Madeira’s natural wonders come alive in this captivating tour. Guests embark on an early morning journey from Funchal to the third-highest peak, Pico do Arieiro, where they witness a breathtaking sunrise over the island’s rugged terrain. After this awe-inspiring moment, they indulge in a hearty, regional breakfast before exploring the UNESCO-protected Laurissilva Forest. This comprehensive excursion offers a memorable introduction to Madeira’s diverse landscapes, leaving visitors eager to uncover more of this enchanting destination.
Key Points

- This 4-4.5 hour tour from Funchal offers a stunning sunrise viewing at the peak of Pico do Arieiro, Madeira’s third-highest mountain.
- The tour includes a hearty buffet-style breakfast at a rustic old mill, featuring local Madeiran delicacies after the sunrise experience.
- Guests can enjoy a 45-minute levada walk through the UNESCO-protected Laurissilva forest, home to diverse endemic plant species.
- The tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a convenient and seamless experience.
- Live tour guides are available in multiple languages, including Spanish, English, French, German, and Portuguese.
Tour Duration and Availability

The tour lasts between 4 and 4.5 hours, with hotel pickup and drop-off included.
Guests can choose from live tour guides available in Spanish, English, French, German, or Portuguese.
The tour departs around 6:00 AM, with hotel pickup, and takes visitors to Pico do Arieiro, the third-highest peak in Madeira at 1800 meters altitude. Travelers will have the opportunity to witness a stunning sunrise from the highest viewpoint on the island.
After the sunrise, a buffet-style breakfast is served, featuring a variety of sandwiches, homemade cake, biscuits, water, orange juice, fruit jam, cheese, and ham.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Madeira
Sunrise Viewing at Pico Do Arieiro

At the peak of Pico do Arieiro, one of Madeira’s highest vantage points, visitors eagerly await the dramatic display of the sun’s first rays illuminating the island’s rugged landscapes. As the sky gradually transforms from inky darkness to vibrant hues, the experience becomes truly captivating. Guests are treated to a spectacular panoramic view, which encompasses the lush laurel forests and distant peaks of the island. To further enhance the experience, a warm breakfast is served at a nearby rustic old mill, allowing visitors to savor local delicacies while basking in the natural wonder before them.
| Sunrise Experience | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Stunning views | Dramatic sky colors |
| Witnessing daybreak | Panoramic landscape |
| Peaceful atmosphere | Comfort of breakfast |
| Connection with nature | Sense of wonder |
| Memorable moments | Lasting impressions |
Buffet-style Breakfast Details

After the breathtaking sunrise viewing, guests indulge in a hearty buffet-style breakfast served at a rustic old mill.
The spread includes an array of regional delicacies such as sandwiches, homemade cakes, biscuits, water, orange juice, fruit jam, cheese, and ham, allowing visitors to savor the flavors of Madeira.
The breakfast is a perfect way to refuel and recharge after the early start and hike.
Surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the Paradise Valley, guests can sip on hot coffee or tea as they relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere before continuing on their day’s adventure.
Exploring Paradise Valley

Refreshed from the hearty breakfast, guests now embark on a leisurely 45-minute levada walk through the enchanting Paradise Valley, seeing the verdant Laurissilva forest. They’ll marvel at the endemic trees and lush vegetation that thrive in this unique ecosystem. The trail winds through serene landscapes, offering ample opportunities to capture breathtaking photos. As they meander along the levada, guests can’t help but feel a deep connection to the island’s natural wonders.
| Highlights of Paradise Valley | Description |
|---|---|
| Laurissilva Forest | An ancient, UNESCO-protected evergreen laurel forest |
| Levada Trail | A scenic, easy-to-navigate walking path along the water channel |
| Endemic Flora | Diverse array of native Madeiran plant species |
| Tranquil Atmosphere | Peaceful, serene environment away from crowds |
| Photo Opportunities | Picturesque landscapes perfect for capturing memories |
Hotel Pickup and Drop-off

The tour begins with convenient hotel pickup, whisking guests away to the starting point at Pico do Arieiro. Participants are transported in comfort, ensuring a smooth start to the day’s adventure.
After witnessing the stunning sunrise, the group is then taken to a rustic old mill for a delightful buffet-style breakfast. Here, they can enjoy hot drinks, homemade cakes, and an array of local specialties.
Once the meal is finished, the tour continues with a levada walk through the Paradise Valley, allowing guests to enjoy the lush Laurissilva forest.
At the end of the tour, participants are dropped off at either their hotel or a central location, concluding the memorable experience.
Tour Highlights

Visitors start the day with a stunning sunrise at the highest viewpoint of Pico do Arieiro, where they can admire the breathtaking panorama of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
After taking in the magnificent views, they’ll enjoy a hearty buffet-style breakfast at a rustic old mill, complete with homemade cakes, sandwiches, and local delicacies.
The tour also includes a 45-minute levada walk through the Paradise Valley, offering the chance to take in the lush, endemic Laurissilva forest.
Throughout the morning, guests can savor hot beverages and soak up the tranquil atmosphere of this natural wonder.
Inclusions

This tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, a levada walk, and coffee, tea, and breakfast. Guests can enjoy these amenities as part of the comprehensive package.
The tour begins with pickup from the hotel around 6:00 AM and a drive to the Pico do Arieiro, the highest viewpoint at 1,800 meters. After witnessing the stunning sunrise, guests will indulge in a buffet-style breakfast featuring sandwiches, homemade cake, biscuits, water, orange juice, fruit jam, cheese, and ham.
The tour also includes a 45-minute levada walk in the Paradise Valley, where guests can admire the endemic trees of the Laurissilva forest. These inclusions ensure a well-rounded and immersive experience for the participants.
Important Tour Information

Operated rain or shine, the tour provides an alternate sunrise viewing spot at the Skywalk Viewpoint of Guindaste in Santana should weather conditions at Pico do Arieiro prove unfavorable. No refunds are given based on the weather, as the tour will proceed regardless. Guests can expect a 4-4.5 hour experience, with hotel pickup and drop-off included. Live tour guides are available in Spanish, English, French, German, and Portuguese.
| Important Tour Details | ||
|---|---|---|
| Operates Rain or Shine | No Refunds for Weather | Alternate Sunrise Spot |
| Tour Duration: 4-4.5 hrs | Hotel Pickup/Drop-off | Live Guides in 5 Languages |
The tour is designed to ensure guests can enjoy the stunning sunrise and breakfast experience, come rain or shine.
Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Wear for This Tour?
Layered, warm clothing is recommended for this tour. Bring a warm jacket, sturdy hiking shoes, and sun protection like a hat and sunglasses. Dressing in breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics can help ensure comfort during the activity-filled excursion.
Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?
The tour includes restroom facilities during the breakfast stop at the rustic old mill. Guests can use these facilities before and after the brief levada walk in the Paradise Valley area.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
While participants can bring their own food and drinks, the tour generally includes a full breakfast at a rustic mill. The provided breakfast offers a variety of options, making it a convenient choice for most travelers.
Is This Tour Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?
The tour may not be suitable for those with mobility issues. It involves a 45-minute levada walk and transportation to a high-altitude viewpoint, which could be challenging for individuals with limited mobility. Alternate arrangements may be available upon request.
How Much Time Is Allocated for the Levada Walk?
The levada walk portion of the tour lasts approximately 45 minutes. This allows time for participants to admire the views of the endemic trees in the Laurissilva forest during the walk through the Paradise Valley area.
Recap
The Sunrise at Pico Do Arieiro with Breakfast tour offers a captivating introduction to Madeira’s natural beauty.
Witnessing the stunning sunrise over the island’s rugged peaks, indulging in a hearty regional breakfast, and exploring the UNESCO-protected Laurissilva Forest create an unforgettable experience for visitors.
This comprehensive tour showcases the best of Madeira’s landscapes and invites travelers to enjoy the island’s enchanting charm.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Morning in Madeira
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