Pico Do Arieiro To Pico Ruivo Hike - PR1 On Madeira

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By far the most iconic hiking trail on Madeira is the hike that goes from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo. Also known as the PR1 or Vereda do Arieiro.

The hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo is one of the most spectacular and popular trails in Madeira. It connects the third highest peak, Pico do Arieiro, at 1,818 meters (5,965 feet), with the highest peak, Pico Ruivo, at 1,862 meters (6,106 feet).

So far I’ve completed this hike two times. The first time together with my mom where we started our hike before sunrise from Pico do Arieiro. The second time was together with Christof. That time we had to do it a bit differently cause it had actually snowed on Madeira and the road leading to Pico do Arieiro was closed off. So that time we actually started at Pico Ruivo.

In this guide I will tell you everything you need to know about completing the PR1 Vereda do Arieiro.

Pico Do Arieiro To Pico Ruivo Hike - PR1 On Madeira

PR1 Vereda do Arieiro Hiking Stats
How to reach Pico do Arieiro
Extra Tips for hiking the PR1 Vereda do Arieiro
Pico Do Arieiro To Pico Ruivo Hike – A step by step guide
The best time to hike the PR1 on Madeira
Where to stay on Madeira

PR1 Vereda do Arieiro Hiking Stats

❗️The PR1 is currently only partially open (up until the first 1.2km) due to the forest fires in 2024. There is no official confirmation on when the full trail to Pico Ruivo will reopen. A fee of €3 is required for visitors aged 12+ to access the open section, and parking costs €4 per hour.

Distance – 15.6km (8.6 miles)

Duration – 6 to 8 hours in total depending on your fitness level and how many times you stop to take photos.

Inclination – 1000 meters

Route Type – Out & Back

Starting point – Pico do Arieiro. The restaurant and shop opens at 9am and closes at 6pm.

End point – Pico do Arieiro

Difficulty Level – Hard

Advised starting time – 30 minutes before sunrise

What to bring with you – Sunscreen, water, camera, protein bar and a headlamp for the tunnels. I did the hike without trekking poles but can imagine they would really come in handy here.

What to wear – Make sure to wear enough layers. In the morning it can be very cold and windy but once the sun rises you’ll be happy to continue the hike in a t-shirt. This hike requires good hiking shoes.

Distance from Funchal – 45 minutes driving

How to reach Pico do Arieiro

Reaching Pico do Arieiro, one of Madeira’s highest peaks, is relatively straightforward. Here are the details on how to access this stunning location, which is a popular starting point for one of the island’s most celebrated hikes.

By Car

Driving is the most practical and easiest way to get to Pico do Arieiro:

Route from Funchal – Pico do Arieiro is approximately 45 minutes to an hour’s drive from Funchal. You should take the VR1 towards Machico, then switch to the VE4. Follow the signs for Poiso and then turn onto the ER103 and ER202, which will lead you directly to Pico do Arieiro. The roads are well-maintained but winding and can be steep in parts, so drive carefully.
Parking – There is a large parking area at Pico do Arieiro, which is free of charge. It’s located just a short walk from the viewpoint and the start of the hiking trails.

🚗 You can grab your rental car from SunnyCars for the best experience. The biggest tip I can give you is to choose an automatic cause the roads on Madeira can be very steep!

By Taxi or Ride-Sharing Services

Taxi or Ride-Sharing – If you do not wish to drive, taxis or ride-sharing services such as Uber are available in Madeira and can take you directly to Pico do Arieiro. While this option is more expensive than driving yourself, it removes the stress of navigating mountain roads.

By Guided Tour

Guided Tours – Many tour companies in Madeira offer trips to Pico do Arieiro, often as part of a larger tour that includes hiking to Pico Ruivo and other activities. This is an excellent option if you prefer not to worry about transportation and would like the insight of a knowledgeable guide.

Public Transport

Bus: There is no direct public bus service to Pico do Arieiro. The closest you can get by bus is Poiso, after which you would need to hike or arrange for a taxi.

Extra Tips for hiking the PR1 Vereda do Arieiro

Check the Weather Beforehand – The weather at high altitudes can change rapidly. Check the forecast to avoid fog, rain, or high winds, which can complicate hiking. Aim for a clear day to ensure the best visibility and safest conditions. There are a lot of webcams spread out over the entire island. It’s always a good idea to check these before you leave on your next hiking adventure.

Start Early – Begin your hike early in the morning to take advantage of cooler temperatures and less crowded trails. This also gives you plenty of time to complete the hike and return before it gets dark, especially important as this trail can take longer than expected due to its challenging nature.

Carry a Flashlight – The trail includes tunnels that are pitch black inside. A flashlight or headlamp is crucial to navigate these sections safely.

Bring Adequate Food and Water – There are no facilities to purchase food or water along the trail, so bring enough snacks and water for about 5-7 hours of strenuous hiking. Staying hydrated is crucial, especially when exerting at high altitudes. Once you reach Pico Ruivo there is a mountain hut where you can purchase some drinks.

Pico Do Arieiro To Pico Ruivo Hike – A step by step guide

The hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo is one of Madeira’s most renowned and thrilling trails, taking hikers across stunning mountainous landscapes from one high peak to another. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate and enjoy this challenging yet incredibly rewarding hike.

The hike begins at Pico do Arieiro, the third highest peak in Madeira, which is accessible by car. There is a large parking area and facilities including a café and restrooms. There are no other facilities along the trail until you reach Pico Ruivo. So if you have to use the restroom its best to do it here.

💡 TIP – Even during sunrise it can get pretty crowded at Pico do Arieiro. But a lot of people simply come here to watch the sunrise. If you simply venture a little along the trail you’ll soon find yourself only surrounded by clouds and the fresh morning air.

From Pico do Arieiro, follow the signs towards Pico Ruivo. The trail is well-marked but rugged, involving steep climbs and descents. The path reaches the highest points along Madeira’s central ridge, offering breathtaking views.

The first viewpoint that you’ll come across is the Ninho da Manta. This lookout offers stunning vistas over the deep valleys and sharp ridges that characterize the central region of Madeira. It’s particularly dramatic on misty days when clouds fill the valleys below.

You will encounter several tunnels (five in total), some are short, but others are long and completely dark, necessitating the use of a flashlight. The trail also includes very steep sections, both uphill and downhill, which can be challenging.

When hiking towards Pico Ruivo the trail goes downwards for the most part. The last part of the trail involves a steep ascent to Pico Ruivo, Madeira’s highest peak. There is a shelter here and another café where you can rest and refuel.

At the trail’s climax, Pico Ruivo, the highest peak in Madeira, provides the most elevated viewpoint on the island. From the summit, enjoy 360-degree views that stretch across the entire island and the vast Atlantic Ocean. On very clear days, the view extends to encompass all the major peaks of Madeira.

💡 TIP – You can return the same way to Pico do Arieiro, which is challenging but allows you to experience the stunning views again. Alternatively, if you arranged for transportation, you can descend to Achada do Teixeira, which is a shorter and less strenuous path down from Pico Ruivo.

Book a transfer that will take you from Funchal to the start of the hike at Pico do Arieiro and that comes pick you up at Achada do Teixeira.

I found the trail from Pico Ruivo back up to Pico Arieiro definitely the most strenuous part of the hike. Especially the final ascent was brutal on my legs!

Once you’ve made it back to Pico do Arieiro, make sure not to miss Miradouro do Juncal. This viewing platform offers another incredible view and is one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Madeira.

The best time to hike the PR1 on Madeira

Best Seasons to Hike PR1

Spring (March to May) – Spring is one of the best times to hike the PR1. The weather is typically mild, and the island’s flora is in full bloom, adding vibrant colors to the dramatic mountain landscapes. The temperatures are comfortable for hiking, and the clearer skies provide excellent views from the peaks.
Autumn (September to November) – Like spring, autumn offers cooler temperatures and stable weather, making it ideal for hiking. The island is less crowded after the summer tourist peak, allowing for a more tranquil hiking experience. Additionally, the visibility is usually good, and the landscape begins to show beautiful autumnal colors.

Times to Avoid

Summer (June to August) – While summer in Madeira has beautiful weather, the temperatures can be quite high, especially at lower altitudes. If you do choose to hike during summer, start early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and the stronger sun, as much of the trail is exposed without much shade.
Winter (December to February) – Winter brings more unpredictable weather, including rain, fog, and occasionally high winds, which can obscure views and make the paths slippery and more dangerous. However, for experienced hikers equipped for variable conditions, the winter landscape offers a unique beauty, with fewer tourists and more dramatic cloud formations.

Where to stay on Madeira

I chose Funchal as a base the first time because of its proximity to the airport. I had a wonderful stay at Sé Boutique Hotel and you can read my full hotel review here. There is a parking lot located only 5 minutes walking from the hotel (parking is €7/day if you validate your card at the hotel reception).

Now for our second trip to Madeira I wanted to stay on the other side of the island so we stayed close to Santana at Quinta das Hortênsias.

Charlotte

Hi! We’re Charlotte, Christof & César!

Armed with our cameras & drone we’re always on the lookout for the next adventure!
We’ve been traveling together since 2020 and the best adventures are yet to come!
Read our full story here

Hi, I'm Charlotte

Pico Do Arieiro To Pico Ruivo Hike – PR1 On Madeira

PR1 Vereda do Arieiro Hiking Stats