Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo (PR1)
- Ends at 1,862 m
- One way only
- Reopened in 2026
- Paid car parks
The walk along the top of Madeira, from the viewpoint at Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, the highest point on the island. Tunnels cut through rock, staircases pinned to the ridge, and on the right morning a finish above the clouds rather than in them.
About the Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hike
PR1, or Vereda do Areeiro on the signs, starts at the Pico do Arieiro viewpoint at 1,818 m and finishes at Pico Ruivo at 1,862 m, going round Pico das Torres at 1,851 m on the way. It runs through tunnels dug out of the volcanic tuff, which once sheltered cattle and the men who herded them, and over a staircase carved into the rock. The last pull, up to the Casa de Abrigo do Pico Ruivo shelter, is the hardest part of the day.
The trail reopened in full on 1 May 2026 after a long spell of repairs, with one change that catches walkers out: from the Pedra Rija Viewpoint onwards it is one way, towards Pico Ruivo, with no going back the way you came. You leave the summit either on PR1.2 down to Achada do Teixeira or on PR1.1 down to Ilha, both covered by the same ticket, and your transport home is yours to arrange. A taxi booked to meet you at the far end is the tidiest fix.
Good to know
- Booking
- Online only, on the SIMplifica portal
- Hours
- Entry by the time slot you booked
- Children
- Twelve and under free, still need booking
- Residents
- Free with proof, still need booking
- Parking
- Paid by the hour at the viewpoint
- Accessibility
- Steps, tunnels and long stair climbs
- Refunds
- Only when IFCN closes the trail
- Closures
- Check the official trail status before travelling
Staying in Funchal?
We are a local team with vacation rentals across the island. Book straight with us and there is no platform fee.
