Portugal · MOUNTAIN PEAK HIKES

Mountain Peak Hikes in Madeira: 15 Picks, Priced and Timed

34 tours  ·  from $30

Every one of these 15 mountain peak hikes is priced, timed and reviewed, so the choice takes a couple of minutes. Start at the top and work down.

Funchal: Pico do Arieiro Sunrise Transfer Self-guided Hike - The early pickup from Funchal or Caniço
Hiking & Trekking, Hiking Tours in Madeira, Madeira Tours, Morning, Mountain Peak Hikes, Self-Guided Tours, Tour Reviews

Funchal: Pico do Arieiro Sunrise Transfer Self-guided Hike

1.Pico do Arieiro Sunrise Transfer Self-guided Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,798 reviews · from $37Our pick

Start with a Funchal or Caniço pickup, reach Pico do Arieiro before sunrise, then hike independently toward Pico Ruivo and Achada do Teixeira. Your driver explains the route, timing, and meeting point, but you walk without a guide. Route closures may switch part of the hike to PR3.

“pick up and drop off excellent. Our guide Fernando great. Weather awesome for us so sunrise with cloud inversion was amazing. Shame about the 100's of folk on top but good to escape them down the PR3. great day, thank you so much”

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Madeira Funchal:East Tour Pico Arieiro & Santana&Laurissilva - Terreiro da Luta and the Senhora da Paz Sanctuary
Madeira Tours, Mountain Peak Hikes, Tour Reviews, Tours

Madeira Funchal:East Tour Pico Arieiro & Santana&Laurissilva

2.Madeira Funchal:East Tour Pico Arieiro & Santana&Laurissilva

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,994 reviews · 7 hours · from $37

Spend seven hours exploring Madeira’s east with a small-group guide such as Bruna, Pedro, or Nelson. Expect Pico do Arieiro, a gentle levada walk to Balcões, Santana’s thatched houses, Faial, Porto da Cruz, Machico, and Ponta São Lourenço, with hotel pickup and flexible photo stops.

“Amazing, Nelson knew the history of the island, and was very courteous and funny!!! The entire tour was a pleasure!!!!”

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From Funchal: Transfer to Pico do Arieiro & Pico Ruivo Trail - The ride from Funchal to Pico do Arieiro
Madeira Tours, Mountain Peak Hikes, Tour Reviews

From Funchal: Transfer to Pico do Arieiro & Pico Ruivo Trail

3.Transfer to Pico do Arieiro & Pico Ruivo Trail

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,591 reviews · from $36

Travel from Funchal or Caniço to Pico do Arieiro, then take a self-guided mountain hike toward Pico Ruivo. Your driver explains the route, timing, and pickup point before leaving you to walk at your pace. Expect about 10 kilometers, five hours on foot, dramatic views, and possible route changes due to weather or trail closures.

“As PR1 is partially closed due to fires that impacted the trail, the journey is a mix of PR1 to experience the Stairway to Heaven then back to starting point to take PR3. It was amazing! The view on the mountains was impressive, we had the sunshine with us but the clouds passing also gave us amazing pictures. The PR3 trail was also a proper adventure going down steps at the start and then crossing some river streams still with a mix of sun and clouds. Go for it!”

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Pico Do Arieiro Pico Ruivo Sunrise or Morning Hike Transfers - The 50-minute climb from Funchal or Caniço
Hiking & Trekking, Hiking Tours in Madeira, Madeira Tours, Morning, Mountain Peak Hikes, Tour Reviews

Pico Do Arieiro Pico Ruivo Sunrise or Morning Hike Transfers

4.Pico Do Arieiro Pico Ruivo Sunrise or Morning Hike Transfers

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,169 reviews · 8 - 8.5 hours · from $37

Travel by small air-conditioned minivan from Funchal or Caniço to Pico do Arieiro, then hike independently toward Pico Ruivo or follow an approved alternative route. Drivers such as Radko and Ciro explain the trail, timing, and pickup point. Sunrise starts offer cloud-level views, while later departures suit hikers who prefer more sleep.

“We had an amazing day, weather was perfect. Great views and hike wasn’t too busy.”

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Full Day Jeep Safari East - Pico do Areeiro - Santana - Ponta de são Lourenço - Santana, lunch, and Madeira’s rural character
Full-Day, Jeep Safari Tours, Jeep Safari Tours in Madeira, Madeira Tours, Mountain Peak Hikes, Safari, Tour Reviews

Full Day Jeep Safari East – Pico do Areeiro – Santana – Ponta de são Lourenço

5.Full Day Jeep Safari East – Pico do Areeiro – Santana – Ponta de são Lourenço

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 819 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $74Top rated

Spend about seven hours crossing Madeira’s east in a small 4x4 with a driver-guide. You’ll visit Pico do Areeiro, walk to Balcões, stop in Santana for lunch, taste Madeira rum in Porto da Cruz, and see Machico, Santa Cruz, and the dramatic Ponta do Rosto. Guides such as Nico, Alex, Ernesto, John, and Rodrigo are praised for safe driving and lively local insight.

“Me and my partner booked the safari jeep tour as we were only in Madeira for a few days and wanted to see as many highlights as possible. This tour is fantastic for that. It’s a fun interactive tour with some off roading and many beautiful views. Our tour guide Rodrigo was fantastic. He was very knowledgeable answering all our questions about Madeira. And his driving up some of the steepest roads I’ve ever seen was beyond impressive. We felt very safe with him as our tour guide. Cannot recommend this tour and Rodrigo enough !!”

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From Funchal: Pico Arieiro Sunrise with Optional Breakfast - Pico do Arieiro at 1,818 meters
Madeira Tours, Morning, Mountain Peak Hikes, Tour Reviews

From Funchal: Pico Arieiro Sunrise with Optional Breakfast

6.Pico Arieiro Sunrise with Optional Breakfast

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 728 reviews · from $51

Leave Funchal before dawn for Pico do Arieiro at 1,818 meters. After sunrise, the breakfast option adds hot drinks, toasted ham and cheese sandwiches, homemade cake, and a 45-minute levada walk. Sunday replaces the walk with Santo da Serra Market. Guides such as Jorge, George, Luis, and Francisco lead small groups in several languages.

“Weather wasn’t great but our guide Gorge was fantastic , took us to some viewing points due to the weather, breakfast excellent”

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Funchal: Sunrise Pico do Arieiro & Ruivo/Larano HikeTransfer - The current route change and what it means
Madeira Tours, Morning, Mountain Peak Hikes, Tour Reviews

Funchal: Sunrise Pico do Arieiro & Ruivo/Larano HikeTransfer

7.Sunrise Pico do Arieiro & Ruivo/Larano HikeTransfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 597 reviews · from $34

You’ll ride from Funchal, Caniço, or Garajau to Pico do Arieiro for sunrise, then hike independently. With PR1 partly closed, Mondays, Thursdays, and Sundays use PR1.2 to Pico Ruivo, while Wednesdays use Vereda do Larano. A self-guided day with timed transport, dramatic views, and no mountain driving to worry about.

“Started the day with the most incredible sunrise at Pico Areiro, a reasonably short drive in safe hands, over to Pico Ruivo as not all the trail is open. Amazing day”

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Madeira: Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro & Hike Larano trail - Pico do Arieiro: sunrise, cold air, and a strict clock
Hiking & Trekking, Hiking Tours in Madeira, Madeira Tours, Morning, Mountain Peak Hikes, Tour Reviews

Madeira: Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro & Hike Larano trail

8.Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro & Hike Larano trail

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 516 reviews · from $45

Start before sunrise with hotel pickup from Funchal or Caniço, then head to Pico do Arieiro for mountain views and an optional PR1 walk toward the Stairs of Heaven. After Guindaste’s glass platform, follow the self-guided 7 km Larano coastal trail. Drivers such as Rosbert, Roberto, and Chris provide transport and island insight.

“Absolutely brilliant day! The sunrise at Pico do Arieiro was breathtaking and the Larano trail offered stunning views throughout. Rosbert was a fantastic guide and driver - friendly, punctual, and incredibly knowledgeable. His communication was spot-on and everything ran like clockwork. He really made the day smooth and enjoyable. Only tip: if you’re visiting in April, definitely bring gloves - it can get chilly at sunrise!”

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Madeira: Pico do Arieiro Sunset with Optional Dinner - Leaving Funchal for the high mountains
Dining Experiences, Evening Experiences, Evening Tours in Madeira, Madeira Tours, Mountain Peak Hikes, Tour Reviews

Madeira: Pico do Arieiro Sunset with Optional Dinner

9.Pico do Arieiro Sunset with Optional Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 430 reviews · from $51

Travel from Funchal, Caniço, Camacha, or Santa Cruz to Pico do Arieiro at 1,818 meters for a sunset above the clouds. Your guide handles the mountain roads, viewpoints, blankets, and return transfer. Tuesday through Saturday, choose the dinner option with homemade food and drinks at a refurbished mill. A lower-cost sunset-only option runs every day.

“The tour was fantastic, the guide was very friendly and made us feel very welcome.”

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From Funchal: Madeira Peaks Mountain Walk - Steps, cables, and the real level of difficulty
Madeira Tours, Mountain Peak Hikes, Tour Reviews, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Madeira

From Funchal: Madeira Peaks Mountain Walk

10.Madeira Peaks Mountain Walk

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 380 reviews · 8 hours · from $50

Travel by air-conditioned van from Funchal to Madeira’s high mountains, then hike from Pico do Arieiro toward Pico Ruivo, the island’s highest point. Expect steep steps, exposed sections, rare plants, heather forest, and wide views. Guides such as Sara, Charlotte, and Rubi are praised for steady pacing and useful advice. Weather may bring an alternate route.

“We absolutely loved the hiking, highlight of the trip, such an experience.”

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Madeira : Santana & Peaks full day tour by Open 4x4 - Porto da Cruz and the sugar cane connection
Full-Day, Jeep Safari Tours, Jeep Safari Tours in Madeira, Madeira Tours, Mountain Peak Hikes, Tour Reviews, Tours

Madeira : Santana & Peaks full day tour by Open 4×4

11.Santana & Peaks full day tour by Open 4×4

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 295 reviews · 8 hours · from $81

Spend about eight hours crossing Madeira in an open 4x4 with a local guide. From Funchal, you will visit Machico, Portela, Porto da Cruz, Santana, and the Laurisilva forest, with mountain stops that may include Pico do Arieiro. Guides such as José, Miguel, Ana, and Hugo add local stories, plant knowledge, and plenty of humor.

“They delivered! From the time I was picked up at the hotel, until I was dropped off some nine hours later, this was an adventure! Our guide, Spencer, took us on an exciting trip through the mountains, on dirt roads, and made sure we got ample time to take pictures wherever we went! His knowledge of the island’s history, flora and fauna, along with amusing stories from his time on the island, made the trip very enjoyable. And the lunch was fantastic! Try the octopus!”

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Funchal: Pico do Areeiro to Santana 4x4 East Tour - Pico do Arieiro at 1,818 meters
Jeep Safari Tours, Jeep Safari Tours in Madeira, Madeira Tours, Mountain Peak Hikes, Tour Reviews, Tours

Funchal: Pico do Areeiro to Santana 4×4 East Tour

12.Pico do Areeiro to Santana 4×4 East Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 280 reviews · 7 hours · from $73

Spend seven hours exploring eastern Madeira in a small 4x4 group of up to eight people. From Funchal, you’ll reach Pico do Arieiro, walk part of Levada dos Balcões, ride old forest roads to Santana, taste local rum, and finish at Ponta do Rosto. Guides such as Brian, John, Miguel, and Nuno are known for lively commentary and careful driving.

“Milton the driver was a superb driver and a very informative guide. The whole day was a great experience, especially highlighted by the stop to taste the local drink Poncha....wow....that was mind blowing for a usually "non drinking lady".”

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Madeira: Pico Ruivo Guided Sunrise Hike with Hotel Pickup - The early pickup and one-hour drive
Guided, Hiking & Trekking, Hiking Tours in Madeira, Madeira Tours, Morning, Mountain Peak Hikes, Tour Reviews

Madeira: Pico Ruivo Guided Sunrise Hike with Hotel Pickup

13.Pico Ruivo Guided Sunrise Hike with Hotel Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 257 reviews · 5 hours · from $68

Join Carlos and a small group of up to eight for a pre-dawn climb from Achada do Teixeira to Pico Ruivo. You’ll walk 2.5 kilometers and gain 260 meters under the stars, using a head torch, then watch sunrise from Madeira’s highest point. Hotel transfers, tea, and a granola bar are included.

“Carlos was a superb guide and provided us with true Madeira’s experience without feeling rushed . Thank you for they !!!”

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Madeira: Pico do Arieiro & Laurissilva Forest - East tour - Pico do Arieiro and Madeira’s knife-edge ridges
Madeira Tours, Mountain Peak Hikes, Tour Reviews, Tours

Madeira: Pico do Arieiro & Laurissilva Forest – East tour

14.Pico do Arieiro & Laurissilva Forest – East tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 251 reviews · 8 hours · from $30Best value

Spend eight hours exploring Madeira’s eastern sights with a small group or private guide. You’ll visit Pico do Arieiro, walk in Laurissilva Forest, enter a traditional Santana house, and stop at Guindaste, Porto da Cruz, Machico, and Ponta de São Lourenço. Guides such as Luca, Rui, Cristian, and Susana add local history and practical insight.

“We got to see many nice spots and walked along a levada. Luis is a good guide, we really enjoyed his tour.”

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Arieiro Peak, Santana & Ponta São Lourenço in Open Roof 4X4 Tour - Pico do Arieiro at 1,818 meters
Jeep Safari Tours, Jeep Safari Tours in Madeira, Madeira Tours, Mountain Peak Hikes, Tour Reviews, Tours

Arieiro Peak, Santana & Ponta São Lourenço in Open Roof 4X4 Tour

15.Arieiro Peak, Santana & Ponta São Lourenço in Open Roof 4X4 Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 235 reviews · 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $75

Join a local guide such as Francisco, Luis, or Diogo for a 7.5-hour open-roof 4x4 tour from central Funchal. You’ll visit Pico do Arieiro, Santana, Porto da Cruz, Ponta de São Lourenço, and a traditional levada. Expect strong views, short walks, Wi-Fi, and weather-sensitive mountain roads.

“Fantastic experience! Our guide, Francisco, was incredibly knowledgeable about the area and kept us well informed about the itinerary throughout the day. He allowed plenty of time to explore each location and made sure everyone had a great time on the tour.”

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New in Mountain Peak Hikes

★ 5.0Achadas Teixeira- Pico Ruivo -& Pico pedras/Queimadas forest walkFrom $54100 reviews
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★ 4.0Madeira s highest PeaksFrom $5347 reviews
★ 4.5East 4×4 Santana & PeaksFrom $8250 reviews
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★ 4.7Stairway to Heaven: Pico do Areeiro in Madeira IslandFrom $5447 reviews
★ 5.0Pico island: Climb Mount Pico, highest mountain in PortugalFrom $9165 reviews
★ 4.9Jeep tour Pico Areeiro, Santa Cruz and Cristo ReiFrom $5765 reviews
★ 4.2Full-Day Pico Ruivo / Achada do Teixeira WalkFrom $5356 reviews
★ 4.1Santana and Pico do Areeiro East Island TourFrom $4950 reviews
★ 4.7Madeira Peaks – Pico do Arieiro and Pico RuivoFrom $5841 reviews
★ 4.8Nun’s Valleys and Pico Areeiro 4X4 TourFrom $4982 reviews
★ 4.9Pico Mountain Climb: Portugal’s Highest Point – 2351 metersFrom $9072 reviews

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