Description
PR11
Distance: 1,5km
Time: 1h30m
Maximum altitude: 630m
Minimum altitude: 630m
Start: E.R.103 (Ribeiro Frio)
End: E.R.103 (Ribeiro Frio)

This trail begins at Regional Highway E.R.103 at Ribeiro Frio and follows the levada of Serra do Faial, providing access to the Balcoes belvedere, which offers beautiful panoramas of the deep valley of Ribeira da Metade and the parish of Faial. When you arrive at the Balcoes belvedere, you will come upon a splendid scene completely occupied by the verdant valleys that characterise the Laurisilva forest, which is integrated in the Natura 2000 Network.The Hydroelectric Plant of Faja da Nogueira is completely visible from this location, and is evidenceof the value this forest has for the island of Madeira. The plant produces electricity with water from reservoirs and supplies the entire municipality of Santana. On days when the visibility is good, you will be able to see the Central Mountain Chain of the island, and the majestic geological display of the Penha d'Aguia rock formation.
Upon arriving at Ribeiro Frio once again, take advantage of the opportunity to look for the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum) nursery of the Ribeiro Frio Fish Hatchery, the main purpose of which is the production of trout to replenish the water courses of Madeira Island. (from a sign at the start of the trail.)

This hike is short walk 25 in John and Pat Underwood's book "Landscapes of Madeira".