Best sunrise tours and guided hikes at Pico do Arieiro

Edited by Roman Antonov

Our selection: 9 trips to Pico do Arieiro, at sunrise or in daylight

There are 60 trips to Pico do Arieiro, at sunrise or in daylight, from guides on Viator and other providers. We went through all of them and picked the 9 most reliable ones. We chose by reviews and by what each trip actually includes. Each has 4.5 stars or more from at least 30 reviews. Here they are. Private tours and other formats are below.

Prices, times and reviews as of . We last went through the list on . How we choose.

Pico do Arieiro sunrise: which one to choose

You'll head up from the coast for sunrise in the mountains. Most trips offer pickup in Funchal or Caniço. Allow 3 to 8 hours in total. Starting prices run from €30 to €76 per adult on shared trips.

The guided PR1 hike takes you from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo with a mountain guide. On the sunrise transfer you walk without a guide. The return pickup is at Achada do Teixeira. Both walks need moderate fitness.

The 4x4 morning adds a short walk at Balcões. Breakfast is included on the Premium sunrise trip. There's also a guided sunrise climb on Pico Ruivo. That involves 2.5 km uphill in the dark.

For your own group there's the private sunrise hike from €80 per adult. Choose the Ninho da Manta route when booking. Bad weather can send some trips to another sunrise viewpoint.

Peaks
Sunrise Guided Hike PR1 Pico do Areeiro Pico Ruivo small group

Start with what matters most to you: the route and how you get there. Stars won't tell you that.

Compare the 9 shared trips: price, departure and length

Prices in EUR, as of 13 September 2026

9 trips, in list order. Prices are the lowest the operator lists. Your date may cost more.
TripHow you get thereVehicle or formatListed group limitFrom priceDurationDepartures (local time)Cancellation
01Sunrise Guided Hike PR1 Pico do Areeiro Pico Ruivo small groupHotel pickupOn foot8 travellers€60 per adult6 hours to 8 hours06:00Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
02Sunrise in Areeiro PeakHotel pickup or meeting pointsee the tour page7 travellers€60 per adult4 hours to 5 hours06:00Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
03Sunrise Tour @ Pico Do Areiro | Half Day 4x4 TourHotel pickup or meeting point4x46 travellers€76 per adult5 hours06:00 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat)Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
04Sunrise Transfer To Pico Do Arieiro, Hike To Pico Ruivo & Return From TeixeiraHotel pickup or meeting pointOn foot8 travellers€50 per adult7 hours 30 minutes05:30, 05:45, 06:00, 06:15, 06:30Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
05PR1 Sunrise Pico do Arieiro Self-Guided Hiking TransferHotel pickupOn foot16 travellers€49 per adult8 hours05:30Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
06Madeira Top SunriseHotel pickupOn foot6 travellers€55 per adult4 hours 30 minutes04:00Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
07Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro Stairway to Heaven and PR3 Self GuidedHotel pickupOn foot8 travellers€30 per adult8 hours06:00, 08:30Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
08Madeira: Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro & Hike Larano trailHotel pickupOn foot16 travellers€37.90 per adult7 hours 30 minutes06:00 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat)Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
09Sunrise Tour at Pico do ArieiroHotel pickupsee the tour page16 travellers€45 per adult3 hours to 4 hours05:15, 05:30, 05:45Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

Group limit is the most people the operator takes on one departure. Times are the usual timetable. Check your date when you book.

All 9 trips have the same rule: free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

The trips

What to know before you book each one

  1. 01

    The guided PR1 sunrise hike

    Sunrise Guided Hike PR1 Pico do Areeiro Pico Ruivo small group

    Peaks

    4.97/5 from 148 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

    A mountain guide walks with you from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo. The shared group has up to 8 people. You also stop at Santana's houses.

    I'd book this for a guided mountain walk. You'll need moderate fitness. Children must be at least 10. A viewpoint trip suits you better if you only want the sunrise.

    The trade-off. Ask how many people you can book together before paying. You'll need your own food and water.

    From price
    €60 per adult
    Duration
    6 hours to 8 hours
    Listed group limit The most people the operator takes on one departure. Your trip may have fewer.?
    up to 8 people
    Listed guide languages
    Portuguese, English, French, Spanish
    Listed departure times
    06:00
    Cancellation
    Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
    Pickup
    Hotel pickup included

    Lowest price the operator lists. Your date may cost more.

    Times are local. Check your date and the guide language when you book.

    Before you book

    • Children must be at least 10. Book for at least two people.
    • You need moderate fitness.
    • Ask how many people you can book together before paying.
    • Get the exact pickup time and meeting point before the tour.
    • Bring warm clothes and shoes for walking. Pack your own food and water.
    • Request walking poles in advance.
    View tour details

    Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

    Details as of .

  2. 02

    The sunrise trip with Balcões

    Sunrise in Areeiro Peak

    Sunrise in Areeiro Peak

    5.00/5 from 78 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

    You visit Pico do Arieiro for sunrise before a walk at Balcões. The morning also takes you to Guindaste's glass viewpoint. Water and entry fees are included.

    This suits a morning of viewpoints with a short walk. Choose an Arieiro to Ruivo hike for a walk between the peaks.

    The trade-off. Each booking needs someone aged 19 to 50. Lunch costs extra.

    From price
    €60 per adult
    Duration
    4 hours to 5 hours
    Listed group limit The most people the operator takes on one departure. Your trip may have fewer.?
    up to 7 people
    Listed guide languages
    Portuguese, English
    Listed departure times
    06:00
    Cancellation
    Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
    Pickup
    Hotel pickup or meet at the start point

    Lowest price the operator lists. Your date may cost more.

    Times are local. Check your date and the guide language when you book.

    Before you book

    • Travellers must be aged 1 to 80.
    • Each booking needs someone aged 19 to 50.
    • Children aged 1 to 3 sit on an adult's lap.
    • Pickup is included in Funchal and Santa Cruz. Machico and Santana are covered too.
    • Pickup outside those areas costs extra.
    • Bad weather can cancel the trip.
    View tour details

    Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

    Details as of .

  3. 03

    The 4x4 with a Balcões walk

    Sunrise Tour @ Pico Do Areiro | Half Day 4x4 Tour

    Sunrise Tour @ Pico Do Areiro | Half Day 4x4 Tour

    4.89/5 from 152 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

    The 4x4 takes Funchal's back roads up to Pico do Arieiro for sunrise. Afterwards you walk at Balcões before a breakfast stop in Ribeiro Frio. Up to 6 travellers share the trip.

    I'd choose this for a short forest walk after sunrise. Look elsewhere for a PR1 hike. Children must be at least 10.

    The trade-off. Bad weather can mean another viewpoint with no refund if the trip runs. Breakfast and drinks cost extra.

    From price
    €76 per adult
    Duration
    5 hours
    Listed group limit The most people the operator takes on one departure. Your trip may have fewer.?
    up to 6 people
    Listed guide languages
    English
    Listed departure times
    06:00 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat)
    Cancellation
    Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
    Pickup
    Hotel pickup or meet at the start point

    Lowest price the operator lists. Your date may cost more.

    Times are local. Check your date and the guide language when you book.

    Before you book

    • Children must be at least 10.
    • Pickup at Funchal hotels and holiday rentals is included.
    • There is no pickup at Funchal port.
    • Ask about pickup outside Funchal before booking.
    • Breakfast and drinks cost extra.
    • Cancel by email if weather is your reason. Do this at least 24 hours before departure for a full refund.
    View tour details

    Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

    Details as of .

  4. 04

    The sunrise transfer to Pico Ruivo

    Sunrise Transfer To Pico Do Arieiro, Hike To Pico Ruivo & Return From Teixeira

    Sunrise Transfer To Pico Do Arieiro, Hike To Pico Ruivo & Return From Teixeira

    4.79/5 from 249 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

    The transfer takes you from Funchal or Caniço to Pico do Arieiro before sunrise. You walk the 11 km route via Pico Ruivo without a guide. The return pickup is at Achada do Teixeira.

    It's for walkers happy with tunnels and stairs. You need moderate fitness. A guided hike makes more sense if you want someone leading the walk.

    The trade-off. Travellers must be aged 14 to 80. Agree the return pickup time before starting the walk.

    From price
    €50 per adult
    Duration
    7 hours 30 minutes
    Listed group limit The most people the operator takes on one departure. Your trip may have fewer.?
    up to 8 people
    Listed guide languages
    English
    Listed departure times
    05:30, 05:45, 06:00, 06:15, 06:30
    Cancellation
    Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
    Pickup
    Hotel pickup or meet at the start point

    Lowest price the operator lists. Your date may cost more.

    Times are local. Check your date and the guide language when you book.

    Before you book

    • Travellers must be aged 14 to 80.
    • You need moderate fitness.
    • Pickup covers Funchal and Caniço only. You can also meet at Parque 2000.
    • Your pickup time arrives by WhatsApp or email the evening before.
    • Agree the return pickup time before starting the walk.
    • Give this one a miss if you're pregnant, or if you have a back or spine injury or a heart condition.
    View tour details

    Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

    Details as of .

  5. 05

    The transfer with the most reviews

    PR1 Sunrise Pico do Arieiro Self-Guided Hiking Transfer

    PR1 Sunrise Pico do Arieiro Self-Guided Hiking Transfer

    4.77/5 from 333 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

    This sunrise transfer has the most reviews in our list. Pickup covers Funchal and Caniço. You get a map and a briefing before walking from Pico do Arieiro.

    It suits adults who want to walk without a guide. You need moderate fitness. I'd pick a guided hike for help on the trail.

    The trade-off. Agree the walking route and return pickup point before booking. Meals and entry fees cost extra.

    From price
    €49 per adult
    Duration
    8 hours
    Listed group limit The most people the operator takes on one departure. Your trip may have fewer.?
    up to 16 people
    Listed guide languages
    see the tour page
    Listed departure times
    05:30
    Cancellation
    Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
    Pickup
    Hotel pickup included

    Lowest price the operator lists. Your date may cost more.

    Times are local. Check your date and the guide language when you book.

    Before you book

    • Travellers must be aged 18 to 80.
    • You need moderate fitness.
    • Pickup and drop-off cover Funchal and Caniço only.
    • Agree the walking route and return pickup point before booking.
    • Your exact pickup time arrives the day before.
    • Give this one a miss if you have a back or spine injury or a heart condition.
    View tour details

    Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

    Details as of .

  6. 06

    The sunrise climb on Pico Ruivo

    Madeira Top Sunrise

    Sunrise Above the Clouds

    4.79/5 from 154 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

    You climb 2.5 km in the dark to watch sunrise on Pico Ruivo. A guide and torches are included. Up to 6 people share the hike.

    I'd choose this for sunrise from Ruivo's summit. You need moderate fitness for the uphill walk. Choose another trip if you want sunrise at Pico do Arieiro.

    The trade-off. The trail fee costs extra.

    From price
    €55 per adult
    Duration
    4 hours 30 minutes
    Listed group limit The most people the operator takes on one departure. Your trip may have fewer.?
    up to 6 people
    Listed guide languages
    Portuguese, English
    Listed departure times
    04:00
    Cancellation
    Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
    Pickup
    Hotel pickup included

    Lowest price the operator lists. Your date may cost more.

    Times are local. Check your date and the guide language when you book.

    Before you book

    • Travellers must be 75 or under.
    • You need moderate fitness.
    • Request an infant seat when booking.
    • Check whether tea and a snack are included.
    • Arrange pickup before booking if you're staying outside Funchal or Caniço.
    • Give this one a miss if you're pregnant, or if you have a back or spine injury or a heart condition.
    View tour details

    Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

    Details as of .

  7. 07

    The sunrise transfer for two trails

    Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro Stairway to Heaven and PR3 Self Guided

    Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro Stairway to Heaven and PR3 Self Guided

    4.89/5 from 44 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

    After sunrise at Pico do Arieiro you walk part of PR1 before joining PR3. Hotel transfers and a briefing are included. It starts at €30 per adult before government fees.

    It's for walkers who are happy without a guide. You need moderate fitness. Children must be at least 12. Look elsewhere if you have vertigo.

    The trade-off. Choose the early departure for sunrise. Bring your own food and water.

    From price
    €30 per adult
    Duration
    8 hours
    Listed group limit The most people the operator takes on one departure. Your trip may have fewer.?
    up to 8 people
    Listed guide languages
    see the tour page
    Listed departure times
    06:00, 08:30
    Cancellation
    Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
    Pickup
    Hotel pickup included

    Lowest price the operator lists. Your date may cost more.

    Times are local. Check your date and the guide language when you book.

    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.
    View tour details

    Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

    Details as of .

  8. 08

    The sunrise trip with a coastal walk

    Madeira: Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro & Hike Larano trail

    Madeira: Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro & Hike Larano trail

    4.80/5 from 61 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

    This trip pairs sunrise at Pico do Arieiro with a 7 km walk on Larano. You walk the coastal trail without a guide. There's also time for an optional walk on PR1 after sunrise.

    It suits a day split between the mountains and the coast. You need moderate fitness. Choose a guided hike if you want someone leading the walk.

    The trade-off. Travellers must be aged 18 to 65. There is no refund if clouds hide the sunrise.

    From price
    €37.90 per adult
    Duration
    7 hours 30 minutes
    Listed group limit The most people the operator takes on one departure. Your trip may have fewer.?
    up to 16 people
    Listed guide languages
    see the tour page
    Listed departure times
    06:00 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat)
    Cancellation
    Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
    Pickup
    Hotel pickup included

    Lowest price the operator lists. Your date may cost more.

    Times are local. Check your date and the guide language when you book.

    Before you book

    • Travellers must be aged 18 to 65.
    • You need moderate fitness.
    • Ask about pickup fees outside Funchal.
    • Your pickup time arrives by 20:30 the day before.
    • Bring warm clothes and walking shoes.
    • Return to the van within about 45 minutes of sunrise after the optional PR1 walk.
    View tour details

    Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

    Details as of .

  9. 09

    The sunrise visit with optional breakfast

    Sunrise Tour at Pico do Arieiro

    Sunrise Tour at Pico do Arieiro

    4.58/5 from 149 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

    Standard covers the sunrise visit and transport to Pico do Arieiro. Premium adds breakfast and a levada walk in Paradise Valley. The walk depends on conditions that day.

    Take Standard if you want to go back for breakfast at your hotel. Premium suits staying out for a walk. Choose a PR1 hike for the mountain trail.

    The trade-off. Bad weather can mean a different viewpoint. A change of viewpoint or missed walk does not automatically bring a refund if the trip runs.

    From price
    €45 per adult
    Duration
    3 hours to 4 hours
    Listed group limit The most people the operator takes on one departure. Your trip may have fewer.?
    up to 16 people
    Listed guide languages
    English, Spanish
    Listed departure times
    05:15, 05:30, 05:45
    Cancellation
    Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
    Pickup
    Hotel pickup included

    Lowest price the operator lists. Your date may cost more.

    Times are local. Check your date and the guide language when you book.

    Before you book

    • Choose Premium for breakfast and the levada walk. The walk depends on conditions.
    • Pickup covers Funchal and Caniço. Câmara de Lobos centre is included too.
    • Meet within the pickup area if you're staying elsewhere.
    • Bring warm clothes and suitable shoes.
    • Share dietary restrictions when booking.
    • Give this one a miss if you have a heart condition.
    View tour details

    Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

    Details as of .

Private charters and other formats

These are priced per boat or work differently, so they don't go in the ranked list.

The private PR1 sunrise hike

Madeira sunrise Private tour

Madeira sunrise Private tour

4.99/5 from 72 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

You choose the route for this private sunrise hike with your own guide from €80 per adult. Pick Ninho da Manta on PR1 for sunrise in the Pico do Arieiro area.

Check first. Choose Ninho da Manta when booking. The other routes go to different sunrise spots. That walk is 2.5 km there and back. Book for two to four people. At least two must be aged 16 or over. Children must be at least five. Give this one a miss if you're pregnant or have a heart condition.

From price
€80 per adult
Duration
6 hours
Listed group limit
private
Listed guide languages
Portuguese, English, French, Spanish
Listed departure times
06:00, 06:30
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Pickup
Hotel pickup included

Before you book

  • Choose Ninho da Manta for PR1 when you book.
  • Book for two to four people. At least two must be aged 16 or over.
  • Children must be at least 5.
  • Arrange the pickup point before booking.
  • Cancel at least 24 hours before departure for a full refund.
  • Give this one a miss if you're pregnant or have a heart condition.
View tour details

Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

Details as of .

Back to the comparison table

Pico do Arieiro sunrise: questions before booking

Short answers from the listings

Which trip would you choose for a first visit?

I'd start with the Standard sunrise visit if you want a viewpoint trip. It includes hotel transport and the stop at Pico do Arieiro. For a mountain walk I'd choose the guided PR1 hike. You walk to Pico Ruivo with a mountain guide. You'll need moderate fitness.

How much do these trips cost?

Starting prices range from €30 to €76 per adult on the shared trips. The PR1 and PR3 transfer starts at €30. The 4x4 morning starts at €76. The private sunrise hike starts at €80 per adult. That booking needs at least two people aged 16 or over. Choose the Ninho da Manta route for PR1.

How long will I be out?

Allow 3 to 8 hours for the trips here. The Standard sunrise visit takes 3 hours. Premium takes 4 hours with breakfast and a levada walk when conditions allow. The guided PR1 hike takes 6 to 8 hours. These are whole-trip times with transport.

How early is pickup?

The Pico Ruivo sunrise climb has a 04:00 start. Pickup for the guided PR1 hike changes with the season. Get the exact time and meeting point before the day. The PR1 and PR3 transfer has early and late departures. Choose the sunrise departure. Its exact pickup time arrives by WhatsApp the day before.

Where can I be picked up?

The sunrise transfer to Ruivo includes pickup in Funchal and Caniço. The Balcões viewpoint trip covers Funchal and Santa Cruz. Machico and Santana are included too. Pickup outside those four areas costs extra on that trip. For pickup in Câmara de Lobos centre see the sunrise viewpoint visit.

Is a transfer useful if I have a hire car?

You can leave your car in Funchal for an Arieiro to Ruivo walk. The sunrise transfer collects at Parque 2000. You walk without a guide from Pico do Arieiro via Pico Ruivo to Achada do Teixeira. The return transfer brings you back to Parque 2000. The walk is 11 km.

Can I bring children?

The guided PR1 hike takes children from age 10. The PR1 and PR3 transfer starts at age 12. The Ruivo walking transfer accepts ages 14 to 80. On the Balcões trip children aged 1 to 3 sit on an adult's lap. That booking needs someone aged 19 to 50. The Larano trip accepts ages 18 to 65.

How fit do I need to be?

The walk via Pico Ruivo needs moderate fitness for 11 km with tunnels and stairs. Give it a miss if you're pregnant, or if you have a back or spine injury or a heart condition. The PR1 and PR3 walk needs moderate fitness too, and it isn't for you if you get vertigo.

Do I need to bring food and hiking gear?

Bring your own food and water on the guided PR1 hike. Wear warm clothes and suitable shoes for that walk. Walking poles are available by request. The Premium sunrise trip includes breakfast. Standard doesn't include breakfast. The Ruivo sunrise climb includes torches. Bring a windproof or waterproof jacket for that walk.

Can bad weather change or cancel the trip?

Yes. The guided PR1 hike can be cancelled in bad weather. The 4x4 morning may use another sunrise viewpoint. Poor weather brings no refund if that trip runs. You can cancel your booking at least 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Send weather cancellations for the 4x4 trip by email.

How this selection was made

How we compared

We started from the 60 trips to Pico do Arieiro, at sunrise or in daylight that guides and other providers sell on Viator. We read every one of them.

First the bar: 4.5 stars or more from at least 30 reviews, Viator and Tripadvisor counted together. 44 of the 60 fell short of that and stayed out. We also look at the Viator reviews on their own. A trip rated below 4.5 by five or more Viator travellers stays out, whatever the combined score says.

Then the fit. Does the trip do what this page promises? Do its details agree with each other? When the same boat is sold under two names, we show it once. 6 more trips passed the review bar but stayed out for those reasons.

The order comes from this score. It uses the exact rating. Ties go to the trip with more reviews.

(rating × reviews + 4.6 × 50) ÷ (reviews + 50)

The score is about reviews, nothing else. It does not say how good your day will be. We have no review texts and we have not taken every trip. The line under each name says when we would pick it. Commission never changes the order.

Who made this list

Edited by Roman Antonov. I love Madeira and keep going back. Every detail on this page comes from the operators' own listings on Viator, read line by line and compared.

Report a mistake · How we choose tours · How we earn

Where the details come from.

Prices, times, conditions and review counts come from the operators' listings on Viator, as of 13 September 2026. We last went through this list on 13 September 2026.

Bookings go through Viator. If you book through a link here, we earn a commission. It costs you nothing extra. How we earn.