Madeira · PICO DO ARIEIRO & PICO RUIVO

Pico do Arieiro & Pico Ruivo: The 15 Best Hikes and Transfers

30 tours  ·  from $30 a head

The high ridge starts at a car park at 1,818 metres and the only sensible way up before dawn is somebody else’s minibus. These 15 cover the sunrise transfers, the guided ridge walks and the shorter viewpoint runs, with prices, pickup times and how much of it is actually cut steps.

Funchal: Pico do Arieiro Sunrise Transfer Self-guided Hike - The pre-dawn transfer from Funchal or Caniço
Guided, Hiking & Trekking, Morning, Pico do Arieiro & Pico Ruivo, Private Drivers, Self-Guided Tours, Sunrise Tours, Tour Reviews

Funchal: Pico do Arieiro Sunrise Transfer Self-guided Hike

1.Pico do Arieiro Sunrise Transfer Self-guided Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,798 reviews · from $37Our pick

Hike Madeira’s high peaks at sunrise with a Funchal transfer, clear trail instructions, and a backup route when mountain weather or closures intervene.

“Really enjoyed the whole day. We didn’t have the best weather but could still appreciate how magical the place was. Pedro our guide was just brilliant, so pleasant and informative. Really enjoyed the little museum at the end which gave us more information on the area.”

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Madeira Funchal:East Tour Pico Arieiro & Santana&Laurissilva - Terreiro da Luta and the Senhora da Paz Sanctuary
East Madeira Tours, Pico do Arieiro & Pico Ruivo, Santana, Tour Reviews, Tours

Madeira Funchal:East Tour Pico Arieiro & Santana&Laurissilva

From Funchal: Transfer to Pico do Arieiro & Pico Ruivo Trail - Starting at Pico do Arieiro
Pico do Arieiro & Pico Ruivo, Private Drivers, Tour Reviews

From Funchal: Transfer to Pico do Arieiro & Pico Ruivo Trail

3.Transfer to Pico do Arieiro & Pico Ruivo Trail

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,591 reviews · from $36

Hike Madeira’s high peaks on a self-guided Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo trek with hotel transfers, trail advice, and flexible pacing.

“As PR1 is partially closed due to fires that impacted the trail, the journey is a mix of PR1 to experience the Stairway to Heaven then back to starting point to take PR3. It was amazing! The view on the mountains was impressive, we had the sunshine with us but the clouds passing also gave us amazing pictures. The PR3 trail was also a proper adventure going down steps at the start and then crossing some river streams still with a mix of sun and clouds. Go for it!”

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Pico Do Arieiro Pico Ruivo Sunrise or Morning Hike Transfers - The early ride from Funchal or Caniço
Hiking & Trekking, Morning, Pico do Arieiro & Pico Ruivo, Sunrise Tours, Tour Reviews

Pico Do Arieiro Pico Ruivo Sunrise or Morning Hike Transfers

Full Day Jeep Safari East - Pico do Areeiro - Santana - Ponta de são Lourenço - Pico do Arieiro: mountain views in a short stop
Full-Day, Jeep & 4x4 Tours, Pico do Arieiro & Pico Ruivo, Ponta de Sao Lourenco, Safari, Santana, Tour Reviews

Full Day Jeep Safari East – Pico do Areeiro – Santana – Ponta de são Lourenço

5.Full Day Jeep Safari East – Pico do Areeiro – Santana – Ponta de são Lourenço

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 819 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $74Top rated

Review of Madeira’s east coast jeep safari, with Pico do Arieiro, Santana, levada walking, rum tasting, and practical booking tips.

“Ernesto was an amazing tour guide and great driver. Didn't feel rushed or stressed. This tour has a levada walk that will take approximately 45min and you need to pay 3 euros. The guide suggested a lovely restaurant to eat and it was great. Only downside for me is the jeep itself, not very comfortable, bear in mind the roof will remain opened the entire time, so if you seat in the back get ready for sun and lots of wind...having the rooftop opened also meant a lot of noise from the road and tunnels.”

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From Funchal: Pico Arieiro Sunrise with Optional Breakfast - Pico do Arieiro at 1,818 meters
Morning, Pico do Arieiro & Pico Ruivo, Sunrise Tours, Tour Reviews

From Funchal: Pico Arieiro Sunrise with Optional Breakfast

Funchal: Sunrise Pico do Arieiro & Ruivo/Larano HikeTransfer - Walking the Stairway to Heaven and Pedra Rija
Larano Coastal Walks, Morning, Pico do Arieiro & Pico Ruivo, Sunrise Tours, Tour Reviews

Funchal: Sunrise Pico do Arieiro & Ruivo/Larano HikeTransfer

Madeira: Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro & Hike Larano trail - The early pickup from Funchal or Caniço
Hiking & Trekking, Larano Coastal Walks, Morning, Pico do Arieiro & Pico Ruivo, Sunrise Tours, Tour Reviews

Madeira: Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro & Hike Larano trail

8.Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro & Hike Larano trail

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 516 reviews · from $45

Watch sunrise above the clouds at Pico do Arieiro, then hike Madeira’s Larano Trail and visit a glass viewpoint with hotel transport.

“Couldn’t have been better, the guide was extremely knowledgeable on the area and very friendly. The tour was great and the transport was really clean.”

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Madeira: Pico do Arieiro Sunset with Optional Dinner - The ride from Funchal to the high mountains
Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, Evening Experiences, Pico do Arieiro & Pico Ruivo, Tour Reviews

Madeira: Pico do Arieiro Sunset with Optional Dinner

9.Pico do Arieiro Sunset with Optional Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 430 reviews · from $51

Watch Madeira’s sunset from Pico do Arieiro, then enjoy homemade food and drinks at a rustic mill with hotel pickup from Funchal.

“Fantastic experience, our guide was very friendly and knowledgable. For the sunset tour we were the only two people and so it ended up being a private tour. The weather unfortunately meant we had low visibility, however we were provided a lovely meal and drinks (they provided a sparkling wine just for us) and we were rebooked onto the sunrise tour (which I will be forever grateful for). Incredible customer service, I couldn’t ask for anymore! During the sunrise I used the opportunity to propose to my girlfriend and it was a magical experience for us. We have some amazing photos of the moment with a beautiful background. They then…”

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PR1 Sunrise Pico do Arieiro Self-Guided Hiking Transfer - The 5:30 am pickup from Funchal or Caniço
Guided, Hiking & Trekking, Morning, Pico do Arieiro & Pico Ruivo, Private Drivers, Self-Guided Tours, Sunrise Tours, Tour Reviews

PR1 Sunrise Pico do Arieiro Self-Guided Hiking Transfer

10.PR1 Sunrise Pico do Arieiro Self-Guided Hiking Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 299 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $39

Hike Madeira’s famous peaks at sunrise with hotel transfers, clear trail guidance, and time to tackle PR1 or an alternate route at your own pace.

“It was a great hike but conditions were less than perfect!! High winds, rain and fog! It was freezing and we were not prepared for the cold and wet! We didn’t do PR1 as it was too windy and we couldn’t see a thing but we took the extra time coming down PR3, which was pretty cool, great views when the cloud and fog cleared. But no one warned us about the 5 streams you need to walk through!! The cafe at the end was amazing - great food and comfy to rest! Amazing adventure! Also shoutout to Christiano, our driver, great guy! He said he’d done PR1 in worse…”

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Funchal: Pico do Areeiro to Santana 4x4 East Tour - Pico do Arieiro: a cold start above the clouds
East Madeira Tours, Jeep & 4x4 Tours, Pico do Arieiro & Pico Ruivo, Santana, Tour Reviews, Tours

Funchal: Pico do Areeiro to Santana 4×4 East Tour

11.Pico do Areeiro to Santana 4×4 East Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 280 reviews · 7 hours · from $73

Explore Madeira’s peaks, forest roads, Santana homes, rum country, and Ponta de São Lourenço on a small-group 4x4 tour from Funchal.

“Silvio was great - he is an experienced driver and guide. We got to see beautiful viewpoints and he was so friendly and knowledgeable. Even if you rent a car, you still won’t go to the off road locations we went on this tour. Definitely worth the money!”

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Madeira: Pico Ruivo Guided Sunrise Hike with Hotel Pickup - The early hotel pickup and mountain drive
Guided, Hiking & Trekking, Morning, Pico do Arieiro & Pico Ruivo, Sunrise Tours, Tour Reviews

Madeira: Pico Ruivo Guided Sunrise Hike with Hotel Pickup

12.Pico Ruivo Guided Sunrise Hike with Hotel Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 257 reviews · 5 hours · from $68

Hike Pico Ruivo before dawn with hotel pickup, a local guide, head torch, tea, and a granola bar, then watch Madeira’s sunrise from its highest peak.

“Carlos was a great and caring driver and guide, extremely friendly and hospitable. Although we couldn't sea the sunrise because of a sudden change in weather, it was an unforgettable experience”

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Madeira: Pico do Arieiro & Laurissilva Forest - East tour - Camacha and Terreiro da Luta: a modest start with local context
East Madeira Tours, Pico do Arieiro & Pico Ruivo, Tour Reviews, Tours

Madeira: Pico do Arieiro & Laurissilva Forest – East tour

13.Pico do Arieiro & Laurissilva Forest – East tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 251 reviews · 8 hours · from $30Best value

See Pico do Arieiro, UNESCO Laurissilva Forest, Santana houses, north-coast viewpoints and Machico on an $30 Madeira day tour.

“I recently embarked on the "East Tour A-Framed Houses with Walk in Laurissilva Forest," and it exceeded all expectations! The tour was impeccably organised, with every detail running smoothly and, most notably, punctually. Our guide and driver, Michael, was exceptional. His driving was remarkably safe, which allowed us to relax and truly enjoy the journey. Michael's extensive knowledge of Madeira's culture was evident throughout the tour as he passionately shared insights and stories, enriching our understanding of this beautiful island. The itinerary was thoughtfully planned, offering ample opportunities to pause and capture the stunning scenery with photographs. Each stop was strategically...”

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The East Tour-Pico do Areeiro,Santana & Pico do Facho Small Group - Faial and the Laurissilva views
East Madeira Tours, Pico do Arieiro & Pico Ruivo, Santana, Tour Reviews, Tours

The East Tour-Pico do Areeiro,Santana & Pico do Facho Small Group

Morning Transfer To Pico Do Arieiro, Hike To Pico Ruivo & Return From Teixeira - Reaching Pico do Arieiro at 1,810 metres
Hiking & Trekking, Morning, Pico do Arieiro & Pico Ruivo, Private Drivers, Tour Reviews

Morning Transfer To Pico Do Arieiro, Hike To Pico Ruivo & Return From Teixeira

15.Morning Transfer To Pico Do Arieiro, Hike To Pico Ruivo & Return From Teixeira

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 243 reviews · 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $37

Review of Madeira’s Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hike, with Funchal pickup, clear trail instructions, and return from Achada do Teixeira.

“Sometimes you’ve just got to give credit to the team that organise these excursions! Our driver was fantastic gets up early every morning and they must be tired but there Professionalism of picking us up and being informative is a credit to them. Our driver who was from Ireland was really warm and welcoming and made our trip really Pleasant.”

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