PR1 Vereda do Areeiro

First time hiking, mind blown about the fact you can walk above the clouds , make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks as once I had finished hunger set in fast. Travel light , any extra weight just makes you fatigued faster. Importantly wear sunscreen as you’re getting direct sun.

Enjoyed the hike! It’s very weather dependent. It got very cloudy after 30mins so we didn’t get a view anymore. Tips- there aren’t many car park slots at the top. We chose to go later and arrived around 1pm so it was easy to find. It costs 3euros an hour. We were there for almost 3 hours so this shows how nice the place is! The road towards the car park is quite well maintained so that was really good. There is a toilet with 1euro fees.

Part of the trail is currently closed, unfortunately. The hike takes about 30–40 minutes one way and is not difficult. The trail is well-maintained, so it’s easy to follow and there’s no risk of getting lost. The views along the way are spectacular, but be aware that fog is quite common.

We did a sunset hike from 2000-2130. Plenty of parking at that time and not too crowded on the trail. Some of the best views we’ve seen!

Apr 2025. You can only do the first 1.2km. Its beautiful. They checked for tickets (3euro per person) when we got there (around noon), when we got back 1.5 hours, no more checks (or he was having a break). Trail is well maintained.

A stunning place for a hike, for a sunrise, and for a sunset. Check the internet webcam to see if the weather is cloudy. Buy the tickets online to skip the queue. Keep in mind that people are hunting for sunny days and may arrive long before you for the sunrise, and parking space is limited here.

Breathtaking views from the top, especially during this time of year when many flowers are in bloom and the famous “sea of clouds” adds to the magical scenery. There are two parking options at the destination: • One located about 700 meters from the trailhead, with a 85-meter elevation gain, costing up to €5/day. • Another right next to the starting point, more convenient but more expensive — up to €20/day. Trail PR1 is partially accessible for about 1.2 km. If you’re aiming to reach Pico Ruivo, you’ll need to take trail PR1.2, which starts from a different location, approximately a 50-minute drive away.

My Favourite Hike in Madeira – Absolutely Breathtaking! PR1 – Vereda do Areeiro was hands-down my favourite hike in Madeira. The landscape is nothing short of spectacular—jagged peaks, rolling clouds, and dramatic cliffs that make you feel like you’re walking above the world. Every step of the trail offers a new, jaw-dropping view. It’s challenging in parts, but completely worth it for the sheer beauty and sense of adventure. If you’re into hiking, this one should be top of your list. I’d do it again in a heartbeat!