UPDATED: 20-03-2020 ◊ ZMIEŃ JĘZYK NA POLSKI
Pico do Arieiro is a breathtaking place and the famous trail PR1 Vereda do Areeiro definitely deserves its fame and recommendations. Visit it while the weather is good to have an unforgettable walk in the clouds…
Vereda do Areeiro – Map & Info
The PR1 hike map including difficulty and altitudes can be downloaded [HERE], and a complete Visit Madeira brochure with all recommended hikes on Madeira in English [HERE].
The hike “Vereda do Areeiro – PR 1”, between these two peaks is a wonderful walk traversing part of the Central Mountain Massif, an area integrated into the Natura 2000 Network, with tunnels, steep cliffs carved into the rock, and steep ascents and descents. All this with the possibility of admiring wonderful views.
Many local companies offer guided tours, where customers are picked up from the hotel, left at the first peak, picked up from the second a couple of hours later, and taken back to the hotel in the afternoon.
CHECK AND BOOK: ORGANIZED TOURS
Vereda do Areeiro – Photo Gallery
Here are some quick shots we took between Pico do Arieiro & Pico Ruivo:
And here some quick shots we took between Pico Ruivo and Achada do Teixera:
Vereda do Areeiro – Tour Prices
Doing the one-way hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo with an organized tour is a safe and convenient option, but it isn’t cheap, especially if we travel in big groups. A one-day tour, where tourists are picked up at their hotel and taken by a bus to Pico do Arieiro, walk together with a guide and are being picked up at the end of the day at Pico Ruivo, costs around EUR 35 per person.
CHECK AND BOOK: ORGANIZED TOURS
Vereda do Areeiro – How to get there by bus?
Bad news for people travelling on a budget – there are no busses going all the way to Pico do Arieiro. The best alternative, in this case, is getting a public bus to the closest bus stop and hitch-hiking to Pico do Arieiro. After getting to Pico Ruivo you will need to hitch-hike again, or possibly arrange a private pickup.
Pico & Vereda do Areeiro – Pictures above the clouds
If you are not able to take the PR1 hike, but also would like to take a few spectacular pictures with the fluffy carpet made of clouds, no need to worry. It is possible to get to Pico do Arieiro by car. You can also start walking towards Pico Ruivo, but return after about a kilometre. In my opinion, the most beautiful part of the route is located very close to Pico do Arieiro. The beginning of the route looks particularly beautiful in the pictures; my favourite part is the spectacular little stairs, with an abyss on both sides.
The parking on Pico do Arieiro is free. You will be able to get by car almost all the way to the top, which is why Pico do Arieiro is one of the most popular attractions/places to see on Madeira.
It was the top of Pico do Arieiro where we had our outdoor wedding photo session, which we will remember for the rest of our lives.
Another idea for a walk in the clouds, but more accessible than the option described above, is a short walk from Achada do Teixeira (Teixeira Plateau) to Pico Ruivo – PR1.2.
Achada do Teixeira is located very close to Santana in the north-east of the island. You can park your car in a large parking lot and a walk towards Pico Ruivo (about 3 km to the peak).
The beginning of the route is easily accessible and the path is wide and paved. Walking this short route during good weather, we can expect such views:
To know when it’s worth going to Pico do Arieiro, it’s best to check the live cameras available [HERE]. You can also see some amazing time lapses at that site – especially sunsets and sunrises at the top of the summit.
Pico do Arieiro is definitely a place you cannot miss during your visit to Madeira.
SEE ALSO OTHER POPULAR HIKES ON MADEIRA: