Pico Areeiro to Pico Ruivo Madeira Island Walk

Taking a walk from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo is often described as a highlight for visitors eager to see Madeira’s rugged beauty. This guided tour offers a chance to traverse the island’s highest points, where the views are nothing short of spectacular. While the original trail can be closed due to wildfires (a reminder that nature’s power can impact plans), the alternative route still delivers impressive scenery and a good dose of adventure.

What we particularly like about this experience? First, the opportunity to summit Madeira’s two highest peaks with a guided professional helping you along the way—an invaluable safety feature. Second, the panoramic vistas from these high vantage points make every step worth it. The only potential drawback? The trek is described as challenging, so it’s best suited for those with a reasonable level of fitness and a love for outdoor activity.

If you’re someone who relishes authentic landscapes, enjoys a physical challenge, and wants a guided experience to enhance safety and knowledge, this tour could very well be your perfect Madeira adventure.

• Stunning panoramic views of Madeira’s rugged interior and coastlines.
• Guided tour with professional insights and safety support.
• Challenging terrain with steep inclines, tunnels, and rugged paths.
• Diverse endemic flora along the trail adds botanical interest.
• Includes transportation and safety briefing for a hassle-free experience.
• The cost of $47 offers good value for a full day of adventure.

Madeira’s landscape is famously dramatic, and this guided trek promises a front-row seat to its most breathtaking scenery. The experience starts with a pickup in Funchal, the island’s capital, where the tour company, Spot Madeira Travel, arranges transportation to the trailhead at Pico do Areeiro. For those staying elsewhere, it’s worth noting that pickups outside Funchal and Caniço require advanced contact with the agency, and additional charges may apply—so plan accordingly.

The Starting Point: Pico do Areeiro

Once you arrive at Pico do Areeiro, you’re at one of the highest points on the island, sitting at 1818 meters above sea level. From here, the views are already impressive, with expansive horizons stretching across valleys and mountain ranges. The group gathers for a guided walk, lasting approximately 4.75 hours, so it’s a substantial commitment, but one that’s filled with visual rewards.

What makes Pico do Areeiro special? It’s often described as a viewpoint that feels like you’re on top of the world, offering a panoramic sweep of Madeira’s rugged interior. The trail itself is rugged and marked, with some steep sections that challenge your fitness level but also deliver the thrill of tackling nature head-on.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Navigating through Tunnels and Cliffs

A standout feature of this walk is the natural tunnels—a fun and slightly adventurous element that adds variety to the hike. These tunnels often come from the natural erosive forces shaping the landscape, allowing you to walk through stone corridors with views opening up behind you. The trail’s rugged terrain also includes steep inclines and cliffs, so good footwear and a steady pace are essential.

The Summit at Pico Ruivo

Reaching Pico Ruivo, the island’s highest point at 1862 meters, marks a true achievement. Here, you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree vistas that include the rugged mountains, deep valleys, and the distant sea. The summit hosts a refuge where you can pause, catch your breath, and take in the serenity of this lofty perch.

Many reviews highlight how spectacular the views are—far beyond what photos can capture. The sense of standing so high above the rest of the island creates a feeling of being on top of the world, a moment to savor and remember.

The Return and Leisure Time

After the ascent, the group descends to a local café for about 40 minutes of free time, where you can enjoy a snack or simply soak in the landscape. The return journey takes around 50 minutes by van, giving you time to reflect on the day’s highlights.

This tour covers expert guidance, transportation, a safety briefing, and comprehensive insurance coverage—elements that contribute to both safety and peace of mind. The price of $47 is quite reasonable considering the full-day commitment and the included services.

However, there are some costs to keep in mind. If you want pickups from locations outside Funchal or Caniço, additional fees apply, ranging from €10 to €40. Plus, visitors must pay a €3 tax to access the trail, which is a small fee but adds up if you’re planning multiple activities.

What to bring? Pack comfortable shoes, a windbreaker (weather can be unpredictable at high altitude), and perhaps a small snack. The terrain is rugged, and weather conditions can change quickly—layers are wise.

We loved the way the tour combines physical challenge with the opportunity to see Madeira’s most iconic landscapes. The rugged cliffs, endemic flora, and natural tunnels make every step exciting and different. Many reviewers mention how the views are “breathtaking,” often praising the feeling of reaching the highest peaks and gazing over the island’s varied terrain.

The guided element is particularly valuable. Knowing that an expert is leading helps manage safety through tricky sections and enriches the experience with local insights. The small group sizes foster a more personal atmosphere, making it easier to ask questions and share the wonder.

The Challenges

While many enjoyed the walk, it’s important to recognize it’s not a casual stroll. Steep inclines, rugged terrain, and wind at high altitudes test your stamina and balance. It’s best suited for active travelers comfortable with outdoor trekking.

Some reviews note that the trail is closed during wildfire risk periods, which highlights the importance of flexibility and checking availability in advance.

If you’re looking for a challenging yet rewarding outdoor experience that offers stunning views and a taste of Madeira’s wild heart, this tour fits the bill. It’s perfect for active travelers, nature lovers, and those wanting a guided experience with safety support.

It’s less suitable for families with very young children or those with mobility issues, given the rugged terrain and steep sections. Also, if you prefer a more relaxed sightseeing day, this might be a bit intense.

At $47, this guided walk offers excellent value — full-day adventure, expert guidance, transportation, and safety assurances are included. The scenery is unparalleled, and the sense of achievement upon reaching Pico Ruivo makes it well worth the effort. Compared to private hikes or self-guided excursions, the organized nature ensures you get the most out of your time without worry.

The optional extra costs for pickups outside Funchal are reasonable if you’re based locally, and the €3 access tax is a small price to pay for the privilege of walking through such pristine terrain.

This Madeira hike from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo is a solid choice for those who want to see the island’s most dramatic landscapes with a knowledgeable guide by their side. The views are unforgettable, the terrain challenging but manageable with proper footwear, and the overall experience deeply authentic.

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or an adventurous traveler looking to stretch your legs and your sense of wonder, this tour provides a memorable high-altitude adventure. Just remember to dress in layers, bring a sense of adventure, and prepare for some of the most stunning scenery Madeira has to offer.

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour includes transportation from Funchal to the trailhead and back, making logistics easier and more comfortable.

What’s the duration of the walk? The guided walk lasts approximately 4.75 hours, with additional time for pickup, lunch, and return.

Can I join if I stay outside Funchal? Yes, but pickups outside Funchal or Caniço require contacting the agency in advance, and additional fees may apply.

Is this walk suitable for children? The trail is challenging and rugged, so it’s best suited for travelers older than 12 years with a reasonable fitness level.

What should I bring? Comfortable shoes, a windbreaker, and perhaps a snack or water for the day. Weather can change quickly at high altitude.

Are there any additional costs? Besides the tour price of $47, expect to pay €3 for the trail access tax and optional extra pickup fees if outside the main areas.

What language is the guide available in? Guides speak Portuguese, English, French, German, and Spanish, ensuring good communication for most travelers.

In summary, if you’re after breathtaking views, a physical challenge, and a guided experience that unlocks Madeira’s highest peaks, this tour provides excellent value and authentic scenery. Just come prepared for the rugged terrain and a good dose of adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: