PR1 Vereda do Areeiro

One of my all time favorite spots to visit on the Island... A wonderful opportunity to see the mar de nubes in action (sea of clouds).... A few tips: 1. Park right next to the visitor centre/cafe and you pay per hour. If you are fittish you can park down the hill for free and walk 20 mins uphill. If you have kids pay and make your life easier (it is affordable). 2. The "hike" is more like a nice leisurely walk. From the visitor centre it is ca. 15-20 mins easy walk (downhill... but remember you need to walk back later) to the first look out point. Worth making the trek as it is a whole new view! Then from there walk 50 meters back and go for the other path to a further look out (another 15-20 mins walk) for yet another amazing angle. No need to bring excessive water or hiking things. We walked in normal shoes. Weather can change quickly but you are always 20 mins away from safety :-) Good for all ages!

Absolutely recommended! PR1 is a short but spectacular hike. The sunrise from the top is absolutely magical—one of those moments that makes getting up in the middle of the night completely worth it. I booked the sunrise tour PR1 + PR3 on get your guide (with Nelio) for 35 EUR and it was an incredible experience. Even though I had a car, it’s so much better to be driven up the mountain early in the morning—there are steep slopes, it’s still dark, and being dropped off right at the start makes everything easier and safer. Before you begin, you get a clear explanation of the trail, what to expect, and helpful tips that make the hike feel comfortable and well-prepared. Communication beforehand was quick, reassuring, and very easy. After the PR1 hike you continue with the PR3. It is a totally different experience, full of lush vegetation and changing scenery. The 2.5-hour walk downhill is beautiful and relaxed. If you arrive with your own car, you’d have to climb all the way back up afterward, which is extremely demanding—so the transfer makes the whole experience so much more enjoyable. A stunning route, smooth organization, and one of the most memorable mornings you can have on the island. I’d recommend this tour to anyone looking for a breathtaking and well-planned adventure!

Am amazing hike with spectacular views. Either you get to walk in the clouds in misty mountains or you get the see the spectacular cliffs vertically falling down into the valley below. The track is super well maintained and even without the connection to the Pico Ruivo the hike is a gem. We spent 3h just because we admired the scenery so much. Madeira Mist see for a very good reason

Spectacular. €5 for all day at middle car park. We arrived at 6:45 and had to park in this one. We visited in October and sunrise was at 8:13. We preferred the hill below the top point to watch the sunrise as it’s less crowded.

Do this hike! Despite wind and fog on the day we went, it was a terrific hike. It took us 1.5 round trip (there is a gate where they have closed the trail).

We went to watch the sunrise rise which was our highlight. The walk our guide said was quite. I found it very busy but I am used to being in much quieter hikes. Since Aug 2024 there was a landslide and the full walk is now blocked so you walk down the staircase to look back at it and walk all the way back. The scenery was spectacular and we had a really nice, sunny warm day for the walk which made the day. I wouldn't have enjoyed it if it was wet and cold! I've put 4 stars only because the full hike is closed.

We went for a sunrise hike on a Saturday, showed up a little before 7am and the parking situation was crazy. Police blocked the road to the top and hundreds of cars were parking in the remote lot but there were only 2 parking ticket machines. We waited 45 min in line to pay for parking before an official came over and said we could pay afterwards. By the time we walked up we just missed sun rise 🤣 ( I added a Pic of the parking lot and the lineup for parking tickets in case you think I'm exaggerating. ) The short section of the hike that is open is very nice but the amount of people is a little overwhelming at times. Overall, I'd recommend this one but if you're planning to go for sun rise, go very early!

Trail is open until stairway to heaven, 1h walking distance in one way, many oportunities for great pictures and memories, local shelter offers souvenirs and food&drinks, must visit if You are on Madera 🫠