Imagine a place where sapphire blue waves meet vibrant green peaks. Sea level sunbathing ascends rapidly to high-elevation adventure. 

This is Madeira – a pocket-sized island that closely resembles paradise. Characterized by stunning oceanside villages and monumental green peaks, Madeira is a small Portuguese island off the coast of Northwest Africa.

When I first started researching Madeira prior to my epic relaxation-meets-adventure getaway, the first thing I learned about the island was that I would need to find room in my suitcase for my bikini collection AND my waterproof hiking gear.

Bikinis AND waterproof gear? I’ve never heard of such a bipolar packing list. 

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But Madeira, the land of a thousand microclimates, is an island where sweltering sunbathing weather and mystical chilly temperatures mingle. Oftentimes at the same time depending on your location on the island. 

This kind of adventure was exactly what I needed…quiet moments alone with a romance novel and the island sunshine one day, and a steep ascent to the tallest peak (a REAL workout!) the next. 

Whether you prefer a cultural city experience with access to luxury resorts, or would rather spend early mornings watching the sunrise from Madeira’s tallest peak, Madeira is truly the place that has something epic for everyone!

Throughout my adventure on the island, I experienced nearly all of Madeira’s climates, from the mystical fog of the UNESCO Heritage Fanal Forest to the tropical oceanside views of São Martinho. But perhaps my most memorable experience in Madeira was hiking from Pico do Arieiro (also spelled Pico do Areeiro) to Pico Ruivo, Madeira’s tallest peak.

Madeira’s tallest peaks are some of the island’s most incredible mountains to climb. With views of the North Atlantic Ocean and the small villages nestled in the mountainous landscape, you’ll experience every ounce of Madeira’s beauty from the top of a mountain. 

I HIGHLY recommend adding the hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo to your bucket list! Madeira hiking is some of the BEST hiking and nature walks in Europe.

As a Colorado girl with a love for the mountains, and an avid hiker, I’ve climbed lots of cool peaks! Pico Ruivo in Madeira definitely ranks as one of the most beautiful climbs I’ve ever done. 

Here’s a list of my BEST tips for hiking Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo so you can enjoy every moment of your Madeira hiking adventure!

Madeira Hiking

Important Information for PR1 – Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo Hike

Pico Ruivo Hike Difficulty

The hike from Pico do Arieiro (also spelled Pico do Areeiro) to Pico Ruivo – along PR1 Vereda do Areeiro – is ~10km. This hike is very difficult due to the many steps you’ll have to climb to reach Madeira’s tallest peak (Pico Ruivo).

You’ll begin the hike at the top of Pico do Arieiro, Madeira’s third highest peak, and continue to climb in elevation until you reach the tallest peak, Pico Ruivo, which sits at ~1850 meters (6,000+ feet!). Due to the difficult terrain and the amount of stairs leading up to the summit, this hike is not recommended for inexperienced travelers. 

If you want to get a beautiful view of the ocean and the island of Madeira WITHOUT hiking from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, I recommend driving up to the viewpoint at Pico do Arieiro. 

Time Needed to Complete the Hike to Pico Ruivo

Due to the difficulty of the Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hike, this strenuous, but beautiful adventure takes approximately 4–5 hours. Throughout the hike you’ll pass through tunnels and climb many stairs so make sure to take adequate breaks and stay hydrated, especially if you are not used to high elevations!

Madeira Weather Information

Before planning your hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, check local weather information and trail closure information. Because of Madeira’s many climates, a sunny day in the oceanside island capital, Funchal, may actually be a low-visibility rainstorm at high elevations. 

It is crucial to check for thunderstorms prior to hiking to Pico Ruivo to ensure that you stay safe along the rugged, high-elevation narrow trail! 

The best way to see live footage of cloud cover and weather conditions is to view the webcam at Pico do Arieiro. Due to its similar elevation, Pico Ruivo will experience similar weather conditions to Pico do Arieiro, so checking the webcams before your hike will give you an idea about the weather/cloud cover before your adventure!

Be prepared for all kinds of weather by bringing a day pack containing waterproof clothes or rain ponchos!

Best Time to Hike Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo

The best time to hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, a beautiful ascent to Madeira’s tallest peak, is for sunrise!

The hike to Pico Ruivo is one of Madeira’s most popular treks because of its breathtaking views of the mountainous landscapes with the ocean in the background. Many travelers visit Madeira specifically to climb this peak, so I recommend getting a head start by enjoying the Pico do Arieiro sunrise view and starting the climb after the sun rises on the island.

Most travelers start the trek around 10am, so choosing to hike for sunrise is a great way to enjoy the views with fewer crowds!

Due to the island’s subtropical climate, temperatures remain moderate in Madeira all year round. The driest seasons in Madeira occur in spring and summer. April to September is usually the best time to visit Madeira if you plan on spending a lot of time hiking. Madeira experiences the most rainfall in the winter season, so be sure to check local weather forecasts if you plan on hiking during the winter season!

Gear Essentials for Hiking Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo

Hiking Gear

To safely hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo you’ll need tennis shoes or sturdy hiking boots (completely up to preference – I don’t own a pair of hiking boots yet, and I felt comfortable in my tennis shoes!). For hikers who would like extra support for the steep ascents, I also recommend hiking poles.

Headlamps for Tunnels

Along the ascent, you’ll pass through dark, narrow tunnels. A headlamp will come in handy for when you reach these mystical mountain tunnels! Make sure to illuminate the ground in front of you to avoid tripping and injuring yourself. 

Clothing Layers

This is one of the most important gear essentials for hiking to Pico Ruivo. Madeira weather can change in an instant. One moment you’re enjoying the miradouro (“viewpoint”), and the next a gloomy, chilly cloud front moves in!

There were dozens of times along the hike where I needed my jacket, and even more instances where I didn’t need it. You’ll be happy you brought the extra layers when unexpected weather rolls in!

At the summit, Pico Ruivo gets chilly!

Trail Bites

Part of the fun in hiking is curating a selection of your favorite snacks to enjoy along the way. Before I embark on any hike, I gather a collection of my favorite packable hiking snacks, including fresh fruit, cookies and trail mix! 

If you are planning on driving or getting picked up in Funchal, visit Mercado dos Lavradores for fresh, exotic fruit to bring on with you on your hike to Pico Ruivo!

Lots of Water!

Hopefully this is a no-brainer gear essential! Water is the most important thing to bring with you when you hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo. It’s important to stay hydrated at high elevations!

Tissues

The one thing you don’t realize you need until you ACTUALLY need it is a pack of tissues. Sometimes when we’re hiking, the unexpected happens, like an accidental scrape or an unexpected nosebleed. I highly recommend adding tissues to your day pack just in case you find yourself needing them!

Sunscreen

Most travelers don’t realize that sunburn happens A LOT easier at high elevations! Bring your favorite sunscreen and make sure to reapply often to protect your skin from harmful sun rays! 

Transportation Tips: Getting to Pico do Arieiro Start Location

Do I need to rent a car to get to the PR1 hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo?

No – you do not need to rent a car to be able to drive to Pico do Arieiro to start the hike to Pico Ruivo.

In fact, even if you do plan on renting a car during your time in Madeira, I highly suggest you book a transfer to Pico do Arieiro at the start of the hike and from Pico Ruivo at the end of the hike. Transfer to and from the start and end of the hike eliminates any difficulties you might face with parking or getting back to your car after the hike.

I had the best experience with Get Your Guide’s transfer to and from the start and end of the PR1 hike. My driver picked me up at a central location in Funchal, dropped our group of hikers off at the start of the hike (Pico do Arieiro), then picked us up at a café at the end of the hike after the Pico Ruivo summit. 

A transfer from Funchal to the Pico do Arieiro trail is the best way to get to and from Madeira’s most beautiful hike without any hassles or parking issues.

If you DO want to rent a car, my go-to rental provider is Discover Cars – the most affordable cost comparison booking tool for renting a car in Madeira!

Book Your Rental Car For Your Madeira Island Adventure HERE ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️

Pico Ruivo Trail Highlights

Tunnels

The rugged trail from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo not only features beautiful mountain landscapes and breathtaking ocean views, the trail also features mystical tunnels you’ll pass through as you reach the summit. These tunnels, dug out of volcanic tufts, extend into complete darkness, with only the light of the exit showing the end of the tunnel! Bring a headlamp or a flashlight to guide your way!

Staircases

There’s a reason why the hike to Pico Ruivo is called the “stairway to heaven”! With over 2,000 vertical steps and significant elevation gain, hiking to Pico Ruivo is like one long stairmaster. Don’t let the steps turn you away! Even though this is one of Madeira’s most difficult hikes, it is a fun adventure resulting in beautiful views of the island on a sunny, cloud-free day!

Pico Ruivo Summit

If you’re lucky with a clear day, the view from the Pico Ruivo summit is one of the most breathtaking views in all of Madeira! When I reached the summit, I was met with mystical fog, clouding the landscape in white mist, which was still incredible in its own way!

Safety Tips for the Hike to Pico Ruivo

The high elevation hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo features dramatic cliffs and stunning rock formations. These beautiful views should be observed from WITHIN the bounds of the trail in order to prevent injury!

It’s never a bad idea to have a map of your trail before you embark on your journey! A physical map or a downloaded map from the internet is great to have if you ever get lost.

Most people don’t realize they are affected by elevation until it’s too late. Stay hydrated in order to tackle the altitude if you are not used to high elevation hiking. Additionally, reapply your sunscreen often to prevent sunburns at high elevation!

Oftentimes the injuries reported on any hiking trail occur during bad weather. Keep yourself safe by hiking in good weather conditions! Check the local weather often and keep an eye on Pico do Arieiro webcams to make sure the cloud conditions allow for trail visibility. 

Our beautiful Earth deserves to be looked after too! No matter where you hike, leave no trace and pack your trash with you.

Have fun hiking the PR1 trail in Madeira, one of my favorite hikes in the world! Be safe and enjoy the views!

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