Hotels near Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo Trail

Topping every list of things to do in Madeira is the PR1 Vereda do Areeiro - the ridge walk between Madeira's third-highest peak (Pico do Arieiro, 1,818 m) and its highest (Pico Ruivo, 1,862 m). The full one-way route is 7 km, takes 3 to 4 hours, and crosses three lit tunnels, a series of stone steps cut into the cliff edge, and viewpoints where you walk above the cloud line at sunrise.

The trail is rated hard. There are exposed sections with steep drops, ladders, and over 1,000 m of cumulative climbing if you return on the same path. Most hikers arrange a one-way taxi or transfer from the Pico Ruivo end (via Achada do Teixeira) to skip the brutal return ascent.

Pro Tip: Be on the Pico do Arieiro summit car park by 5:30 am from May to September - the sea of clouds below the peak in the first 30 minutes after sunrise is what people fly in for. Bring a head torch for the tunnels and at least 2 litres of water.