Hike from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo: all the practical details you will need

Pico Ruivo is the highest mountain in Madeira, standing at 1861 metres (6105 ft), and is therefore one of the most famous peaks on the island, and on everyone’s itinerary. There are several ways to reach Pico Ruivo, but the popular trail starts at Pico do Areeiro (this is the correct way to write it, by the way, though most write it “arieiro”). 

So here’s a comprehensive list of everything you need to know about the famous hike in Madeira — from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo — with all the practical details and insider tips based on my own recent adventure there (find other practical tips about Madeira here).

If you don’t feel comfortable hiking through Madeira on your own, here’s a really cool hiking trip through Madeira, or you could book a tour only for the Pico do Areeiro trail.  

VERY IMPORTANT: At the time of writing (May 2025), the full trail from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo remained closed due to fires in August 2024 and potential risks of landslides. You can still hike about 1.2 km from Pico do Areeiro and do the famous “Stairway to Heaven” section, right before the trail closure. 

If you are still intent on getting to the top of Pico Ruivo, the only option currently is to drive to Achada to Teixeiro and do the 1-hour easy hike from there to Pico Ruivo. More details below. 

How to hike the famous hike in Madeira: Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo

The hike from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo is not necessarily just for pro hikers; there were people of all fitness levels and ages hiking it, from young teens to people in their 60s, but it still requires some effort and endurance. I am somewhat fit but I’m not a hiker, and I would rank it as an intermediate or moderately challenging hike. 

Basic info about the Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo trail

• The hike is called PR1 Vereda do Areeiro. All official trails in Madeira are denoted with the letters PR and then a number.
• The hike starts at Pico do Areeiro, and that’s where you need to park. 
• There is no road that leads directly to Pico Ruivo. The only way to reach the top is to hike.
• The trail from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo (PR 1) is approximately 7 kilometers (4.4 miles) long.
  • It’s moderately flat but has quite a few stairs, and the paths are narrow and winding. This means that it’s not very convenient if there are a lot of people.
  • This trail takes about 3.5 hours. However, after reaching Pico Ruivo, most people continue on to Achada to Teixeira (PR 1.2), which is relatively easy and takes about 1 hour (it’s about 2.8 km or 1.7 miles long).
  • Many blogs and tourist websites say that the trail is 10 km long and takes 4.5 hours, but this is usually because they’re including the hike from Pico Ruivo to Achada do Teixeiro. 
• This is not a circular, looped hike, so after you reach Pico Ruivo, you need to walk back the same way to the parking lot at Pico do Areeiro. Many people prefer to book a transfer because of this, where they get picked up at Achada do Teixeira and don’t have to do the hike back. 
• You will be hiking on mountain peaks rather than through forests, so you will be exposed to the elements (sun, rain, wind), without much shade or shelter, and it’s quite elevated. So if you have vertigo or are scared of heights, it’s best to skip this hike.
• The best views are from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo. It might be foggy at the top of Pico Ruivo, but that’s ok because you already saw the views along the way. 
• The trail is safe in terms of crime, as there are usually lots of hikers, and Madeira has a very low crime rate.
• The most famous part of the hike is the “Stairway to Heaven”, which is at the beginning of the trail, 1.2 km into the hike from Pico do Areeiro. So if you just want to see this section, you can do that short hike and then go back. 
• The roads to the trail’s starting point at Pico do Areeiro are winding and sharp, and many people drive quite fast, especially before sunrise, to ensure they get a parking spot and don’t miss the sunrise. Drive slowly and carefully, especially around the turns.

Logistic details and updates about the Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo hiking trail

Where to park?

Look for the Pico do Areeiro parking lot, which is the starting point of the hike.

I’ll be honest: parking was a bit confusing because there seemed to be 2 options:

• The official parking lot that has a machine to pay for parking, about 1 km or 10-15 min walk from the starting point of the hike. This is where we parked and is the correct one to use. Make sure to pay for the parking. You will need to estimate the amount of time you will be parked there.
• There were parking spots near the cafe at the starting point of the hike, but there was a police car stationed at the beginning of the road, preventing cars from going through. The confusing part is that we saw plenty of cars going up and parking up there, without being stopped by the police, and then also the police car was no longer there by 10 am. 

What time should you start the hike at Pico do Areeiro?

The best time to start the hike is right after sunrise, for these reasons:

1. There will be fewer people on the trail, and more parking spots available.
2. The views are quite unique, with the sun rising above the clouds. It feels like you’re walking among clouds.
3. You won’t get burned by the sun. However, it can get chilly in the early morning, even in summer, and you will need to dress in layers (more on what to wear below).

Most people arrive at the parking lot about 30 minutes before sunrise to watch the sun come up and to ensure a parking spot. Some people also recommend hiking later in the afternoon for fewer crowds.

I did the hike right after sunrise in early summer (mid-May), around 8 am, and it was not that crowded. However, during peak season (June to September), I read that it’s so crowded that people are hiking as if they’re queuing, without the possibility to pass anyone. 

Should you book a tour, or can you hike alone? 

If you rented a car like we did, you don’t need to book a tour, as you can easily drive to the starting point. The trail is clearly marked and does not require a guide. However, it’s best to do the hike with at least one person, and it’s not recommended to go alone, just in case of injuries.

The main reasons people book tours for this hike are because:

• The hike is not a circular loop, and they don’t want to hike back to Pico do Areeiro. When you book a tour, they pick you up at Achada do Teixeira.
• Some people are traveling solo and don’t want to do the hike alone. 
• Some people feel uncomfortable driving on the winding mountain roads to reach the starting point, especially in the dark before sunrise. I have to admit I was a bit on edge when we were driving up. It might help to book accommodation as close by as possible, to reduce driving time. Our beautiful accommodation in Machico was about 30 minutes away, and I didn’t feel the need to stay closer, particularly because our accommodation was a lovely place in a non-touristy zone, locally-owned, and with gorgeous views of Madeira from the patio.

Hiking fees

A small fee (€3 per person) has recently been implemented for all the main hiking trails (all the PR trails). At all the trails, you can scan the QR code at the beginning of the trail and pay online, but at popular trails like Pico do Areeiro, there is usually an official staff member who will also take cards or cash. 

Make sure you keep your ticket, whether you paid online via the QR rode or with a staff member, until you finish your hike. 

Note: You still need to pay the fee to do the first part of the trail even if the full trail is closed. 

Alternative (and easier) ways to reach Pico Ruivo

If you don’t feel like doing the whole hike (or if the full trail is still closed), the best way to get the views and do the famous sections, AND still be on top of Pico Ruivo, is as follows:

1. Park at Pico do Areeiro and hike about 1.2 km until the famous “Stairway to Heaven” bit. You will see panoramic views along the way. This is said to be the most beautiful part of the hike. 
2. Walk back to your car, and drive to Achada do Teixeira.
3. Hike an easy trail (1 hour one way) from Achada do Teixeira to Pico Ruivo (this is the PR 1.2 trail). 

Note: the views from Achada do Teixeira to Pico Ruivo aren’t as spectacular as from the trail from Pico do Areeiro.

When is the best time of the year to hike to Pico Ruivo?

The best time of the year to hike from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo is in the shoulder season, meaning late spring (May) to late summer or early autumn (late September – October).

In the shoulder season, you are more likely to get good weather (sunny but not scorching hot) and without the peak summer crowds. Although with Madeira’s rising popularity, crowds are year-round now, but are still worse in summer.

Average temperatures you can expect on Pico do Areeiro 

The temperature and weather on the mountains vary from the same day weather in towns at lower altitudes. It can be 16°C in Funchal (Madeira’s capital city) but 4°C on Pico do Areeiro at the exact same hour, and the weather apps aren’t very accurate even when you search for Pico do Areeiro.

Below are the average temperatures, but they’re not always 100% accurate. Madeira has microclimates, especially in the mountains, so it’s hard to predict the weather.

• Winter (November to March): -5°C to 10°C
• Summer (June to September): 6°C to 25°C 
• Spring and autumn: 4°C to 16°C

When I did my sunrise hike in mid-May, it was 4°C at 8 am on top of Pico do Areeiro, though there was not a lot of wind. We warmed up really quickly as soon as we started walking.

What to wear for your hike from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo

No matter the season, you should wear layers, but even more in winter.

• A waterproof windbreaker jacket in case of rain and wind, even in summer, as it can still be windy and cold in the early morning.
• Breathable inside clothes made with natural materials like cotton. Long and breathable hiking pants are best even in summer, to protect from the sun and potential scratches.
• A hat for the sun, even in winter.
• If it’s a bit rainy, it’s best to wear waterproof, sturdy hiking boots rather than shoes. In summer, light but sturdy sports shoes are fine.
• Water, snacks, and light meals. There’s a cafe at the beginning of the hike in Pico do Areeiro, but it’s packed. 
• A light backpack, with a rain cover in case of rain.
• Use sunscreen at all times of the year. Even in winter. The UV light is high in Madeira. 
• Gloves in winter and colder months. We started the hike in 4°C in mid-May, and it was nice to have the gloves and a scarf at the start of the hike. We took them off within 10 minutes as we warmed up.
• A torch if you’re hiking at sunrise. 
• Optional: hiking poles. We didn’t need them, and most people didn’t bring them, but I can see them being useful. 

From Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo: FAQs

Is it written “Pico do Areeiro” or “Pico do Arieiro”?

It’s “Pico do Areeiro”. You will see it written as such when you’re there. However, most people use “Aieiro” and this is what shows up online and on social media, so it’s also accepted.

How long is the hike from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo?

The hike can take about 3.5 to 4 hours, and is approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) long.

Can you do the hike from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo alone?

It’s not recommended to hike alone, just in case of injuries, rather than criminal activity. Most people who are traveling solo end up booking tours, also because tours pick you up from the other side, and you don’t have to walk back to the parking lot. 

Is the hike to Pico Ruivo crowded?

Yes, this is one of the most popular hikes in Madeira, and in peak summer months, the path gets so crowded that people can’t pass each other and have to walk in a queue. 

The best way to avoid crowds at Pico do Areeiro is to avoid travelling in peak summer months and travel in winter or the shoulder seasons instead. This is also more sustainable and reduces the environmental impact (amongst other issues).

If you can only travel in summer, go early, right before sunrise, or later in the afternoon.