Pico do Arieiro Sunrise Plus 2 extra Hiking Trails
Start with sunrise at Pico do Areeiro, hike the Stairway to Heaven, walk the Donkey Trail, relax over lunch, enjoy views over Funchal Bay — and optionally finish in Monte for the famous toboggan ride.
Included/Exclude
sd
fg
zdh
dfzh
dfz
sdg
sdg
f
sd
Tour Plan
Get picked up from your Hotel or the most convenient location close to you . Then we start our ascent up the mountain to the sunrise spot
We begin early in the morning, heading high into Madeira’s mountains to witness the sunrise . As the first light breaks through the clouds, you’ll enjoy one of the most dramatic viewpoints on the island — a moment that alone makes the early start worthwhile.
From here, we continue onto the legendary PR1 (upto Stairway to Heaven ) trail, home to the famous Stairway to Heaven. This breathtaking section offers jaw-dropping ridge views, dramatic drops, and photo opportunities that have made Madeira famous worldwide. Unlike rushed tours, we allow time to enjoy the scenery, take photos, and truly experience the trail.
After PR1, we transition onto the PR3 – the historic “Donkey Trail.” Once used by locals to transport goods between the mountains and Funchal, this path tells a quieter story of Madeira’s past. Here, we’ll encounter and interact with friendly donkeys, adding a unique and memorable cultural element rarely included in standard hiking tours.
We then take a well-earned lunch break at a charming local coffee shop, where you can relax, refuel, and enjoy Madeira’s laid-back atmosphere. This pause makes the tour accessible and enjoyable even for those new to longer hikes.
For those still feeling energetic and if time permits, the adventure continues along PR3.1, where the reward is a spectacular panoramic view over Funchal Bay — a perfect contrast to the morning’s mountain scenery.
To finish the day, you’ll have the option to be dropped off in Monte, one of Madeira’s most famous areas. Here you can explore the beautiful palace gardens, experience the iconic toboggan ride, or simply enjoy the views over the city.