Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro Stairway to Heaven and PR3 Self Guided
By Hiking Transfers · listed in sunrise tours and guided hikes at Pico do Arieiro
I'd book this for sunrise followed by a walk without a guide on two trails. It starts at €30 per adult. Choose a guided hike if you'd like someone leading the walk.
After sunrise at Pico do Arieiro you walk part of PR1 to Ninho da Manta and the Stairway to Heaven. The route then follows PR3 Vereda do Burro through pine forest. Hotel transfers and a briefing are included.
Book the early sunrise departure. Your exact pickup time arrives by WhatsApp the day before. Bring water and food for the walk. Government fees cost extra.
- Trip type
- Shared activity
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Listed group limit
- up to 8 people
- Price
- from €30 per adultLowest price the operator lists. Your date may cost more.
- Rating
- 4.89/5 from 44 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor; on Viator alone 4.9 from 20 reviews
- Languages
- not stated
- Details as of
- 13 September 2026
Before you book
- Children must be at least 12.
- You need moderate fitness.
- This walk is not recommended if you have vertigo.
- Choose the early departure for sunrise. There is also a later departure.
- Wear hiking shoes. Bring warm clothes and rain gear.
- Give this one a miss if you're pregnant, or if you have a back or spine injury or a heart condition.
- Up to 8 people per booking.
Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Cancel at least 24 hours before departure for a full refund.
Programme
- Watch sunrise at Pico do Arieiro
- Walk on PR1 to Ninho da Manta and the Stairway to Heaven without a guide
- Continue on PR3 Vereda do Burro, with about 5 hours for PR1 and PR3 together
- Return to your hotel by road
Photos
Photos from the tour listing on Viator.
Included
- Driver
- Briefing before the hike
- Pickup and Drop off on your accommodation
Paid separately
- Bottled water
- Meals
- Government fees
- Guide ( it is a Self-Guide Walk but we´ll provide all the instructions you need
Meeting point, pickup and return
Hotel pickup included. Pickup 15 minutes before departure. 109 pickup points listed by the operator.
We’ll pick you up directly from your hotel or accommodation — just let us know your location. Don’t forget: comfortable hiking shoes, warm and rain gear, plus enough water and snacks for the hike.
Ends:
Schedule and confirmation
Usual timetable: daily, at 06:00, 08:30. Check your date when you book.
Instant confirmation. Book at least 6 hours ahead. Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
Cancellation, weather and limits
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- 100% refund when cancelled 1 day or more before
- 0% refund when cancelled less than 1 day before
Bad weather can cancel the trip.
The operator's conditions, as written
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Not recommended for travelers with vertigo
- Adult rate: ages 12 to 101
Ratings by source
4.89/5 from 44 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor; on Viator alone 4.9 from 20 reviews.
| Source | Average | Reviews | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viator | 4.9 | 20 | 19 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Tripadvisor | 4.9 | 24 | 21 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Counts and averages as shown on Viator on 13 September 2026. We don't have the review texts.
From the operator
In Hiking Transfers's own words, from the Viator listing.
Begin your day above the clouds with a breathtaking sunrise at Pico do Areeiro, Madeira’s third-highest peak. As the sky turns shades of gold and violet, you’ll witness one of the island’s most unforgettable views. After sunrise, follow a stunning section of the PR1 trail toward the iconic “Stairway to Heaven” — a dramatic ridge walk with epic photo opportunities. Then, continue your adventure on the PR3 – Vereda do Burro, a quieter trail that leads you through wide mountain scenery, peaceful paths, and open skies. The full hike takes around 5 hours and offers the perfect balance of beauty, challenge, and serenity. At the end, relax with a coffee or local treat before your comfortable return. Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, with early and late start times available. Whether you’re chasing sunrises or unforgettable hikes, this is a true Madeira highlight.
We will inform you the exact pickup time the day before, and keep you updated via WhatsApp.
Alternatives in the same collection
- Sunrise Guided Hike PR1 Pico do Areeiro Pico Ruivo small group€30 dearer · 2 hours shorter · from €60 per adult
- Sunrise in Areeiro Peak€30 dearer · 4 hours shorter · 7 people at most · from €60 per adult
- Sunrise Tour @ Pico Do Areiro | Half Day 4x4 Tour€46 dearer · 3 hours shorter · 6 people at most · from €76 per adult
Who checked this
Edited by Roman Antonov. I love Madeira and keep going back. Every detail on this page comes from the operator's own listing on Viator, as of 13 September 2026.
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