Ribeiro Frio, Machico, Madeira Island

Not far from Santo da Serra, on the northern slopes of the island, you will find a very popular starting point for 'levada' walks. Ribeiro Frio (cold river) still has much of the original vegetation today. The island was once totally covered with 'Laurissilva' forest, a relic from prehistoric times.

Ribeiro Frio’s governmental trout farm is always worth a visit. You can view the hatchery and round off your visit to the local restaurant with a freshly cooked trout or a chouriço sausage grilled on a clay pig on your table! ... If you still have an appetite! But keep in mind that the forest park and the trout farm belong to Porto da Cruz parish (Machico municipality), while these local restaurants are part of São Roque do Faial, in the municipality of Santana.

One thing you must do is walk to the end of Vereda dos Balcões until you reach the Balcões Viewpoint. Once there, take a deep breath and enjoy the view over Ribeira da Metade valley, in perfect the communion with the imposing nature.