Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo in Madeira - PR1 Hiking Details and Tips

The most popular and spectacular hike in Madeira is the PR1 from Pico do Arieiro (1816m) to Pico Ruivo (1862m), the highest mountain of Madeira

I will give you all the important details for this bucket-list hike, where the Stairway to Heaven is located, what to consider and pack, and my top tip to get the most out of this unique and demanding hike and place.

Is it Worth Visiting Pico do Arieiro?

Pico Arieiro is a Must and easy to reach by car. From the parking, it is a short walk to the peak and also to the sunset spot. You reach the Arieiro peak on a staircase only but the sunset spot is wheelchair accessible.

The views from the summit to the cloudier north part with its dramatic coastline, the mountain range with Madeira's highest mountains and the sunrise and sunset all is spectacular from here.

How to Get to Pico do Arieiro?

There is no public transport to get there, but Madeira's taxi system is sufficient and not expensive. From Funchal, it takes roughly 40 minutes on winding roads to get to the parking of the third-highest mountain of Madeira.

The "Pride of Madeira" is native to this island. The plants can grow to a height of 1,5-2,5 m.

Best Time to Hike PR1 from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo

Madeira is a great destination throughout the year. However, in the summer, Madeira is crowded and in the winter, snow can occur at this high elevation. Therefore, the best time to hike Pico Arieiro and for watching the sunset regarding crowds and snow are spring and autumn, March/April until June and September to November.

The Best Daytime for Pico Arieiro

Often Pico Arieiro offers better views in the morning, being above the clouds which rise up during the day. However, if it is a clear day, the sunset is spectacular from here. If you plan to hike PR 1, start early for two reasons, there is limited space at the car park and for breathtaking views just in case clouds roll in at midday.

Top Tip for Pico Arieiro

You never know how the weather will be 1800 m above sea level. Check the webcam of Pico Arieiro before you venture out and drive the long and steep road to the summit on a less cloudy day. Due to the elevation, it is possible to end up in clouds. Webcam Pico Arieiro

Parking at Pico do Arieiro

There is limited parking, and if you plan to hike PR1, come early otherwise, you may be forced to wait for half an hour or so to get a space when day visitors leave the mountain. Google Maps Parking

However, there is a new overflow parking one kilometre before the main parking at Pico do Arieiro. Google Maps overflow parking

Hiking Trail Description

This mountain hike is the most famous one and for sure one of the best with fantastic views. Most important to know is the trail is exposed in sections, and the track almost only descends or ascends. If you are not used to climbing mountains, it is a leg burner. This is the most strenuous hike of all, and even I had aching calves the next day.

• Trail length: 12.2 km, the longer and easier route doesn’t exist any longer
• Duration: 4-6 hours for the more experienced and up to 8 hours for the less trained
• Elevation gain: 1,132 m one way – yes, more than 2,250 m
• Difficulty: Challenging
• A map is not necessary for this hike, the trail is very well-marked like all hikes in Madeira.

The trail from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo is well maintained, and some parts are surfaced with cobblestones, but be careful they are a bit slippery when wet.

The first viewpoint along this track is Miradouro do Ninho da Manta, which is also phenomenal for the sunrise, and it takes just 20 minutes to get here.

Where is the Stairway to Heaven in Madeira?

Very famous, and an Instagram spot is the Stairway to Heaven. If you wish to walk until here, it may take half an hour. The light is terrible in the morning and excellent in the afternoon if you want to take great shots here. So, the best time with the perfect sunlight for this awesome location, the "Stairway to Heaven", is the afternoon on a sunny day. 

• Trail length to Stairway to Heaven: 1,2 km - return 2,3 km
• Hiking Duration: roughly 30 minutes one way
• Hiking Map until the stairs by Locus Map App

You walk through several tunnels along the route. The longest and almost straightforward tunnel leads through the second-highest mountain of Madeira, Pico das Torres (1851 m). I was glad to have my headlamp in my backpack.

I can guarantee for this hike that you need a proper lunch or sandwiches and energy food for this plenty of calories burning hike. When I hiked these steep steps down, I was already aware of the ascent on the way back, which is hard in summer during the midday heat.

Shortly before you reach Pico Ruivo (1862m), you pass by a mountain hut where you are able to get beverages, and food, and you can stay here overnight. Pico Ruivo offers outstanding views.

It is the highest mountain of Madeira, but the peak itself was crowded, and I soon returned the same way back.

Don't miss out on my guide for Sao Lourenco, the eastern tip of Madeira.

Where to Stay? My Top Recommendations

Calheta

The Calheta Beach Resort is excellently located in front of the beach and sea, and within walking distance is a small supermarket Pingo Doce. It is shallow water here and, in combination with the sand beach excellent for children. Swimming is best at high tide, and snorkelling is amazing. Due to the breakwater, the bay and beach are well protected from powerful waves and currents. It is one of the very few sandy beaches in Madeira.

Ponta do Sol

This town is located in the south, and it is one of the sunniest places in Madeira. There is an interesting historic town centre, lovely restaurants, and one of our favourite spots for swimming. The protected bay is well laid out.

There are lots of highly-rated hotels in Ponta do Sol. These hotels (by booking.com) are opposite the fantastic sunny bay.

Thanks for booking via my website. With your support, I am able to provide all my guides for free.