly 30 min at a calm pace without longer breaks. Add time for photos and rest.
Entry costs €4.50 for visitors over 12. Pay online in SIMplifica and keep the confirmation for checks.
This trail requires booking or entry verification in SIMplifica before you start.
Ribeiro Frio. Look for connections to Ribeiro Frio; this is one of the logistically easier short trails.
possible with dog. Shorter, easier trail, potentially sensible with a dog after checking local rules.
Trail profile
General-purpose trail, but check status and weather before you go.
possible with dog
Shorter, easier trail, potentially sensible with a dog after checking local rules.