The PR1, the Vereda do Areeiro, is the walk that puts Madeira on hikers’ wish lists. It starts at Pico do Arieiro, a summit of around 1,800 metres reached by road, and follows the jagged spine of the island to Pico Ruivo, the highest point at 1,862 metres. The path is carved into the rock, with long flights of steps, short tunnels and railed ledges, and on most mornings the valleys below fill with cloud so that you walk above a white sea with the peaks rising out of it. The trail was closed from August 2024 after wildfire and for major safety works, and it reopened in May 2026 under new rules: it is now one-way only, from Arieiro towards Ruivo, finishing via the shorter path down to Achada do Teixeira, and every walker must book a timed entry. For many people the simplest way to see these peaks is a guided day trip from Funchal, which takes care of the long mountain drive and the transport at each end.
How it works: registration on the regional SIMplifica portal is mandatory, with entry in thirty-minute slots and a fee for non-residents that is higher on the PR1 than on other classified trails. When it reopened, the trail opened on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only while work continued, with plans to open daily, and it closed for several days in September 2026 for a new footbridge. Check the current schedule and book before you travel. The first stretch to the Pedra Rija viewpoint can be walked in both directions. The Tiqets product here is the Madeira Peaks guided tour: a full day from 08:30 with a multilingual guide and hotel pickup in Funchal, Caniço or Câmara de Lobos; lunch is extra. The page does not name the exact route, so confirm with the operator whether it includes the full traverse.
What to expect: the traverse is around seven kilometres and takes about three and a half hours, with steep climbs and descents and plenty of exposure. It is not technical, but you need a head for heights, a good level of fitness and proper boots. Weather changes fast at this height, so carry a warm layer, rain gear, water and a torch for the tunnels.
Making the most of it: because the walk is one-way, arrange a taxi or transfer from Achada do Teixeira or join a guided tour. Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro above the clouds is spectacular even if you do not hike, and the summit viewpoint itself does not require the trail booking.
What to expect
The experience
A one-way mountain traverse on a carved path of steps and tunnels, done independently with a booked slot or as part of a guided day trip from Funchal.
Best time
An early slot on a clear day, when the cloud usually sits below the ridge and the light is soft.
How long
About three and a half hours of walking, and a full day with transport from Funchal.
Tips
Book your SIMplifica slot early, check the weekly schedule, pack warm layers and a torch, and arrange transport from Achada do Teixeira.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Fit hikers who want the most dramatic mountain walk on the island.
- Families
- Only for older, sure-footed children with experience of steep paths; younger families should enjoy the Arieiro viewpoint instead.
- Couples
- Meet the sunrise at Pico do Arieiro together, then walk the ridge as the clouds roll below.
- Pair with
- A gentler levada walk such as the Levada das 25 Fontes on another day.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
Is the PR1 from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo open?+
It reopened in May 2026 after a long closure, one-way only and with mandatory booking. In its first months it opened on selected days of the week, so check the current schedule before you plan.
Do you need to book the PR1?+
Yes. Every walker must register for a timed slot on the SIMplifica portal, and non-residents pay a trail fee that is higher than on other classified routes.
How hard is the walk?+
It is demanding rather than technical, with long staircases, steep sections and drops beside the path. Expect around three and a half hours and come with good fitness and boots.
How do you get back from Pico Ruivo?+
The route finishes at Achada do Teixeira, so arrange a taxi or transfer there in advance. A guided tour solves this by handling transport at both ends.
Can you see Pico do Arieiro without hiking?+
Yes. A road reaches the summit viewpoint, and the sunrise there above the clouds is one of the great sights of Madeira.
