Pico Areeiro to Pico Ruivo Walk

Pico Areeiro (or Arieiro) to Pico Ruivo Walk, a hike through two of the highest peaks of Madeira with breathtaking scenery. A not to miss hike for all travellers!

Breathtaking views of the tallest peaks of the island: Pico Arieiro, Pico Ruivo and Pico das Torres
Walk “above the clouds” on the Mountains of Madeira Island
Panoramic view of the island

This hike starts at Pico Areeiro (or Arieiro) on the great mountains of Madeira Island, at 1818 meters above sea level.
During this walk it is possible to see panoramic landscapes made up of formidable rock formations. On days of good clear weather you might be able to see Curral das Freiras on the valley below, the island Porto Santo, the Desertas to the south or even the Ponta de São Lourenço. There’s nothing like the sensation of walking amongst the clouds!

In this mountain range we can find the Freira da Madeira, one of the most endangered bird species in Europe. As we walk along the path we can see centenary endemic heathers.
This is a demanding walk and as such it requires some physical preparation and resistance. We’ll face uneven terrain that ascends and descends constantly and in the dry season the sand can be quite slippery. For this reason we recommend shoes with good grip for hikers.
This is a trail with very little or no shade or protections from the elements, please bring adequate clothing and sunscreen.

To reach Pico Ruivo, the highest point of the Island at 1862 meters, we have to climb quite a bit of steep terrain, but the view is absolutely worth it! You will not regret it.