PR1 Vereda do Areeiro

If you start your hike in the pm, you’ll find it pleasantly quiet in early season (mid feb). You’ll be rolling a dice with the weather but I managed to get lucky. Plenty of spots to come off the path and enjoy the sky, Mountain View’s or maybe just the clouds. I’d say kids over 8 could handle this if they are used to walks. Picnic spot at the top for them! Good luck!

The PR1 in Madeira is a gorgeous hiking trail that spans several kilometers, though currently only the first section is accessible. The path is well maintained, I would say moderately challenging, with some steeper parts that might be too much for kids. The trail is paved in many places and even has safety rails in steeper sections. There are plenty of stunning viewpoints, and it is absolutely worth coming here at sunset for the incredible scenery. The parking area can get crowded, though, so plan accordingly. Luckily, there are public toilets and even a few picnic tables. At the start, there’s a small souvenir shop, but it feels a bit overly touristy in my opinion. Right now, the trail is only open up to the Stairway to Heaven (about 1.5 km in), as the second part has been closed due to a fire incident. Still, the open section is worth it, with stunning views on the mountains all the way. At the top, there’s also an observatory, which adds a nice touch to the experience. Tip: bring enough water and a windjacked

We went for sunrise and it was the best thing ever! We arrived at 6, parked upstairs, even though a sign says you can park for max 1 hour. We never got fined or whatsoever. We hiked up and waited for another hour, because the sun will be raised at 8. Parking was getting full fast so i recommend coming this early if you want to see the sunrise. Also from that early you’ll see all the different colors in the sky, so definitely recommend. You can still hike until the stairway to heaven, but from there it will be closed. Yes this hike is crowded even this early, but it’s totally worth it! If your later people park along the street but there is also a parking place down the hill, where a shuttle will take you up. In our case the police was standing there, so nobody will be going up anymore and park on those designated parking places and take the shuttle. Side note if you drive through Funchal to this place, you’ll get a road that’s nearly 50% up. We made it with our fiat panda so probably you’ll too.

We used a travel company that dropped us off before sunrise. Definitely worth doing and not taking your own transport. There will be hundreds of cars trying to get to the same spot. Also it's quite a hard drive in the dark. There will be a lot of people there but it's still nice to watch the sunrise, and walk PR1, some of it is single file like. Beautiful stunning views make it worth it! It's very windy up there. Definitely recommend!

The PR1 Pico Rivo - Pico Areeiro trail is undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking experiences I've ever encountered. Hiking this path at sunrise, with the clouds below me, felt like stepping into a dream. The early morning light transformed the landscape, illuminating the rugged peaks and valleys in a golden hue. The trail itself offers a mix of challenging terrain and stunning views, making it perfect for both seasoned hikers and those looking to be awed by nature. As I climbed higher, the serenity of the moment was palpable, with only the sound of my footsteps and the gentle rustle of the wind. Reaching the summit, surrounded by the breathtaking panorama, I felt a deep sense of accomplishment and tranquility. The combination of the mist rising from the valleys and the vibrant colors of the sky made this moment truly magical. In short, the PR1 Pico Rivo - Pico Areeiro is a must-do for anyone who loves nature and hiking. Experiencing this trail at sunrise is an unforgettable journey that showcases the beauty of our world. Highly recommended!

Too bad the PR1 was partially closed when I was there. I only got to hike the first 1.3km in the early afternoon and it was breathtaking. Definitely recommend to hike the full distance, and start in the morning. Sunrise may be a little early and cold but definitely 9am is the latest you should start. Afternoon is not ideal, even if doable, as clouds starts to form and sit on the peaks after 3pm. Also, bring multiple layers, waterproof clothes, and plenty of water and snacks

Absolutely insane - one of the best and most beautiful walks I’ve ever done, and I’ve hiked a lot!! The day we went there it was incredibly windy and I would say to anyone be careful of the harsh weather. We had to park in the secondary car park but we knew that before arriving. The “scary” bit wasn’t scary to us - perhaps if you had vertigo there were several steep drops, but otherwise it was great all round. No relief from the elements atall, wind or sun - very little shelter. Dress accordingly!!

Fascinated trail! But given that it can be very crowded. Important: Due to the forrest fire some months ago only 2km are walkable