What you'll do
Day 1
The sunrise at Pico do Arieiro is undoubtedly the most popular and spectacular spot to experience this natural phenomenon. Keep in mind that it can get crowded, so make sure to arrive early to secure a parking spot and find a place to sit or stand.
There are several viewpoints at Pico do Arieiro where you can admire the sunrise, so you have options. Personally, I would recommend choosing another spot if one is too crowded.
Enjoy!
Miradouro do Juncal
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One of the best sunrise spots
Miradouro do Juncal is a stunning viewpoint near Pico do Arieiro, one of the highest mountains in Madeira. From here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the rugged mountain landscapes, deep valleys, and sometimes even a sea of clouds below. It’s a fantastic spot to watch the sunrise before starting the iconic Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo (PR1) hike. On clear days, you can see for miles, while on cloudy days, the scenery takes on a nearly magical atmosphere.
You can easily reach this viewpoint by driving to Pico do Arieiro and parking there for up to 30 minutes, or using one of the lower parking areas, which are clearly signposted.
If you’d rather not drive in the dark, there are also buses that go up the mountain. You have several options:
The local bus from Funchal for just €3 per person: Horários do Funchal - APP GiroBus
Sunrise transfer with Get-to-Hikes combined with a guided hike. Use the discount code 'THEMADEIRATRAVELISTA' for extra savings: Sunrise transfer to Pico do Arieiro - Madeira
Viewpoint Ninho da Manta
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a little hike from Pico do Arieiro
A little hike from Pico do Arieiro viewpoint, but definitely worth it. Very special spot for sunrise.
You can easily reach this viewpoint by driving to Pico do Arieiro and parking there for up to 30 minutes, or using one of the lower parking areas, which are clearly signposted.
If you’d rather not drive in the dark, there are also buses that go up the mountain. You have several options:
The local bus from Funchal for just €3 per person: Horários do Funchal - APP GiroBus
Sunrise transfer with Get-to-Hikes combined with a guided hike. Use the discount code 'THEMADEIRATRAVELISTA' for extra savings: Sunrise transfer to Pico do Arieiro - Madeira
🚨 PLEASE STAY BEHIND THE BARRIERS AT ALL TIMES AND DO NOT GO OFF TRAIL 🚨
Stairway to Heaven
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Miradouro Pedra Rija
Also famous as 'the Stairway to Heaven', this viewpoint is only a 1.2 km hike from Pico do Arieiro's main viewpoint. It is also part of the PR1 trail. This viewpoint offers incredible visuals over the highest mountains of Madeira.
You can easily reach this viewpoint by driving to Pico do Arieiro and parking there for up to 30 minutes, or using one of the lower parking areas, which are clearly signposted.
If you’d rather not drive in the dark, there are also buses that go up the mountain. You have several options:
The local bus from Funchal for just €3 per person: Horários do Funchal - APP GiroBus
Sunrise transfer with Get-to-Hikes combined with a guided hike. Use the discount code 'THEMADEIRATRAVELISTA' for extra savings: Sunrise transfer to Pico do Arieiro - Madeira
🚨 PLEASE STAY BEHIND THE BARRIERS AT ALL TIMES AND DO NOT GO OFF TRAIL 🚨