Pico do Airieio is one of Madeira’s most iconic spots, with exceptional views of the rugged mountains.
Here’s our guide to attractions in Madeira’ s Pico do Arieiro and useful tips for planning your visit.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Is Pico do Aririo worth a visit? (even without hiking)
Pico do Arieiro is well worth a visit for its breathtaking scenery, with craggy peaks and the sea on both sides. At an altitude of 1,818 metres, it offers breathtaking views, particularly at sunrise and sunset. The well-paved road makes it accessible, and the experience of witnessing cloud inversions is unique.
Even if you don’t hike, some views are only a two-minute walk from the parking lot!
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1. Miradouro do Pico do Arieiro and observatory: the summit
A must-see attraction, of course, is the view from the summit.
You can clearly see the dome of the Encumeada Alta observatory and the path to the summit.
Here you’ll find an observation platform, with views of steep mountains.
There’s a barrier, so people suffering from vertigo can get up there and see a bit, even without going near the edge.
- Opening hours: free access
- Price: free of charge
- Beware: this platform is crowded at sunrise and sunset (although not the best view, in our opinion…).
2. Sunrise or sunset
We prefer sunrise, with more chance of a sea of clouds. But as you’re on the summits, it’s a wonderful place to admire sunrises and sunsets.
On one side you have the sun slowly rising, and on the other you have the peaks gradually becoming more and more illuminated. The rock has a pinkish hue at dawn, then becomes more orange.
If you’re up to it, we’d advise you not to go to the viewpoint, but to walk a little along the beginning of the hike to find other views and fewer people.
You’ll find places to land safely and admire the views.
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3. Seas of clouds
This phenomenon is not guaranteed, but it occurs very regularly: cloud inversion
When this happens, the summit rises above a sea of clouds, offering breathtaking views. This phenomenon often occurs when clouds are below 2,000 metres, allowing visitors to see the mountains peeking through the mist. The best times for this experience are usually at sunrise or sunset.
3. Start of PR1 to Ninho da Monta
Even if you don’t do the whole hike, because it’s so long, you can walk part of it and turn back. The views are well worth the effort.
The first official stop on the way is an observation platform called Ninho da Monta. This forms a lovely balcony above the valley.
It’s another great place to watch the sunrise.
- Allow 15 to 20 minutes walk each way
- with stairs
- with narrower passages and the void on the side, but still with barriers.
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4. Continue walking to Pedra Rija
If you’re up to it, you can continue further before turning back.
A good target is Pedra Rija, where you’ll find information panels on the flora and fauna.
The views continue to be breathtaking throughout.
It’s also one of the most famous stops on the PR1 hike, as you access it via a very photogenic staircase.
- Allow 30 to 45 minutes walk each way
- with stairs, ascents and descents
- with narrower passages and the void on the side, but still with barriers.
- This section becomes more difficult for people suffering from vertigo because of the steep stairs.
5. Complete PR 1 hike: Pico Ariero to Pico Ruivo
And if you’re in good physical shape, you can do the entire PR1 hike. This is one of Madeira’s most beautiful hikes.
The trail continues up the mountainside, on paths cut into the rock.
It’s a fairly physical hike, but it offers splendid views all the way, so it’s well worth the effort.
But be aware that the other summit, Pico Ruivo, can be reached by another, shorter hike (PR1.2) if you don’t feel like doing the whole thing.
- Distance: 12km round trip between Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo
- Duration: 7h to 9h round trip
- Difficulty: difficult
- Altitude gain: over 1,313m
- See all our hiking information.
If you only want to go one way, you can find shuttle services – see details and availability.
6. Miradouro do Juncal
There’s another viewpoint, not far away but much less well known.
It’s a little lower down, but easy to get to, and offers superb views towards the peaks and the sea.
The Miradouro do Juncal is particularly interesting at sunrise, as it keeps you away from the crowds.
You’re a little further away from the craggy peaks, but we also liked the views over the greener parts of the valley.
- Past the restaurant, take the path to the right of the observatory. It’s a safe path, made of stones and earth.
- Less than a 10-minute walk to the viewpoint
- Free access
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7. Observe wildlife
When you go to these mountains, we also recommend that you bring binoculars to observe the birdlife. You could see:
- canary (Serinus canaria)
- Berthelot’s pipit (Anthus berthelottii madeirensis)
- The common swift (Apus Unicolor)
- The tree finch (Fringilla Coelens Madeirensis)
- Triple-crested kinglet (Regulus ingnicapillus madeirensis)
- …
But you’re unlikely to see the Zino petrel, which only nests in Madeira’s rugged mountains. He has been in danger and is protected. See photos on the side of the building.
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Attractions in Pico do Arieiro
If you’re not into long hikes, you can combine a visit to Pico do Areiro with two other nearby sites.
Option1: Ribeiro Frio
In this village, a little further down the road, you’ll find fish farms and a short, very easy hike of less than 1h round trip with a bit of levada: Verada dos Balcoes (PR11). The village is a 20-minute drive away.
Option 2: Curral das Freias
The road that cuts between Pico do Arieiro and Curral das Freias isn’t always open, but if it is, it’s a good option. Just be aware that it’s narrow in places.
It takes you to a valley surrounded by towering peaks and sheer mountains. Head for Miradouros do Paredão (20min drive).
How to get to Pico do Arieiro + parking
Where to find Pico do Arieiro
- In the heart of Madeira, north of Funchal
- Funchal to Pico do Arieiro = 40min drive
- Porto da Cruz to Pico do Arieiro = 40min drive
- Machico to Pico do Arieiro = 40min drive
How to get there
The road to Pico de Arieiro is very well maintained and easy to drive. Take the ER103 from Funchal or Porto da Cruz.
It’s not possible to get there by public transport.
Organized tours include a stop at Pico do Arieiro, departing from Funchal – see options.
Parking at Pico do Arieiro
The hiking parking lot at the foot of Pico do Arieiro is very easy to access and well maintained. It’s a large parking lot, but it can be tricky to find a space because it’s so popular. We recommend coming before sunrise for easy parking.
Facilities: restaurants, toilets…
At the top of the parking lot, you’ll find a building with an interior:
- a céfé / snack bar,
- toilets (fee payable),
- an information center,
- and a souvenir store.
It’s a lovely place to take a break with a view!
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