Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro, Stairway to Heaven and PR3 Hike
Gold light over the clouds, then a ridge walk to finish
You watch the sky turn gold and violet from Madeira's third-highest peak, then walk the Stairway to Heaven ridge and the quieter PR3 trail. The day comes with a driver and a briefing before the hike, and the drive back to your hotel is smooth and comfortable.
What’s included
- A driver for the day.
- A briefing before the hike.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off.
- Tuesday, Friday and Sunday 06:00
Information
You watch the sky turn gold and violet above the clouds, then walk a dramatic ridge and a quieter mountain trail across Madeira's high peaks.
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Traveler reviews
The experience
The walk begins at Pico do Arieiro, Madeira's third-highest peak, above the clouds. You watch the first light break and the sky turn gold and violet, a view that makes the early start feel worth it. Once the sun is up, the route follows a stretch of the PR1 trail, with the clouds below and the ridge ahead.
Next comes the Stairway to Heaven, a dramatic ridge walk with plenty of spots for photos. A stop at the Ninho da Manta viewpoint gives you sweeping views over the mountains, so you can stop, look and take it in before going on.
After that the route turns onto the PR3, Vereda do Burro, a quieter trail through wide mountain scenery, peaceful paths, pine forests and high-altitude landscapes. The whole hike takes around five hours, and the route balances beauty, challenge and serenity. The day ends with a smooth, comfortable ride back to your hotel.
Top questions
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
Does the walk pass the Stairway to Heaven?
Yes. The route follows a section of the PR1 trail to the Stairway to Heaven, a dramatic ridge walk with plenty of photo spots.
Is the PR3 part of the hike easier than the ridge?
The PR3, Vereda do Burro, is the gentler trail, and the whole route balances beauty, challenge and serenity across the day.
Where does the sunrise happen on this hike?
At Pico do Arieiro, where the first light breaks above the clouds before the walk along the trails begins.
Is there a briefing before the hike starts?
Yes, a briefing comes before the hike, and a driver is part of the day.
What does the ride back to the hotel feel like?
It is a smooth, comfortable drive after the walk, which ends the day.
Operated by Hiking Transfers. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.
Prices and times updated 2 days ago
Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro and Stairway to Heaven Hike
8h · at your hotel
from € 30 per person
≈ US$ 34 in your currency
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