7.5 hours Pico do Arieiro
Pico do Arieiro Sunrise Hike
Pre-dawn pickup for the ridge walk from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, above a sea of cloud. Demanding, unforgettable, with transport arranged both ways.
from €50
Check availabilityPico Ruivo
The island's highest point at 1,862 m, and only reachable on foot.
Every route to Pico Ruivo is a walk. The gentlest starts at Achada do Teixeira and takes about 45 minutes each way on a paved path; the famous one comes along the ridge from Pico do Arieiro and takes most of a morning.
The two ways up
From Achada do Teixeira (PR1.2) it is roughly 2.8 km each way with a steady, mostly paved climb and a mountain shelter near the top serving drinks and soup. This is the version that works for reasonably fit families.
From Pico do Arieiro (PR1) it is around 7 km one way with several hundred metres of ascent and descent, tunnels, ladders and long exposed sections. Allow 3–4 hours one way and plan how you are getting back to your car.
At the top
The summit is a small stone platform with a 360-degree view: the north coast at Santana, the central massif, and on clear winter days the outline of Porto Santo. Above the inversion the light is extraordinary; inside it there is nothing to see at all.
Local tips
- — Head torch if you are starting before dawn — the tunnels on the PR1 are unlit.
- — The shelter below the summit is a good bail-out point in weather.
- — Book a guided walk if you want the Arieiro-to-Ruivo route without arranging two cars.
Guided trips here
Bookable tours that include or focus on this spot.
8 hours Pico Ruivo 5.0(146)Sunrise Guided Hike PR1 Pico do Areeiro Pico Ruivo small group
On this amazing sunrise tour, it is a small group guided walk, Maximum 8 travellers, an amazing experience to see the day starting on the more amazing sunrise spots, often above the clouds.
from €100
Check availability
6.5 hours Pico Ruivo 4.8(103)PR1 - Pico Arieiro - Pico Ruivo - Achadas do Teixeira
The fantastic walk to the hifghest peak you will definitely not want to miss before going back home. On a clear day, or when walking above the clouds, you can take in all the superb views of the highest mountain.
from €45
Check availability
6 hours Pico do Arieiro 5.0(27)Transfer to Picos da Madeira - Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo
Now it is possible to make the whole track, and the experience is truly impressive. The walk between Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo offers stunning views, including the famous Stairway to Heaven.
from €50
Check availability
6 hours Pico Ruivo 5.0(20)Private Sunset Pico Ruivo
Being able to see the sunrise with your friends and family will make your day spectacular.
from €75
Check availability
8 hours Pico do Arieiro 4.8(328)PR1 Sunrise Pico do Arieiro Self-Guided Hiking Transfer
Self Guided Hiking - Experience the most amazing natural scenery as you walk from mountain to mountain on a hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo. Walk at your own pace with total freedom as you enjoy the fantastic views.
from €47
Check availability
Stay nearby
Where to base yourself for this part of the island.
Avenida do Infante, Funchal
Palace Vista · Luxury 2BR opposite Savoy Palace
Three private balconies, steps from the seafront
4 guests 2 bedrooms
€275 / night
View stay
Santa Luzia, Funchal
Funchal modern 3 bedroom bay view apartment
Large balcony with a full Funchal bay view
6 guests 3 bedrooms
€125 / night
View stayNearby
Within a short drive, so they combine into one day.
Read next
Nature
Best Levada Walks in Madeira
Eight levadas from twenty minutes to a full day, with honest difficulty ratings.
9 min read
Itineraries
7 Days in Madeira
A full week, split between a south-coast base and a few nights in the north.
10 min read