Madeira
Pico do Arieiro & Pico Ruivo
A high-level ridge walk between Madeira's two highest peaks, above the clouds, with views of the island's volcanic spine stretching in both directions.
The ridge connecting Pico do Arieiro (1,818 m) and Pico Ruivo (1,862 m) — Madeira's two highest peaks — is one of the finest mountain walks in Portugal. The route crosses the island's central volcanic spine on a path that weaves between tunnels cut through solid basalt, exposed rocky ridges, and viewpoints where the Atlantic stretches to the horizon in every direction.
Starting from the car park at Arieiro, the walk descends steeply before climbing again to Ruivo, passing through an extraordinary landscape of serrated peaks, deep ravines, and — when the cloud is low — a surreal white ocean of cloud filling the valleys below while the peaks float in brilliant sunshine above.
The sunrise walk from Arieiro is a Madeira institution: departing at 5 am to watch the sun emerge from the Atlantic and bathe the basalt towers in orange and pink light before the tourist crowds arrive. We can arrange this as part of any Madeira program — a genuinely unforgettable mountain experience that requires no technical skill, only an early alarm.
Where We Go
Interactive map coming soon
Tour Highlights
- Summit Pico do Arieiro (1,818 m) — the third highest peak on Madeira — at sunrise
- Walk the iconic ridge from Arieiro to Pico Ruivo (1,862 m) — Madeira's highest point
- Emerge through the cloud layer into brilliant sunshine above a cotton sea
- Spot rare Zino's petrels nesting in crevices near the summit
- Experience one of Europe's most dramatic ridge walks in a subtropical setting
Difficulty & Fitness
The Areeiro–Ruivo ridge hike (5 hours, approx. 1,800 m of combined ascent and descent) requires good fitness and confidence on exposed terrain. Fixed chains protect the most exposed sections.
Where to Stay
The Pousada do Pico do Arieiro sits at the trailhead at 1,818 m — start hiking before dawn and watch the sunrise from the summit. Funchal has the widest hotel choice and is the best base for transport to both trailheads.
Ready for this adventure?
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