All Hikes
forestout and back
Vereda dos Balcões
Northeast (Santana & Highlands)3 km
Distance
30m
Elevation gain
0.75-1.5h
Duration
30m
Elevation loss
CardioEasy · 1/5
TechnicalEasy · 1/5
ExposureEasy · 1/5
Easiest trail in Madeira; flat, wide, family-friendly path to fenced mountain viewpoint. Stroller-accessible with minimal exposure.
Navigation
Download
Trail Map
Elevation profile
GPX Track
Traced from OpenStreetMap. Works with Garmin, Komoot, AllTrails. Check it against signage on the trail.
Trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) · Elevation: Open-Meteo (Copernicus DEM)
Preparation
Know Before You Go
Hazards & Considerations
Minimal hazards; occasional wet spots
lowViewpoint height perception (fenced)
lowAccess Points
Parking
Ribeiro Frio roadside parking
Photography
Photography on This Trail
What to Shoot
Valley PanoramaMountain PeaksFamily Friendly
Best Months
AprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctober
Kit Notes
Standard 24–70 mm. Flat 1.5 km path — the destination is the fenced viewpoint. Telephoto (70–200 mm) for compressed peak shots of Pico Ruivo and Arieiro from the platform. Crowded by 11 AM.