Hiking the Pico do Areeiro to Pico do Ruivo Trail on Madeira Island
When you look up photos of Madeira, Portugal, it is often the scenery from the Pico do Areeiro hike that fills your screens. Don’t get me wrong, all of Madeira is breathtaking and worthy of attention, but this hike is one for the books.
Pico do Areeiro is beautiful and worth the trek, whether you are a hiker or not. With that said, it is challenging. So, in this post, I will go through everything you need to know about the trail beforehand, how to prepare, and what to expect when hiking the Pico do Areeiro trail to Pico Ruivo on Madeira Island.
What is the Pico do Areeiro to Ruivo Trek in Madeira?
Pico do Areeiro is the third-highest peak on Madeira Island, standing at 1,818 meters or 5,965 feet. This trail leads you through rugged terrain to the highest peak on the island, Pico Ruivo.
The Pico do Areeiro to Pico do Ruivo trek is one of the most famous and popular hikes in Portugal. This is a hiking trail that brings you up, over and through the mountains. You walk along cliffs and trek over the clouds for a series of just unbelievable views of the water and the surrounding land.
There are countless amazing Madeira sunrise spots around the island. Pico do Areeiro is one of them, but the island offers so many amazing lookouts with different terrain and fewer people if you prefer a quieter show.
How to Get to the Trek
There are multiple opinions you can consider to get to the start of the Pico do Areeiro trek:
- The first (and easiest) is renting a vehicle in Funchal. This gives you to option to up to the peak when you wish, and take your time hiking through the trail.
- You can take a tour to the hiking peak. There are multiple tours available for visitors to choose from. There are sunrise tours, ones that drop you off and pick you up on the other side, and the option to have guides that hike with you!
The Drive to the Pico do Areeiro Trek
If you choose to rent a vehicle and venture your own way up the mountain, here is what you can expect from the drive. The journey from the coastal towns to Pico do Areeiro is as beautiful as the view once you get to the start of the hike. While driving up, you are climbing the mountain through switchback roads that bring you through small villages, clouds, and sheep territory! You get endless views of Funchal and the water beyond.
Where to Park Your Car
If you’re arriving by car, ample parking is available near the Pico do Areeiro trailhead. Be sure to arrive early, because spaces can fill up quickly, especially during peak hiking seasons. Pico do Areeiro is a very famous spot to watch the sunrise – rightfully so, it is beautiful! But, this does mean that the limited parking spots fill up quickly, so do go early and bring lots of blankets.
Alternatively, public transportation options are available for those looking to minimize their environmental impact or simply prefer the convenience of bus travel!
Pico do Areeiro Hiking Tours
This peak-to-peak hiking route is very popular in Madeira for the good views. There are also many guided hikes from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo for those who prefer the extra support, prep, and ease of mind.
GetYourGuide offers a variety of hiking tours in Madeira. It’s worth checking out for potential tours or inspiration on what to do on the island!
You can book a tour that will drive you up the mountain for sunrise, or drop you off to hike the trek, and pick you up on the other side. This is the easiest option if you don’t have a car to rent or use.
There are also tours available for those interested in hiking with a group. Some arrange transportation and food. Some even pick you up at Pico Roivo, so you don’t need to hike back.
How Long is the Pico Areeiro Hike?
Pico Ruivo trail difficulty and duration are both at a higher level of difficulty. The trek itself from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo is about 7km (one way). So if you drive to this hike, you will probably be trekking there and back, which is about 14km in total.
The trails are well marked and easy to see, but all of it is through, over, and around the mountain range! This makes for some very rocky trails and many, many stairs.
I would also highly recommend going early, packing breakfast and lunch (with many snacks) to watch the sunrise. Madeira has some of the most amazing sunrises I have ever seen, looking out over the mountains and into the ocean!
How Long Does the Pico do Areeiro Hike Take
The Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo Trail is approximately 14 kilometers (around 8 miles) in length, with an estimated hiking time of 4 to 5 hours, depending on your pace and the weather conditions. Factor in extra time for breaks to soak in the stunning panoramas and capture those Instagram-worthy moments along the way.
How to Prepare for Pico do Areeiro Hike
Much like any hike, it’s essential to come prepared. But how? What if you aren’t a big hiker? What do you need for the hike? How difficult is it? What do you wear? Don’t worry, I got you.
No matter the time of year you tour Madeira and how hot it is near the water, it will ALWAYS be cold early in the morning on top of the highest mountain on the island. Don’t make my mistake. Be prepared.
What to Wear on the Pico do Areeiro Hike
Dressing in layers is key; the temperatures can vary significantly throughout the hike, especially as you ascend to higher elevations. This trek does, however, bombard you with stairs and steep inclines, so wear active and breathable clothing that can minimize your collection of body stinkage.
- Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support
- Lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for layering
- A waterproof jacket or poncho in case of inclement weather
I put together a small checklist of items to bring on your hike to be better prepared for the day:
What to Bring With You to Hike Pico do Areeiro
- Sunscreen and sunglasses to protect against UV exposure
- Lots of water and high-energy snacks to keep you fueled
- Lunch break foods – Sandwiches or wraps
- A fully charged phone or camera to capture the awe-inspiring views
- A trail map or GPS device to ensure you stay on course
What to Expect on the Pico do Arierio Hike
The Beautiful Views
No matter what I write here, there is no way to full be prepared for the jaw-dropping sights on this trek. The ever-changing landscapes of Pico Ruivo and Pico do Areeiro Trail change from lush green valleys to rocky outcrops and cloud-kissed peaks, each twist and turn somehow gets better. The quiet on top of these mountains offers unparalleled peace and all I can really say is, it made me smile.
The Rocky Terrain
Be prepared for challenging terrain and steep inclines. There are a lot of stairs waiting for you on this hike, so remember to take breaks! Additionally, there are numerous tunnels through the mountain peaks that are wet and dark (they’re so cool). No matter the time of day, a flashlight is necessary.
Some of the trail is overlayed with stones, some gravel, and a lot of stairs, and most of it is alongside a cliff. I do heed that warning: If you are scared of heights, this will be very difficult for you.
Along the way, you’ll encounter rugged rock formations, vibrant flora, and perhaps even a glimpse of native wildlife.
I would consider the Pico do Areeiro hike a bucket list item and a Must-do when on Madeira. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a novice adventurer, the Pico do Ruivo to Pico Areeiro Trail offers an unforgettable experience that will leave you craving more of Madeira’s natural wonders. It is not an easy trek but it is worth every step.
Best of luck with your hiking! I hope this blog was of some help, and that you get some amazing photos on your trek!
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