Enjoy splendid views from the peak of one of Madeira’s highest mountains, the gateway to a very popular hiking trail.
Pico do Arieiro offers some of the most stunning views in Madeira. Towering 5,965 feet (1,818 metres) in the air, the mountain’s craggy rocks are frequently veiled with clouds. On a clear day, view Porto Santo in the distance. Pico do Arieiro is linked to the island’s highest peak, Pico Ruivo, by a challenging but rewarding hiking trail.
Begin your visit in the parking lot near the top of Pico do Arieiro and follow the road up to the viewpoint, which is located next to a NATO radar site. As you ascend, look for the unusual stone pit called Poço da Neve, which was once used to store ice.
Standing at the lookout, gaze southeast to spot the Curral das Freiras valley (Corral of the Nuns). Toward the north coast, you may also be able to see Penha de Águia (Eagle Rock).
Head down the flight of steps and begin the hike north toward Pico Ruivo. The challenging 8-mile (13-kilometre) round-trip trek is considered to be one of the best hikes in the archipelago. Known as the Levada Trail, this footpath trails past the second-highest point on the island, Pico das Torres, and onward to a series of tunnels and striking viewpoints. The steep and narrow path may not be comfortable for those who are afraid of heights, but many visitors complete the hike each day. It is safe for novice trekkers.
Try to visit Pico do Arieiro early in the morning, when the views are typically quite clear. Cloud cover often becomes dense later in the afternoon, obscuring the best views.
There is no public transportation to Pico do Arieiro, but a number of tour companies offer trips from Funchal. Be sure to get a window seat during the ride to enjoy the views on the way to the peak. Watch as the landscape transitions from thick coniferous forest to a barren plain dotted with bracken, blueberries and an occasional sheep or goat.
