PR1 Vereda do Areeiro

PR1 hike is number one for good reason. Top 1 things to do when on the island. Always check the path status before going and check weather to verify if the view is not too cloudy

This trail is really a MUST see when you visit Madeira, views are spectacular and breathtaking, same as the route itself on some of the up the hill parts. It took us approximately 6h to go to Pico Ruivo and back but it's really worth it, especially during the sun set.

Was a really amazing hike. Took around 4 and half hours to go to the peak and back. The route is really busy to start off with but people tend to give up the further you go along so it does get quieter. The views are out of this world and the rewarding feeling at the end is amazing. There is a cafe next to the peak with coffee, snacks and beer but would recommend you bring your own food, water and snacks for this hike as it does have just shy of 3000m climb and descent and roughly 14k distance so you will need to refuel during it. Well worth the effort but do expect crowds during the first hour or so of the hike.

One of the best hikes I ever did, BUT be aware: there are MANY steps. All what you go down you have to go up again on your way back. This is not a round trip. Good shoes and hiking poles helping you a lot as well. Try to be early (maybe before the sunrise to prevent too many people - also at that time are many people, especially June - November). Only the trail through the tunnels is open.

Beautiful hike from the third highest to the highest peak on Madeira. The hike is one way, so 6 km peak to peak and 1 km in hight vertical meters. So it is a fairly vigirous hike, considering that you have to take the same route back unless you arranged to be piked up on the other side (we saw no parking space but there is one, probably a little down the hill). We did the whole 12 km and it took a little over 5 hours. You can turn back but we recommend not waiting until you are completely exhausted, as the ends are the steepest parts, since they lead up to the peaks.

Note: we went on the 24th of december, and it was nice during sunrise, not too crowded.

Not really difficult if you take your time. The hike is safely protected by guardrails along the way. Nice views but we didn't see anything at the end because of the fog/clouds, a bit disapointing...

This is probably the hardest hike to be done by tourists. Being a local, I have done it 3 times (which I think is enough), going at a regular pace with some stops for photos takes me around 3h30m to go and 3h to come back. I've seen many tourists that are literally running to make the most of the day, for those, surely it will take around 4h30 more or less for the whole hike. The path is secured, don't be tempted to go outside the lines to take that perfect picture, your life is at risk!
The stairs from hell as we call them, are very difficult to go up but when you're up there, the mission accomplished feeling will kick in.
Take good shoes, lots of water and food, adequate clothing and a powerbank!
At Pico Ruivo rest for at least 30minutes before coming back. There's a small snack bar that usually will have nothing else apart from coffee or beer, the stock is little as they have to carry it up by foot.
The most important tip: check the webcams. If it's foggy, don't even think going!

This walk is definitely a challenging hike but completing it felt like such an accomplishment. We started our walk at 06:30am to get to the top for sunrise, so there was plenty of parking and no crowds on our way up. I would definitely recommend a torch for the darkness!
There are a lot more steps than what we realised, but amazing view throughout make it worth it. At the top of Pico Ruivo, the view are absolutely breath taking! On our way back there were many groups heading up which made the walk back a lot slower.
Highly recommend to leave early to avoid the crowds!

it’s quite challenging. your legs will be in pain the next day. don’t attempt this unless you want to witness a true miracle, see unbelievable pictures, and experience something so beautiful that no images could ever describe!

The most beautiful and challenging hike I have ever did in my life. Stunning, the pictures don't do justice to the beauty of this place. We were lucky that in the middle of August got the clouds below us. At sunrise was like you were in heaven.
Go early, an hour before the sunrise (we were there at 6:30), have plenty of water, a wind jacket, sun protection and be prepared for lots of stairs 😀 It's an out and back hike about 12-13 km in total, perfectly maintained and safe but challenging because of the numerous climbs and descents.

Went for a trip from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo and back in about 7 hours in total. So many stairs, but the views are definitely worth it. If you want to park directly under the Pico do Areeiro, you have to arrive at least an hour before sunrise. If you come later, you can still park on the side of the road or at the bigger parking down the road ~ 20 minutes walk to the top of the mountain from there. I did not wait for the sunrise at the top with many other people, but started the hike even in the dark. Had lovely views of the sunrise during the hike anyway.

Spent 8 hours going from Areeiro - Ruivo - Areeiro. This can be done in 4-6h, but I took 200 pictures and 60 videos + had a long lunch break at Pico Ruivo.

What about the sunrise?
We first watched surise at Pico Arieero (but you should navigate to Miradouro Do Juncal instead), and started the hike around 8:30 AM.
If you want to see the surise, get there early (the parking spots are limited at Pico Arieeiro - altho there are more 800 meters downhill) and remember that first light already appears already half an hour earlier.
We left Funchal 7:07 and arrived there 7:40, which felt 15min too late (sunrise was 7:59).
If you can wake up earlier, start hiking 7:30 to the first Miradouro (Minha) and view the sunrise from there.

How challenging it is?
Apple health says 27k+ steps & 280 flights of stairs. This felt hard, but we are not experienced hikers & did this as our first hike on Madeira.
If you are more experienced or have already done some PRs, it probably feels moderate instead of hard.
As others have said, its not probably the most comfy hike if you have problems with your knees, though you can make it easier on yourself by bringing along walking sticks.

Should you do it?
100%. I would totally regret if I didnt do it. If the complete out n back route feels too intimidating or physically challenging, you can do Texeira-Ruivo (~4.6 km) & Arieeiro-Miradouro Minha (~2km) instead on two separate days and get 80% of the views of the whole route.

Really awesome hike from Pico Areeiro to Pico Ruivo and back. You get to see a lot of awesome views and expierence the different sides of Madeira. By going through the tunnels you feel and expierence the different weather on the other side of the mountain ridge. It’s not very hard as the whole track is paved but some parts are quite steep.

We were unlucky as both peaks where covered in clouds the whole day but inbetween the route it was really good.

Downside: quite busy, a lot of people going the other way want to go by ofcourse and 1 of the routes is closed so the walk back is the same route. As we started to walk at 0730 is was not yet very busy so I recommend to start just after sunrise.

Parking is free but very busy during sunrise. Be sure to arrive 30 minutes before civilian twilight to get a parking spot as close as possible to the start of the hike.

Please bring a small trash bag for your wet wipes or banana peels as some parts of the track are covered with thrash :(

WOW! My expectations were high and did not dissapoint. Truly one of the greatest hikes i did in my life. Parking is free and when arriving early there is plenty of room. Went to see sunrise at Ninha de Manta and view was stunning. If you continue, you will also see the stairway to heaven in the sunset. Hike to Pico Ruivo is challenging but rewarding. Bring snacks, and enjoy the views!

The views you see during this hiking are beautiful, especially the sunrise from Pico do Areeiro.
As for the hike itself, you have 2 options: out and back, so going to Pico Ruivo and coming back exactly the same way, or point to point, to take the shorter trip back which is way shorter, but you need to be picked up by a different car because it's a different location.
We did the out and back variant, but there were a lot of people during the hike, we did it in 3 hours. On the way back, there was almost nobody, and we completed it in a little more than 2 hours.
As an advice, go get some proper hike boots if you don't have already, or at least some type of trail boots.

There is a big parking lot and a cafe and a souvenir shop at the start of the trail. The trail took us 3.5 hours with us being moderately fit. We went early in the morning to see the sunrise and there were A LOT of people but still it didn’t feel crowded. It felt safe as a trail although there were many points where you were hiking next to the cliff!

Heavy but beautiful, don't underestimate this trail if you want to do it completely and start in the dark (I started 6AM)

I had an absolutely incredible time on this hike! The views, passways, tunnels, and cliffs were all simply breathtaking. I'd like to share some practical advice for fellow visitors:
1. Early Start: I highly recommend starting as early as possible to avoid crowds on the track. The best option is to catch the sunrise on Pico do Areeiro before beginning the hike itself. Trust me, it's worth it! After 11 a.m., the trail tends to get quite busy.
2. Stay Hydrated: Don't forget to bring plenty of water with you. I suggest carrying at least 1 liter per person. Staying hydrated is essential for enjoying the hike to the fullest.
3. Footwear: While hiking boots are recommended for better comfort, we managed the route with jogging sneakers, and it worked out just fine. So, wear what you're comfortable in, but keep in mind that proper footwear can enhance the experience.
4. Be Prepared: There are some tunnels along the way, so make sure to have a flashlight handy. It will come in handy and add a bit of excitement to the journey.
Overall, this hike offers an unforgettable adventure with breathtaking scenery. I can't recommend it enough for all nature enthusiasts. Happy hiking! 🚶‍♂🏔

One of the best hikes of Madeira and quite strenuous as well with steep inclines and declines. People who are fearful of height shouldn’t attempt it or should do it with caution. Since this is a very popular hike, it gets really really busy so to avoid the crowd suggest to start early. We started at 8.30AM and it was perfect. The cafe at the observatory isn’t open in early hours so there would be no restrooms, please keep that in mind if coming early. The temperature on the mountain is low so wear layers which you can get rid of as you hike and get warm. There are 4-5 tunnels during the hike so good to carry a head torch. At the peak , there is a tiny cafe with drinks and food as well as restrooms. All restrooms only accept cash do carry few coins. The views are awesome so take your time for photos😊 Definitely recommend this long hike for anyone who wants to attempt. Hike is roughly 6.5 miles and takes 4.5 hrs and is challenging.

Probably the pretiest sunrise and hike I've done so far. You need to be in good shape!!
Tips: be there like 1h30 before sunrise to get a parking spot just next to the beginning of the hike, then start the hike and find a nice spot to watch the sunrise. The way to pico ruivo was very peaceful, then for the way back, well, you will meet all the people (a lot) that have started later ☺ 6h in total.