Conquer Madeira’s highest peaks: Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo

The PR1 Vereda do Arieiro is Madeira’s most famous hike and without a doubt one of the most spectacular experiences on the island. The trail starts at Pico do Arieiro, at 1,818 metres above sea level, where you can enjoy an unforgettable sunrise high above the clouds. From there, the route continues towards Pico Ruivo, the highest peak in Madeira. At the moment, however, part of the PR1 trail is closed. You can only hike a few kilometres before reaching a steel gate, beyond which it’s unfortunately not possible to continue. That said, the hike is still absolutely worth it! The views along this section are breathtaking. During our trip, we were told it’s possible to reach the peak from the other side of the mountain, but we didn’t get the chance to test this ourselves. Be sure to check current trail conditions online or with the locals before starting your hike to see whether the full route is open again. The best way to experience this hike is to start early in the morning, so you can catch the sunrise during the hike. You can park your car at the designated parking area and walk from there to the start of the trail. The earlier you arrive, the better your chances of finding a parking spot. When we returned from our hike, cars were waiting in line for a place to park. Tip: Stop by a local supermarket before you start the hike and grab some bread and toppings. Having a small picnic along the trail with those epic mountain views all around you makes the experience even more special.

@Paulien Huyghe

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