Ribeiro Frio

A forest village at 860 m: trout farm, tree ferns and two great trailheads.

Mossy laurel forest and stream at Ribeiro Frio
Photo: Dietmar Rabich · CC BY-SA 4.0

Halfway between Funchal and Faial on the ER103, Ribeiro Frio is a handful of buildings in deep laurel forest. It is the start of both the Balcões walk and the long downhill levada to Portela.

In the village

A government trout hatchery sits beside the stream, with a small free botanical garden of endemic plants around it. Two restaurants serve trout and espetada to walkers.

It is noticeably cooler and wetter here than on the coast — bring a layer even in summer.

The Portela walk

The Levada do Furado (PR10) runs 11 km from here to Portela, gently downhill through forest with some narrow, exposed sections. Arrange a taxi back, or agree a pick-up before you set off.

Local tips

  • Eat the trout. It is farmed twenty metres from the kitchen.

Guided trips here

Bookable tours that include or focus on this spot.

  • Levada footpath winding through misty Madeiran laurel forest
    4.5 hours Rabaçal

    Rabaçal & 25 Fontes Levada Walk

    The Rabaçal valley to the 25 Fontes waterfall amphitheatre and the Risco levada — Madeira's most-loved walk, with transfers and a guide.

  • Madeira Porto da Cruz to Machico Self Hiking Tour with Transfer in Madeira
    5 hours Machico 5.0(15)

    Madeira Porto da Cruz to Machico Self Hiking Tour with Transfer

    Embark on a self-guided hike from Porto da Cruz to Machico. Enjoy a scenic hike through the northeast coast of Madeira and admire the different vegetation and dramatic scenery changes.

  • West Tour-Fanal Forest & Porto Moniz Natural Pools Small Groups in Madeira
    7 hours Porto Moniz 4.9(372)

    West Tour-Fanal Forest & Porto Moniz Natural Pools Small Groups

    Visit some of the most spectacular views Madeira has to offer, this is one of the most complete tours you can do. From the Southern coast, through the centre plateau arriving to the northern coast. This tour stops in.

  • Madeira West Porto Moniz pools - Enchanted Terraces Fanal Unesco in Madeira
    8 hours Porto Moniz 4.8(744)

    Madeira West Porto Moniz pools - Enchanted Terraces Fanal Unesco

    Join us for an unforgettable adventure as we showcase the breathtaking beauty of Madeira's northwest coast.

  • Shore Excursion Porto Moniz - Enchanted Terraces 4x4 tour in Madeira
    8 hours Porto Moniz 4.8(13)

    Shore Excursion Porto Moniz - Enchanted Terraces 4x4 tour

    This is a shore excursion with pick up / drop off at the cruise terminal (pick up at the harbour €5.00 extra or free pick up at CR7 statue / museum) Enjoy a beautiful and pleasant tour alongside Madeira’s North West Coast, deep in…

  • Volcanic natural swimming pools at Porto Moniz filled with turquoise seawater
    7.5 hours North West

    Porto Moniz & Fanal Forest Day Trip

    Seixal's black sand, the Véu da Noiva waterfall, the Porto Moniz volcanic pools and Fanal forest — the full west coast in an open-roof 4x4.

Stay nearby

Where to base yourself for this part of the island.

Nearby

Within a short drive, so they combine into one day.

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