Balcoes, Pico Ruivo and Pico do Areeiro - Photos Madeira

Levada walk to Balcoes (860m)

During a short walk of about 20 minits along the levada, you go through the laurel forest. You take a final turn to the right, and suddenly -completely unexpected- you reach a dazzling abyss and overwhelming beauty. You have reached "Balcoes". No words can describe the stunning view...
The pictures speak for themselves.

Walk through the laurel forest	Along the "levada" (irrigation canal)	View upon the Pico do Areeiro
View upon Faial and the sea
The deep valley	hundreds of meters deep	Finches feel at home here

Pictures taken from Pico Ruivo (1862m)

An impressing path leads from Pico Ruivo to Pico do Areeiro.
This walk should not be done if you're affraid of heights !
It is commom to the see a lot of clouds on photos of the Pico Ruivo. The reason for this is because humid air condenses upon the the laurel forest in the North of Madeira. The clouds are unable to pass the mountain tops which is at the same time the reason why South Madeira (with Funchal) has the more sunny climat.
A visit to the highest mountain of Madeira is always recommended because even on a cloudy day in North Madeira, there is still a big chance that the mountain tops enjoy a lot of sunshine.

The pathway to Pico do Areeiro

Pictures taken from the Pico do Areeiro (1818m)

The distinction between Noth and South Madeira becomes even more clear on these pictures.
The photos without clouds are views to the South, while the photos with clouds are views to the North.

		Walk towards Pico Ruivo
North Madeira under the skies		Spectacular viewpoint
Madeira walking

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