Pico do Arieiro

Pico Do Arieiro is the third highest point on the island. It follows very closely the Pico Ruivo and the Pico das Torres. It is one of the highest peaks (its altitude is 1818 meters) and also one of the closest to Funchal. Access is quite easy as there is a road leading to the Pico, although the access is winding. Parking is available a few steps from the air defence radar station: a huge white ball visible from afar. You will have to go there either by taxi or with a hire car. There is no bus service to this point.

A hike from Pico Do Arieiro

From Pico Do Arieiro there is only one possible excursion, but it's worth it as the prepared path takes you to the most beautiful views of Madeira Island, up to Pico Ruivo. A 360° view all along the way. The hike proposed here is quite steep (+/- 1000 metres) with lots of stairs, and it will take about 3 hours to reach the highest peak on the island. On the way in the mountains: we will pass close to the Pico do Cidrao and Pico do Gato, with the Pico das Torres and its 1851 meters of altitude in the middle of the route. We will therefore alternate between some of the most beautiful viewpoints in Madeira, and sometimes we will also find ourselves in small tunnels.

Just like São Lourenço Point, I think this is one of the excursions to make when visiting Madeira. Again, the best thing is to leave early in the morning, and maybe complete your day with some sightseeing, why not in the capital with the botanical gardens for a more relaxed and less physical time.

Being well prepared to discover Madeira's highest peaks

One of the most important things is to check the weather before you leave. If it's cloudy, don't worry too much: if it's not uncommon to find yourself above a "sea of clouds", with a 360° view of the island. The route is not very difficult in itself, even if the knees can take a bit of a beating with the various stairs. You just have to find your own pace! The path is well signposted so there is no risk of getting lost, but beware of people who are afraid of heights. Remember to take jackets for the wind and cold, or even the rain. The temperature is not the same as along the coast, even if the sun does appear. We will also think of taking a headlamp for the few tunnels we will have to cross.

Another mountain route...

If this hike from the Pico do Arieiro seems too technical, there is the possibility of doing the one from the Achada do Texeira plateau which will take you towards the Pico Ruivo. The trail is also well marked, the scenery is great and it may be possible to combine this day with, for example, the Green Cauldron Levada, one of the most beautiful on Madeira Island, located a little further north of Achada do Teixeira.