Martin & Tina
•
01. 05. 2026
If you’ve been planning a trip to Madeira in the last two years, you likely came across some sad news: the island’s most famous mountain trek, Vereda do Areeiro (PR1) connecting the peaks of Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo, was closed due to extensive fires in 2024. But we have great news for all lovers of scenic trails! After a challenging 20-month reconstruction, this iconic ridge hike is officially reopening.
The trek above the clouds, steep cliffs, and the famous “Stairway to Heaven” are back. However, with this big return come new rules and huge tourist interest that you should prepare for before your trip.
A New Era for PR1: Mandatory Reservations and an “Authentic Pilgrimage”
Madeira is continuing its efforts to protect nature and regulate the massive influx of tourists. Similar to other trails, you can expect changes here in 2026:
- Entrance fee: While standard levadas cost around €3, the PR1 trek will fall into the premium category. The price for a regular tourist (without a local guide with a protocol) is set at €10.50.
- Advance reservation: You won’t be able to access the trek without a valid reservation for a specific time slot via the government portal SIMplifica.
- Capacity limits and current crowds: The system monitors daily capacities to prevent overcrowded trails and dangerous situations. Immediately upon reopening, enormous interest was confirmed, with morning slots for non-residents selling out instantly. Local media describe this rush on the trail from Pico do Arieiro as an “authentic pilgrimage” (autêntica romaria) towards Pico Ruivo.
- Strict on-site checks: Compliance with the rules is monitored directly in the field by the Forest Police (Corpo de Polícia Florestal) and nature wardens, who check for valid tickets at strategic points. If you just show up without one, they won’t let you through.
How difficult is this trek?
A major update for 2026 is that the route is now one-way! For safety and flow reasons, it is only hiked in the direction from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo. This section is roughly 7 to 7.5 kilometers long and will take you 3.5 to 4.5 hours of pure walking time. From Pico Ruivo, you then have to continue (another roughly 3 km) along an easier path to the Achada do Teixeira parking lot.
Other activities in Madeira
Even though you’re no longer doing 15 km round trip, you still face constant descents and ascents over hundreds of stone steps and passages through dark tunnels. The trail mostly follows an exposed ridge where there’s often a drop-off on both sides of the path. If you suffer from vertigo, this trek will really challenge you. Our tip: Since you aren’t returning to your car at the starting point, don’t forget to sort out your logistics in advance—it’s best to book a morning transfer (a “Pico transfer”) that drops you at the start and picks you up at the finish in Achada do Teixeira.
Not feeling up for such a hike? At least go for the sunrise!
We understand that such a demanding hike in a huge crowd isn’t for everyone. But it would be a huge shame to skip Madeira’s highest peaks entirely.
Pico do Arieiro
Miradouro do Pico do Arieiro is a popular viewpoint located on the third highest peak of the island of Madeira at an altitude of 1818 metres. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the island’s mountain ranges, valleys and coastline, making it a must-see for anyone visiting Madeira. You can get here by car or bus, and there are car parks on site, but the one right by the viewpoint is often full, so we recommend you get there as soon as possible. At the top, you can have a coffee or a meal at the café while enjoying the spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. The car park is often full, but just wait a little longer. We recommend a sunrise hike here!
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You can actually drive very comfortably right to Pico do Arieiro (1,818 m). We recommend renting a reliable car—you can use, for example, the proven comparison site Discover Cars—and head to the summit while it’s still dark. The sunrise, when the sky turns orange and you stand high above a blanket of clouds, is absolutely magical.
Yes, you won’t be there alone. Due to the popularity of this spot, there tend to be crowds of people for sunrise, but trust us—the view is absolutely worth it. For more tips, check out our previous article on the best sunrise spots in Madeira. If you only walk the first 15 minutes from the parking lot to the viewpoint and back, you’ll enjoy the fantastic mountain atmosphere without breaking a sweat. And if you’d still like to conquer the highest mountain, Pico Ruivo, without the drastic climb, you can drive to Achada do Teixeira, where a much shorter and easier path (PR 1.2) begins.
Discover all of Madeira with Retkee
The return of the PR1 trek is one of many reasons to visit the island of eternal spring. Madeira hides so much more—from green levadas and natural pools to mystical forests.
Madeira, ultimate guide: places, trips and tips
Show guide
Don’t want to spend dozens of hours planning and researching which trails are currently open and where you need to buy tickets? At Retkee, we’ve done it for you. Thanks to our complete guide to Madeira, you’ll find dozens of beautiful places, hidden gems, and a logically designed plan for every day.
Our tip for trip planning
Choosing the right hotel or apartment can save you hours of sitting in the car. Also, take a look at our recent article on where to stay in Madeira, where we break down the advantages of Funchal versus the wilder north in detail.
