Summit happiness between “giants” could be the motto of this impressive hike. The path leads from the 1818 meter high; Pico do Arieiro over narrow ridges, up and down steep stairs and through dark tunnels, always heading north. The hike is an adrenaline-charged endurance test, which often leads to tired legs, especially when climbing to the 1862-meter-high Pico Ruivo. You need a good level of fitness and are equipped accordingly.
Tour Details
Location: Center of the Island
Special feature: Highest peak
Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo — Madeira’s Greatest Mountain Walk
This is Madeira’s most famous and most rewarding mountain hike — a high-altitude ridge traverse connecting the island’s third and first highest peaks. Starting at Pico do Arieiro (1,818m), the route crosses a dramatic series of peaks, tunnels, and exposed ridgelines before arriving at Pico Ruivo (1,862m), the highest point in Madeira. On clear days, the views extend across the entire island and out to the Atlantic in every direction.
The trail passes through a landscape that feels genuinely Alpine in character — bare volcanic rock, dwarf vegetation, and sudden drops into deep valleys far below. This is not Madeira as most visitors see it. Above the cloud layer, the light is extraordinary and the silence is complete. It is, without question, one of the great walks of Europe.
Route Details
- Start: Pico do Arieiro — 1,818m
- Finish: Pico Ruivo — 1,862m
- Distance: Approximately 8 km one way
- Duration: Full day, 4–5 hours walking
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging — exposed ridges, uneven terrain, some vertigo-inducing sections
- Best conditions: Early morning start for clearest skies above the cloud layer
We depart early from Funchal to reach Arieiro before the clouds build, giving you the best chance of the full above-cloud experience. Return transport from Pico Ruivo is arranged so you don’t need to retrace your steps.
