Pico do Arieiro – Pico Ruivo — Above the Clouds★★★
The hike from Pico do Arieiro (1,818 m) to Pico Ruivo (1,862 m) is Madeira's royal hike — and one of the most spectacular high-altitude hikes in all of Europe. The path leads over narrow mountain ridges, through tunnels carved into the rock, and past dizzying abysses, while below you a sea of clouds surges, through which the mountain peaks rise like islands.
The Route
Start: Pico do Arieiro (1,818 m, reachable by car, parking available)
Destination: Pico Ruivo (1,862 m, highest point of Madeira)
Length: 7 km (one way) / 14 km round trip
Duration: 3–4 hours (one way), 5–7 hours round trip
Difficulty: Challenging — steep sections, tunnels, sure-footedness required
Elevation Difference: Approx. 500 m ascent/descent (the path has several ascents and descents)
The hike begins at Pico do Arieiro, Madeira's third-highest peak, which you can easily reach by car. From here, in clear weather, you can see the entire island, Porto Santo, and sometimes even the Desertas Islands. The path initially leads over a narrow ridge with steep slopes on both sides — to the left the north with mist and green valleys, to the right the south with sun and the open Atlantic.
Along the way, you pass several tunnels (flashlight needed!), steep stairs carved into the rock, and the intermediate peak Pico das Torres. The final ascent to Pico Ruivo rewards with the ultimate 360-degree panorama of Madeira: the entire island lies beneath you, surrounded by the endless Atlantic.
Alternative: Those who do not want to hike back and forth can also reach Pico Ruivo from Achada do Teixeira (2.8 km, 45 minutes, easy). From there, it is an easy walking path to the summit. Those with two cars or who organize a transfer can hike the route as a one-way trip Pico do Arieiro → Pico Ruivo → Achada do Teixeira.
💡 Tipp
The sunrise at Pico do Arieiro is one of Madeira's most magical experiences — drive up before sunrise (around 5:30 in summer, around 7:00 in winter) and stand on the summit as the sun rises over the sea of clouds. Then start the hike to Pico Ruivo in the perfect morning light. Bring warm clothing — at 1,800 m it can be cold and windy even in summer!
Achtung
The hike requires sure-footedness and a head for heights. Some sections are narrow, steep, and unsecured. In fog, rain, or strong winds, the route can be dangerous — the paths become slippery and orientation difficult. Check the weather conditions beforehand (webcams at Pico do Arieiro) and do not start in bad weather.
