Mirador des Balcoes

The Mirador des Balcoes, also known as Balcões Viewpoint, is a scenic viewpoint located in the parish of São Roque do Faial, in the municipality of Santana, on the island of Madeira, Portugal. It offers wide views over the Ribeira da Metade valley, dominated by the green tones of the Laurissilva forest. On clear days, it is possible to see the Central Mountain Massif, including Pico do Areeiro, Pico das Torres, and Pico Ruivo, as well as the Penha d'Águia rock formation. The viewpoint can be reached by taking a short 1.5 km trail, Vereda dos Balcões, which starts at Ribeiro Frio and follows the levada of Serra do Faial through the dense Laurissilva Forest. The trail offers the opportunity to see endemic tree species, such as the laurel tree, Madeira laurel, and Lily-of-the-Valley tree, as well as exotic deciduous tree species like oak and maple. The viewpoint is also a good spot for birdwatching, with the possibility of seeing the endemic finch. The surrounding area is part of the Natural Park of Madeira, and the viewpoint is situated near other scenic spots, such as the Ribeiro Frio viewpoint and the Cruzinhas viewpoint