Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo Guide

Madeira, often called the “Pearl of the Atlantic,” boasts some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Europe. One of its crown jewels is the Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo hike, an iconic trail that promises awe-inspiring views and a thrilling adventure. This guide will take you through everything you need to know to embark on this unforgettable journey and what we learned during our waddle.  Warning: includes a lot of pictures cause we couldn’t get enough!

Where is Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo?

Situated on the Portuguese island of Madeira, this trail stretches across the central mountain range, offering panoramic vistas of lush greenery, rugged cliffs, and the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. And let us tell you, it is epic, breathtaking, tiring, beautiful, and so much more. 

What Makes This Waddle Unique?

This trail is renowned for being one of the highest and most challenging hikes in Madeira. It leads you through a diverse range of landscapes, from rocky terrains to misty forests, providing an exhilarating and serene experience. So far, it is the most beautiful waddle we have been on. The views on the way are out of this world. 

Best Times to Hike

The best times to hike the Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo trail are spring and fall when the weather is more relaxed. It’s also a good idea to start early in the morning to avoid the day’s heat. It can get quite hot in the summer, so make sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen.

What to Pack 

• • Sturdy Hiking Boots: Given the rugged terrain, comfortable and durable footwear is crucial.
  • Layers of Clothing: The weather can change rapidly, so pack layers to accommodate varying temperatures.
  • Rain Gear: Madeira is known for its unpredictable weather, so a waterproof jacket is a must. You can see it also in the photo below, taken on the same day at the beginning of the waddle and at the end. 
  • Snacks and Water: Energizing snacks and sufficient water are essential for this challenging hike. We underestimated this part and paid for it – we barely had energy for the last few kilometers. 
  • First Aid Kit: Carrying basic medical supplies for unforeseen circumstances is always wise.

How to Get to Pico Ruivo Hike

From Funchal,  follow the signs towards Santana. Continue on the ER103 road until you reach the parking area near Pico do Areeiro. If you prefer public transport, buses from Funchal to Areeiro, where you can start your hike, are available. There are two ways to hike up Pico Ruivo, but we took the hard one 😅 not the short or easy one. 

Parking 

There are two parking lots, but for the waddle,  we parked our car at the Parque de Pico do Areeiro. We started our hike with the sunrise (which is epic) and then continued our waddle. For more parking information, check out our sunrise experience. In short, there is a designated parking area, and it is free of charge. 

How Long is the Waddle?

The trail from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo covers approximately 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) one way. Depending on your pace and the stops you make for breathtaking photo opportunities, this hike can take anywhere from 3 to 5 hours one way. It took really long for us as we made so many stops and took too many photos. Also, note, that it seems short in distance, but there are a lot of steps up and down and hills to climb; it is a hard one, and do not take it lightly. 

Our Waddle from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo and Back

The ascent to Pico Ruivo begins at Pico do Areeiro, a starting point already brimming with awe-inspiring views. Pico do Areeiro stands tall as the third-highest peak on the island, reaching an impressive 1,818 meters above sea level. 

We combined our waddle with the sunrise at Miradouro do Juncal. After the sunrise, we re-parked our car and had breakfast, enjoying the best view breakfast we had. From the parking lot, you waddle through the road, and there, the route begins. 

Enjoy the views. The fauna and flora did surprise us. As you ascend, you’ll encounter fascinating rock formations, hidden caves, and the thrill of passing through rugged tunnels, one of this waddle’s highlights. Carved into the mountainside, they gave the overall waddle something special and were a surprise for us. There are quite a lot of them you will go through.  

The environment also changes; from the rocky path, you will suddenly be in a jungle-like environment. Some parts will be very tight; make sure your cap is tight. There were strong winds, and we saw a few being blown away. 

The closer you get to the Pico Ruivo, the more the environment changes. We never saw so much diversity on one hike. As we reach below the summit, there is a cottage where you can buy snacks and use the bathroom for 0.5 € (and expect there to be a long line). The snacks you buy are super overpriced, but if you don’t pack properly and underestimate it like us, you will buy anything there.

After taking a short break, we went to the summit of Pico Ruivo. In our case, the weather was not sunny, so we didn’t see much, but we were as excited to summit as everyone else.  

Once we were well rested, we started our waddle back. Now is the time to remember; all the stairs we had to climb up and down, we had to do again. 😭 

The weather also changed, but it was only cloudy and not raining. On the way back, we made a few stops again, and before ending the waddle, our sugar levels were deficient; therefore, once again – bring enough snacks. 

What to Expect to See Waddling From Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo 

The hike from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo offers a plethora of stunning sights along the way. Here are some of the key attractions and points of interest you’ll encounter on this iconic route:

• • Pico do Areeiro (1,818m): Begin your journey at the third-highest peak in Madeira, Pico do Areeiro. Enjoy panoramic views of the island, including neighboring peaks and the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Caves and Rock Formations: As you descend from Pico do Areeiro, you’ll encounter fascinating rock formations and small caves. These natural wonders provide unique photo opportunities and a chance to explore the geological features of the island.
  • Balcoes Viewpoint: Although not directly on the route, the Balcoes viewpoint is a short detour well worth taking. It offers a breathtaking view of the Ribeira dos Arcos valley and its lush vegetation.
  • Serrado das Freiras (Nun’s Valley): This picturesque village is nestled in a lush valley surrounded by towering cliffs. It’s a remarkable sight and a great place to stop for refreshments and to soak in the serene atmosphere.
  • Pedra do Larano: This dramatic rock formation is a distinctive landmark along the trail. Its unique shape and position make it a memorable feature of the hike.
  • Tunnel Section: A particularly thrilling part of the hike involves passing through a series of tunnels. The tunnels add an adventurous element to the journey and offer a brief respite from the elements.

• • Pico Ruivo (1,862m): The highest peak on the island, Pico Ruivo, is the ultimate reward for your efforts. The views from here are nothing short of spectacular, especially during sunrise or sunset.
  • Pico das Torres: On the way to Pico Ruivo, you’ll pass Pico das Torres, another notable peak. While not as high as Pico Ruivo, it offers stunning vistas and a chance to take in the surrounding beauty.
  • Flora and Fauna: The trail is rich in diverse plant life, including endemic species found only in Madeira. Keep an eye out for colorful wildflowers, ancient laurel trees, and unique mosses.

• • Mist and Clouds: Depending on the weather, you might find yourself walking through mist and clouds, creating an enchanting, otherworldly atmosphere. This phenomenon is common in the higher elevations of Madeira and adds to the mystical allure of the hike.

Embarking on the Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo hike is an experience that will stay with you forever. The stunning landscapes, the sense of achievement, and the memories you’ll create are worth every step. So lace up your boots, pack your essentials, and get ready to be amazed by the natural beauty of Madeira.

Happy waddling!

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