PR 11 - Vereda dos Balcões

This short 1.5 km easy trail beginning at regional road ER 103 in Ribeiro Frio takes just 1.5 hours to reach the spectacular Balcões Viewpoint. The route follows Levada da Serra do Faial through indigenous and endemic vegetation, showcasing the Laurissilva forest's diverse green palette. From the viewpoint, hikers enjoy magnificent scenery of valleys covered by dense Laurissilva, clear views of Pico do Areeiro, Pico das Torres, and Pico Ruivo on clear days, and sight of the Fajã da Nogueira Hydroelectric Power Plant. On the return, visitors can explore Ribeiro Frio Forest Park's Aquaculture Centre, which includes a rainbow trout nursery, making this a perfect half-day nature and culture combination.