Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo: the PR1 guide

What it is

It’s Madeira’s best-known mountain walk: it links Pico do Areeiro (also spelt Arieiro), at 1,818 metres, with Pico Ruivo, the island’s highest point, along a stone-paved path, steps cut into the rock and tunnels, with the central massif all around you.

It was closed from August 2024 and fully reopened on 1 May 2026; since 26 June it has been open every day. The variant via Pico das Torres is still closed.

Before you go: booking and rules

• Booked time slot. Since 1 January 2026, everyone needs a booked entry time slot on the SIMplifica portal, even those who don’t pay a fee. Slots last 30 minutes, and you can book for the same day if there are places left.
• One way only. Two-way walking is only allowed between Pico do Areeiro and the Miradouro da Pedra Rija (1.2 km). From there to Pico Ruivo, you can only walk towards Pico Ruivo; the exit is via Achada do Teixeira (PR1.2, 2.8 km), Ilha (PR1.1, 8.2 km) or Boca das Torrinhas (PR1.3, about 3.9 km).
• Sunrise. You can watch the sun rise from the Pico do Areeiro viewpoint, weather permitting; the walk itself only starts at your booked time. In June 2026 the IFCN opened slots at 7:00 and 7:30 because of this demand: check the first slot for your date on SIMplifica.
• Refunds. The fee is only refunded if the IFCN closes the trail, and you can then rebook the same trail within a year. Rain, a cancelled flight or illness don’t entitle you to a refund.

What it costs

How to get there

By car, Pico do Areeiro is 35 minutes from Funchal on the ER103 (19.9 km). By the viewpoint there’s a paid IFCN car park, a café and toilets.

The IFCN doesn’t provide transport back: if you exit at Achada do Teixeira, your car at Pico do Areeiro is a 58-minute drive away (37.5 km). Arrange transport before you start.

The forest road between Eira do Serrado and Pico do Areeiro closes during bad weather warnings and when there is a fire risk.

What to bring

• Warm layers and a windproof jacket: it’s cold up there before sunrise
• A torch for the tunnels
• Enough water
• Walking boots with good soles

What if the weather changes?

In thick fog, strong wind or a bad weather warning, the crossing loses its views and becomes dangerous, and the IFCN may close the trail. On those days, swap it for a levada on the south coast or change the day; if the trail closes, the fee is moved to a new date or refunded.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need to book to walk the PR1?

Yes. Since 1 January 2026, everyone needs a booked entry time slot (30 minutes long) on the SIMplifica portal, even children up to 12, who don’t pay. You book online, and it can be for the same day if there are places left.

How much does the PR1 cost?

€10.50 per person for the full trail (non-residents over 12) and €4.50 just to the Miradouro da Pedra Rija and back. The €4.50 ticket isn’t valid for the full trail. On top of that, add parking at Pico do Areeiro, €4 an hour, and transport back to your car.

Can you do it there and back from Pico do Arieiro?

Only as far as Pedra Rija, 1.2 km each way. From there to Pico Ruivo it’s one way only: the exit is via Achada do Teixeira, Ilha or Boca das Torrinhas, and you need transport back to your car.

Can you see the sunrise?

Yes, from the Pico do Areeiro viewpoint, weather permitting. The walk only starts at your booked time; check the first slot available for your date on SIMplifica.

Is it difficult?

It’s a mountain walk, with lots of ups and downs, steep steps cut into the rock and tunnels, between 1,542 and 1,862 metres. The IFCN information board warns that it calls for physical fitness and stamina; Visit Madeira rates it as moderate.

Are there toilets and a café along the way?

At Pico do Areeiro, at the start, and by the Pico Ruivo mountain hut (Casa de Abrigo), at the end of the climb, according to the IFCN information board.

Sources and review date

The facts on this page were checked against the official sources below on 11 October 2026. Rules, opening times and roads change: always check the latest status of the route before you set off.

• Official PR1 information board (IFCN)
• IFCN: recommended walking trails (status updated on 02/10/2026)
• IFCN: walking trail notices
• IFCN: frequently asked questions about trail fees
• Portaria 48/2026 (trail fees)
• Portaria 801/2025 (IFCN fees, parking and entry charges)
• SIMplifica: booking and paying trail fees
• Visit Madeira: PR1 Vereda do Areeiro
• Visit Madeira: Pico do Areeiro