Curral das Freiras

Tours

Hike at your own rhythm on a self-guided trek in Madeira with pick-up and dropoff at your accommodation. Explore Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, for the sunrise and view unique landscapes between Madeira's highest mountains (up to 1862 m). Get picked up at your accommodation with a shared transfer (up to 8 guests per van) and head to the 2nd highest mountain, Pico do Arieiro. Get instructions and map explanations from your host along with a schedule. Hike for 5 hours from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo and then Achada do Teixeira (10 km). Be picked up after the hike at Achada do Teixeira in the parking lot. Hike information: • Duration: 5 hours • Extension: 10 km • Starting point: Pico do Arieiro (1818 m) • Ending point: Achada do Teixeira (1600 m) • Max elevation: 1862 m (Pico Ruivo) • Min elevation: 1548 m Transfer information: • Capacity: 8 people • From the city to Pico do Arieiro: average 1.5 hour • From Achada do Teixeira to the city: average 1.5 hour • Pick-up/Dropoff limits: Funchal and Caniço areas exclusively

Discover the diverse landscapes of Madeira on a day-long tour. Wander charming towns, enjoy panoramic views and learn about the area from your expert guide. Depart from the meeting point at Funchal's Lido or take advantage of a free hotel pick-up in selected areas. The first stop is at the beautiful viewpoint of Terreiro da Luta, located a few kilometers outside Funchal. Next, drive toward the mountain of Pico do Arieiro. At an altitude of 1,818 meters, the third highest peak on the island offers breathtaking views. Once you've been to the highest drivable peak in Madeira, head back down through the forest on the way to the coast. Admire some of Madeira's emblematic straw-roof houses, pass pretty villages and get stunning seascape views. Arrive at the very eastern point of the island for some superb panoramas of the north and south coasts. Discover the popular start point for the levada walks, Ribeiro Frio, on the northern slopes of the island. See interesting trout pools and original vegetation. Madeira was once completely covered by laurissilva forest, a relic from prehistoric times. Stop for lunch in Santana, characterized by its small, thatched triangular houses. Past Portela go towards Ponta de São Lourenço, situated in the eastern part of the island. This is a place where a fantastic combination of rocks, sea, and nature combine. The last town to be visited is Machico, a viewpoint where you can look over the bay and the golden sandy beach.

Sunrise at Pico do Areeiro & Flexible Hiking Adventures* Start your day by meeting your Madeira hiking transfer at one of the pickup points in Funchal, Caniço, or Garajau. From there, you'll be transported directly to the trailhead for a magical sunrise at Pico do Areeiro. *Temporary Route Adjustments: While part of the PR1 trail is currently closed, you’ll still have time after sunrise to explore the accessible section up to Pedra Rija (it’s possible to walk a section of the PR1 trail, approx. 1.2 km to the so-called "Stairway to Heaven" at Pedra Rija and back) before returning to our bus (around 2h). Next, we’ll take you to an alternative hike: Mondays, Thursdays, Sundays: PR1.2 Achada do Teixeira – Pico Ruivo (approx. 4h) - a stunning mountain trail: https://walkmeguide.com/en/madeira/trail/17/vereda-do-pico-ruivo-pr1-2/ OR Wednesdays: Vereda do Larano (approx. 4.5h) - a scenic coastal route: https://walkmeguide.com/en/madeira/trail/45/vereda-do-larano/ These options offer equally breathtaking experiences until the full PR1 trail reopens. IMPORTANT: - The TIME shown on your GetYourGuide voucher is not your pickup time. Shortly after booking, you'll receive an automatic email (to your individual GetYourGuide inbox) with our official ticket, Trail Timing Guide, and the exact pickup time and location. - This is a SELF-GUIDED hike - there is no guide during the trail. Please check our map & location links (pins), Trail Timing Guide, and Instagram highlighted stories for details: https://www.instagram.com/get_to_hikes_madeira/ - Madeira’s high mountains are subject to sudden and severe WEATHER changes. For safety reasons, we may occasionally need to cancel or adjust the hike. In such cases, you’ll receive a full refund or the option to rebook for another day. - Please wear CLOTHING suitable for changeable weather conditions and prepare for an unforgettable adventure in Madeira’s stunning outdoors! --- Classic PR1 Experience (when reopens): After the sunrise at Pico do Areeiro, you’ll follow the thrilling PR1 trail to Pico Ruivo. This well-marked path leads you through Madeira's stunning landscapes to its highest peak, with unforgettable panoramic views along the way. - Distance: 10 km - Duration: 3-5 hours - Difficulty: Moderate - Elevation Gain: 637 meters - Essential Gear: Headlamp or phone torch for early morning hours. Your hike concludes at Achada do Teixeira, where timed transportation will bring you back to your chosen stop.

Enjoy a flexible transfer from Funchal to Pico do Arieiro. Trek up to the highest and second-highest mountain on Madeira at your own pace and enjoy pickup and drop-off at your accommodation. START in Pico do Arieiro + Stairway to Heaven Hike (2.5km round trip) + Vereda do Burro trail (7.3km) All combined its 10km and 5 hours of hiking. DESCRIPTION: Experience the most amazing natural scenery as you walk on the PR1 Stairway to Heaven Trail, on a hike in Pico do Arieiro for the sunrise. Walk at your own pace with total freedom as you enjoy the fantastic views. This viewpoint is located next to Pousada do Pico do Arieiro, so-called because it is the place where the bird of prey known as buzzard (Buteo buteo) nested. From this point it is possible to see São Roque do Faial and the valley of Fajã da Nogueira, the chosen nesting place of the manx shearwater (Puffinus puffinus). After Stairway to Heavens trail, enjoy the PR3 Vereda do Burro trail, from there you can enjoy the view over the valley of Ribeira do Cidrão, which flows into Ribeira dos Socorridos at Curral das Freiras, or over the Paul da Serra plateau. On this walk along Vereda do Burro, you will also have the opportunity to pass by Poço da Neve, an igloo-shaped reservoir dating back to 1813, once used to store snow and hail that fell sporadically on the highest mountains of Funchal. Finish this amazing walk at the End of Ecological Park, where you can visit a small donkeys farm in a valley and heat up with a hot chocolate at the Restaurante Barracão. PROGRAM: Start IN PICO DO ARIEIRO Hike from Pico do Arieiro to Stairway to Heaven (1.2km), then return to Pico do Arieiro (+1.2km) Hike PR3 VEREDA DO BURRO (7.2km). This combination includes 10 km of hike, for 5 hours (same as the original hike booked. Here you can have an idea of the Trail PR3 VEREDA DO BURRO: https://visitmadeira.com/pt/o-que-fazer/exploradores-da-natureza/atividades/caminhadas/pr-3-vereda-do-burro/ Upon arrival to Pico do Arieiro, you will initiate the Stairways to heaven trail, one of the most iconic parts of the hike, as well as Ninho da Manta viewpoint. After, you must retrace on the same path. After arrival to Pico do Arieiro, you must start PR3 - Vereda do Burro trail from Pico do Arieiro to Parque Ecológico - mostly flat and descending orientation for 7.3km. Pico Ruivo part of the trail are not accessible, due to destruction. The day before the hike, receive instructions from your coordinator regarding schedules, pick up time, weather forecast, hike information, digital map. Hike Information (as disclaimed above): - Duration (hike): 5 hours - Max./Min. Altitude: 1818 m / 500m - Distance: 10 km (PR1 + PR3 trails) - Starting point: Pico do Arieiro - Finishing point: Ecological Park of Funchal

Explore the stunning landscapes of the Curral da Freiras (Nuns Valley) on a scenic half-day tour from Funchal. Journey to the center of Madeira to find dramatic, cloud-topped mountains and verdant valleys. Board the minibus in the center of Funchal, and make your way to Eira do Serrado for one of the most beautiful views in Madeira. Continue down to Curral da Freiras, traveling past forest bushes and the quaint houses typical of the Madeiran countryside.  Arrive in Nuns Valley, and see a small village nestling between almost perpendicular mountains that is isolated by the region's stunning geography. The locals mainly survive off the cultivation of crops like delicious chestnuts.  Return to Funchal, stopping at the fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, where Winston Churchill painted his beautiful landscapes. Purchase a glass of the legendary drink Poncha (alcoholic drink with honey, lemon, and juice) before you return to Funchal. 

Pick-up & Start of the Adventure ***PICK UP TIME SENT BY 8:30PM, DAY BEFORE ACTIVITY*** Your journey begins with a hotel pick-up approximately 1.5 hours before the official sunrise. The exact pick-up time will be sent to you via email or WhatsApp by 8:30 PM the day before the activity. Please note that the weather in the mountains can be completely different from Funchal, so come prepared with warm clothing and gripping shoes. Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro Upon arriving at Pico do Arieiro, you will witness an unforgettable sunrise (weather permitting). While we strive to offer the best experience, clouds may sometimes cover the view, making the sunrise less visible. This is part of the natural unpredictability of the mountains, so refunds will not be provided in case of poor visibility. PR1 "Stairs of Heaven" Optional HIKE - (€3 Fee On-Site). Once at Pico do Arieiro, you have the option to hike part of the PR1 trail (1.2 km) towards the famous "Stairs of Heaven", offering dramatic landscapes and breathtaking views. If you choose this option, please note there is an on-site fee of €3 to access the trail. If you prefer, you can stay near the van, relax, and enjoy the mountain views before the next part of the adventure. ⏳ Important Timing for PR1 Hikers For those who decide to hike PR1, you must return within the time specified by the driver, which usually allows around 45 minutes after sunrise. It is crucial to respect the schedule to ensure a smooth transition to the next part of the tour. Glass Platform at Guindaste Viewpoint Next, we will stop at the Glass Platform of Guindaste Viewpoint, where you can step onto a transparent floor and admire the endless views of the Atlantic Ocean. This is a perfect photo opportunity before we continue to the main hike of the day. Larano Trail – 7 km Coastal Hike (~2.5h) The final adventure of the tour takes you to the stunning Larano Trail, a scenic 7 km hike along the dramatic cliffs of Madeira’s northeast coast. The trail, connecting Machico to Porto da Cruz, offers spectacular sea views and an immersive nature experience. The hike is moderate in difficulty and takes approximately 2.5 hours to complete. Drop-off at Your Hotel After completing the Larano Trail, you will be taken back to your hotel, ending the tour with memories of an incredible day exploring Madeira’s most stunning landscapes.

About this is excursion: -Terreiro da luta ,Senhora da Paz Sanctuary, the largest monument on the island, with a total height of five metres. was built as part of the promise made by madeirans during the bombing raids carried out by German submarines against Funchal in 1917. Carved in marble, this statue in honour of NossaSenhora do Monte is part of the affective heritage of the island's people. -Pico do aereio 1818m (5965 fts). It is the third highest peak in Madeira. visiting the highest (driveable) peak in Madeira, One of the most visited places for sunrise, with a huge dramatic mountain view, very beautiful with a unique and unforgettable panorama -Ribeiro Frio, Laurissilva forest this forest was classified in the World Heritage by UNESCO in 1999. starting point for 'levada' walks Balcões. With its interesting trout pools, this area still has much of its original vegetation. You can walk to view point balcões,around 20 minute easy flat walk . (opcional) -Santana that is characterised by its small thatched triangular houses. charming village. With beautifulchurch, caffe and restaurant. - Faial (GUINDASTE) , 1 of the best view point in north coast,the exciting new addition to is two glass walkways suspended over the ocean, providing visitors with a stunning vantage point from which to take photos and enjoy the breathtaking panorama. -Porto Da Cruz , this village.It has a beautiful sea promenade. And (Engenho do Norte) is one of the main living testimonies of the historical company production of sugar on the island. Visiting these facilities is, therefore, truly synonymous with a journey back in time. -Machico (Pico Do Facho) ,which looks as if a balcony overlooking the sea and the mountains,andold capital ,machico was landed when Madeira was discovered in the year 1419. -Ponta São Lourenço, has a similar climate to that of the island of Porto Santo. situated in the eastern part of the island, this is the place where a fantastic combination of rocks, sea and nature combine, People say it is grand canyon united state.

** NOTE ** PR1 route betweent the two peaks reamins closed and we are operating alternative routes on difeferent days until the route reopens The sun rises over your hotel as you set out on your walking tour adventure. Leaving from the comforts of your room in Funchal on the Madeira Islands, we'll drive you up to the third highest peak in Madeira - the magnificent Pico Arieiro. You'll sip coffee or a drink on your way up to the base of the peak, looking out at all the stunning beauty this place has to offer. As we head from sea level up to the base at 5,964ft (1818m), you'll pass beautiful flora and fauna. Finally, we'll begin our mighty walk up the mighty Pico Arieiro up to the highest point on the island, the Pico Ruivo peak at 6107 ft (1862m). Finally, we'll walk down to Teixeira where you'll be comfortably transferred back to your hotel. And of course, no day of hiking is complete without a drink at a traditional bar, so we'll make sure to stop at one with a spectacular view to enjoy the closing of your day!

Depart Funchal and journey to the Pico dos Barcelos to experience one of Madeira's unique viewpoints. Get a breathtaking view of all points of the island, before making your way up to Eira do Serrado. Admire the surrounding chestnut trees and eucalyptus plants of the natural wonderland. The ancient footpaths are still used by locals and tourists, and the narrow road and tunnels can still be seen.  From an altitude of 1,094 meters above sea level, see across to the Nuns Valley. Isolated from the rest of the island, the Nuns Valley is surrounded by lava rock and takes its name from the nuns that once inhabited the valley as they fled from pirate attacks during the 16th century. Try some traditional chestnut cake and pastries only found in the region, along with different traditional liquors. Then, go to Monte, one of Madeira´s old tourist stops, and visit the church where the tomb of the Emperor Charles I of Austria can be found.  Add a little adventure to the day and enjoy an unforgettable 2-kilometer toboggan ride down the old road of Livramento, where the bus will pick you up at the bottom.

Benefit from a sunrise or later morning transfer service from Funchal or Caniço to embark on your self-guided hike of Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo. After pickup from your accommodation, drive to Pico Do Arieiro before sunrise or in the later morning where the hike starts. Your driver will provide a briefing with all the information needed about the route and the timings. You can walk on your own or join other people in the group. Walk from Pico Do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, the highest mountain on Madeira Island with 1862 meters of altitude. You will have 5 hours to complete the hike, which is plenty of time even for slow hikers. Admire breathtaking views along the trail and feel as if you are walking above the clouds. On the challenging path, you will find a few tunnel walks and the famous stairway to heaven. Finally, arrive at Achada Do Teixeira, the ending point of the hike. Your driver will be waiting there to bring you back to your accommodation.