The PR1 Vereda do Areeiro trail in Madeira is a thrilling adventure for outdoor enthusiasts. It begins at the Pico do Areeiro viewpoint, and takes about 3 hours to complete one way to Pico Ruivo. The 6 kilometer moderate-level trail leads hikers through tunnels carved into the volcanic tufts, alongside steep slopes and winding paths.
Before August 2024 many tourists hiked this trail both ways, going to Pico Ruivo and then returning. In this case, hike take about 6 hours and cover approximately 12 kilometers.
However, I recommend (and starting May 2026 it is the only possible way) doing this hike one way. Hike the PR1 trail to Pico Ruivo and then go via PR1.2 to the Achada do Teixeira parking lot. This way of exploring the trail is physically easier and more interesting as you cover 2 trails instead of 1. Usually, until 6 PM, there are taxis available there that can take you back to the Pico do Arieiro parking lot for 70€. But don’t rely entirely on taxis; it’s better to arrange a transfer in advance. Here is the links where you can book transfer from Funchal and back, which is more comfortable on my opinion.
IMPORTANT RECOMMENDATION: I wouldn’t recommend to start this trail at sunrise with the crowds of other tourists. It’s better to start this hike in the afternoon, closer to sunset (In this case, a Private transfer would be the ideal solution. The cost can range 100-200 €, depending on the provider)
Make sure to check the weather and cloud conditions in the area via a webcam 1 and webcam 2 before heading out. And don’t forget to visit the official website to verify if the trail is open or closed. This information is reliable and ensures a safe hiking experience.
To hike one way, you will need approximately 3.5-4 hours. Follow my route to avoid getting lost.
You can also reach this hike with a company that offers a budget-friendly shuttle service — and you’ll get an extra 5% personal discount through my link 👆
IMPORTANT: As of May 2026, access to PR1 requires mandatory advance booking via the SIMplifica platform.
There are now two ticket options: a short section to the “Stairway to Heaven” and back, up to the Pedra Rija viewpoint, which costs €4.50, and the full trail from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, which costs €10.50.
The fees support conservation, trail maintenance, and sustainable tourism on Madeira.
To reserve your visit, please follow this link.
NOTE!
The full PR1 is now one-way only (Arieiro → Ruivo).
Return hiking is not allowed.
The short section to Pedra Rija remains two-way, making it the best option for sunrise or a shorter hike.
⚠️ Important: Until 26 June 2026, the full PR1 crossing is only open from Friday to Sunday due to ongoing restoration works. As a result, many dates on SIMplifica may appear unavailable simply because the trail is closed on those days, not necessarily because all tickets have been booked.
According to the latest official announcement, Full PR1 is scheduled to reopen daily from 26 June 2026. However, advance booking will remain mandatory, and demand for the trail is expected to remain high.
If you can’t find available time slots on the SIMplifica platform for your dates — there are still a few ways to access the trail.
Option 1:
Book only a short section of PR1 (1.2 km) — from Pico do Arieiro to the Stairway to Heaven. This is the most scenic part of the trail.
You can simply drive there, do this short hike (about 2.5 km total), and then continue by car to Achada do Teixeira to hike PR1.2 to Pico Ruivo (around 5.6 km total).
PR1.2 also requires booking in advance, but it usually has much better availability.
This is a great alternative to full PR1 — easier, less stressful, doesn’t require an additional transfer, and still covers the main highlights. For 95% of travelers, it’s more than enough. YOU CAN FIND MORE DETAILS ABOUT THIS OPTION IN THIS ARTICLE
Option 2:
Book through a tour agency.
This makes logistics easier and increases your chances of getting access — as agencies often secure tickets in advance. It’s also usually the most budget-friendly option compared to organizing everything yourself with a rental car and additional transfers. However, keep in mind that flexibility here is very limited. You’ll be tied to a fixed schedule and a group of other people, and in most cases, it won’t be possible to reschedule the hike if the weather conditions turn out to be unfavorable.
Option 3 — Private Guided Access:
I also organize private hiking tours, both personally and through my partner network of guides. My company in Madeira is a licensed tour operator with access to additional quotas for the full PR1 trail.
This means that with me or one of my guides, it’s often possible to book the trail even when regular visitor slots are no longer available, as long as the trail is officially open.
If you’d like to arrange a private hike, feel free to message me on Instagram, and I’ll send you all the details regarding availability, pricing, and conditions.
