Stairway to Heaven: Pico do Areeiro in Madeira Island

Imagine standing atop a rugged peak, gazing out over a sea of mountains and valleys carved by time. That’s what you get on the Stairway to Heaven tour—an exhilarating trek that whisks you through Madeira’s most breathtaking scenery. We haven’t taken this hike ourselves, but from what we’ve seen and heard, it’s a top-tier experience for anyone craving natural beauty and a bit of adventure.

What we love about it? First, the knowledgeable guides who ensure safety while sharing insights into Madeira’s landscape. Second, the stunning panoramic views from Pico do Areeiro and the final ascent, which are simply unforgettable.

Of course, be aware that this is a challenging hike—around 7 kilometers of ups, downs, and stairs—making it unsuitable for those with health issues or limited mobility. It’s best suited for active travelers who want a true outdoor challenge and don’t mind a bit of physical exertion. If you’re after a relaxed sightseeing tour, this might not be your best fit. Still, for lovers of wild landscapes and rewarding vistas, it’s a memorable treasure.

Key Points

• Spectacular Views: The tour offers panoramic vistas from Madeira’s third-highest peak, Pico do Areeiro.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides lead you safely through the diverse landscapes.
• Physical Challenge: The hike is demanding, with steep ascents, stairs, and uneven terrain.
• Authentic Experience: You’ll walk through scenic forests, historic sites, and remote viewpoints.
• Value for Money: At $52, the experience provides a full day of adventure, transportation, and guided expertise.
• Limited for Some: Not suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, or anyone with mobility or health issues.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Unlocking of Madeira’s Mountain Magic

We’ll start with the introduction to the tour: it’s a full-day adventure, roughly six hours long, that promises a mixture of lush landscapes, historic sites, and the ultimate thrill—the Stairway to Heaven. The journey begins in Funchal, where pickup from a variety of central locations is included, making logistics straightforward. Once on the bus, a scenic drive takes you through Madeira’s dramatic terrain, setting the stage for what’s to come.

What sets this tour apart? It’s not just a walk—it’s an immersive experience through some of the island’s most captivating sights. The first stop at the Ecological Park is perfect for stretching your legs and marveling at Madeira’s diverse ecosystems. These peaceful trails are ideal for nature lovers, and the fresh mountain air helps shake off any travel fatigue.

Next, the brief visit to Poço da Neve, an old ice storage site with sweeping views of Funchal and the Atlantic, offers a glimpse into Madeira’s past innovation. It also provides a spectacular photo opportunity—something all travelers love. From here, you ascend toward Pico do Areeiro, the third-highest point on the island at 1,818 meters. The ascent is a highlight, with views that stretch for miles and a sense of altitude that’s both invigorating and humbling.

The Trail and Views

The Vereda do Burro (PR3) trail guides you through lush forests and rugged terrain, a feast for your senses. The guides will describe the flora and fauna, adding context to the scenery. The trail isn’t just about reaching the top—it’s about appreciating each step and the panoramic rewards along the way.

The Ninho da Manta viewpoint is a favorite stop, offering sweeping vistas of the surrounding mountain range. Tour reviews highlight the high quality of guiding; one reviewer mentions Martha’s attentiveness and friendliness, which makes the challenging hike more enjoyable.

The real highlight? The Stairway to Heaven itself. This steep, demanding climb tests your stamina, but the view from the summit is worth every bead of sweat. The sense of achievement makes it a truly special moment, and the tour’s guides are on hand to ensure safety.

Finally, the route brings you back to Pico do Areeiro, completing a loop that combines natural beauty with physical challenge. You’ll have opportunities for photos at key viewpoints—like Pedra Rija and the final photo stop at the stairway—ensuring you’ll remember this day long after.

Practical Details

The tour is priced at $52 per person, which covers transportation, a professional guide, and the insurance required by Portuguese law. This is a reasonable price considering the full-day adventure and the inclusions. However, there’s a mandatory €3 donation for trail maintenance, payable in cash to the guide—an honest way to contribute to Madeira’s natural preservation.

The tour operates in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, German, French, and Portuguese, making it accessible for many travelers. It’s a long day—about six hours total, including transportation—and the hike alone takes around 4 hours. It’s physically demanding, so a good level of fitness is essential. Wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring sun protection, rain gear, and enough food and water. A jacket is advisable, as mountain weather can change quickly.

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, or travelers with mobility issues. These restrictions are due to the physical nature of the hike, which involves steep climbs and uneven terrain.

What Travelers Say

The reviews reflect a high level of satisfaction, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on nine reviews. Travelers praise the knowledgeable guides and stunning scenery: “Martha was especially friendly and helpful…made the tour a very special experience,” says one review.

Others emphasize the challenge and the views: “Beautiful but challenging hike over 7 km,” comments a traveler, highlighting how the physical effort is rewarded with spectacular vistas. Several reviewers mention the safe driving and attentive service provided by the guides, which adds peace of mind to the adventure.

More Great Tours Nearby

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is perfect for active travelers who love nature and want to push themselves physically while soaking in Madeira’s scenic beauty. If you’re comfortable with hiking for several hours and enjoy panoramic views from mountain peaks, this tour is a fantastic choice. It’s also a good option if you’re seeking guided expertise and a chance to learn about Madeira’s landscapes from locals.

However, it’s not suitable for those with mobility impairments, health issues, or a low fitness level. The demanding terrain and steep ascents mean this isn’t a casual stroll; it’s a true outdoor challenge. If you’re traveling with very young children or pregnant, you might want to consider gentler options.

The Bottom Line

The Stairway to Heaven tour offers an impressive combination of Madeira’s natural beauty, physical challenge, and expert guidance. It’s a full-day commitment, but one that provides incredible views and authentic outdoor experiences. For those who want a taste of adventure and the chance to stand atop one of the island’s highest peaks, this tour is hard to beat.

Keep in mind, it’s best suited for travelers in good health and with a spirit for physical activity. The sense of accomplishment from conquering the trail and the unforgettable scenery make it well worth the effort. If that sounds appealing—and you’re prepared for the physicality—you’ll find this hike a highlight of your Madeira trip.

FAQ

How do I get picked up for the tour?
The tour includes pickup from over 40 centrally located hotels and locations in Funchal. You should be ready and waiting in the hotel reception area about 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup time. Guides will wait around 5 minutes for latecomers.

What should I bring on the hike?
Wear comfortable hiking shoes, and bring sun protection, a rain jacket, and a jacket for cooler mountain weather. Pack enough food and drinks, because there may be limited options along the route.

Is the tour suitable for children?
No, it isn’t suitable for children under 8 years old. The hike is physically demanding and involves steep climbs and stairs.

Can I do this if I have mobility issues?
No, this tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments or health conditions that limit physical activity, due to the challenging terrain.

How long does the hike last?
The hike itself takes about 4 hours, but with transportation, breaks, and sightseeing, the entire experience lasts around 6 hours.

What is the price, and is it good value?
At $52 per person, the tour offers guided hiking, transportation, and insurance, making it quite a good value considering the day’s adventure and scenery.

Are there any extra costs?
Yes, there’s a €3 (about $3.20) trail maintenance contribution, payable in cash to the guide.

What language is the tour guided in?
The tour can be led in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, German, French, and Portuguese. The actual language might depend on the guide available that day.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour proceeds in most weather conditions, but safety is paramount. If weather conditions become hazardous, the guide may modify or cancel parts of the route. Always be prepared for changing mountain weather.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a hiking experience that combines physical effort with unforgettable scenery, the Stairway to Heaven tour on Madeira delivers exactly that. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy guided outdoor adventures and are comfortable with challenging terrain. While the hike may not be for everyone, those who give it a go will walk away with stories of incredible views, new fitness achievements, and a deep appreciation for Madeira’s rugged beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here: