The Stairway to Heaven

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. Witness the golden hour amidst the dramatic peaks of Madeira as the day awakens around you. *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 (1.2 km, also known as the "Stairway to Heaven") before returning to our bus. Next, we’ll take you to an alternative hike: - Vereda do Larano (a scenic coastal route) https://walkmeguide.com/en/madeira/trail/45/vereda-do-larano/ OR - PR1.2 Pico Ruivo Hike (a stunning mountain trail) https://walkmeguide.com/en/madeira/trail/17/vereda-do-pico-ruivo-pr1-2/ These options offer equally breathtaking experiences until the full PR1 trail reopens. --- **Classic PR1 Experience (when reopened): 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. --- **Important Notes: 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!

Get Together and Wheat Coffee vibes Let's get this adventure rolling with a Get Together bursting with excitement. While we explain the day's plan, energize yourself with a traditional wheat coffee (or of course a bica or garoto), a Madeira specialty that'll give you power for the day ahead. Hiking Pico Areeiro  We start our tour with an amazing view at Pico Areeiro, from where we will have a small hike (and back) to the Insta-famous Stairway To Heaven. On the way to there you can expect dramatic landscapes, a unique flora and a tour-experience which makes your friends green like envy. The way back and forth is around one hour in total.   Vereda do Larano: let's hike! After our "Warm-Up Hike", we head east to Machico. It's time to conquer the hike that awaits on the Vereda do Larano. A lush green environment awaits us and the sea always behind us. On we go, always along the cliffs and with spectacular views. A little hunger? We got you. We have prepared a small picnic with local snacks and will find the perfect spot to enjoy it. Arrived: Porto da Cruz and cheers to us! High five, because we have reached our destination Porto da Cruz! Look forward to the charming village on the coast, a salty sea breeze and a local specialty: rum! Because our next stop takes us to a local Poncha Bar - because we wouldn't be Heartbeat Madeira if we didn't have this well-deserved local drink on today's hike. Cheers to us!   Cheers to new memories: back in Funchal The day is coming to an end and we're making our way back to Funchal. But the adventure doesn't have to end here for you! We'd be happy to recommend our favourite poncha bars for a perfect end to the day with your tour buddies.

Your adventure begins with a pickup from your accommodation. Upon arriving at Pico do Areeiro, you can take a refreshment break at the local bar, where you can purchase snacks and drinks before starting the hike. The hike from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo is the most exhilarating mountain walk in Madeira, linking the island’s three highest peaks. Starting at Pico do Areeiro, at approximately 1818 meters above sea level, the trail takes you to Madeira’s highest point, Pico Ruivo, at around 1861 meters. This 10km route offers awe-inspiring views of Madeira’s central mountain range. After taking in the beauty of Pico do Areeiro, the path leads to “Ninho da Manta,” providing privileged views over Fajã da Nogueira Valley, Nun’s Valley, and the island’s highest plateau, Paul da Serra. As part of the Natura 2000 Network, this mountain range is crucial for nature conservation. It’s home to the Freira da Madeira, one of Europe’s most endangered and important bird species. The high-altitude vegetation is dominated by ancient endemic trees, particularly the centenary Urzes, which predate Madeira’s discovery. The scenic trek offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, rugged terrain, and the stunning flora and fauna of the region. Join us on this journey as we explore the challenges, beauty, and unforgettable moments of hiking the highest peaks of Madeira Island. The first part of the trail is relatively easy, but as hikers approach the peak, the ascent becomes steeper and more challenging. The trail winds through the rugged terrain, passing through tunnels, bridges, and narrow paths. However, the stunning views of the mountains, valleys, and the Atlantic Ocean make the journey worth it. Reaching Pico Ruivo, the highest point at 1862 meters, requires overcoming steep ascents and descents, making this hike suitable only for those in good physical condition. The reward is a reinvigorating experience and a 360° panoramic view that is unmatched. After enjoying a snack and energy boost at Pico Ruivo, the descent begins towards Achadas do Teixeira (1817 meters), where the unforgettable hike concludes. This challenging yet immensely rewarding hike is a must-do for any hiking enthusiast visiting Madeira.