Madeira is trending online as a popular adventure and outdoors destination.. and for good reason.. it’s incredible! Having visited we can easily say it’s one of the most unique places in Europe, and a must visit for hiking and outdoor lovers. While filled with a plethora of highlights, Madeira’s pièce de resistance would have to be the famous PR1 Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruvio Hike.
You have likely seen videos and photos online of the sweeping views, narrow walkways, and jagged mountains.. it’s everything you see and more! The PR1 hike is definitely one of the best hikes Ky has ever done, completing the full trail with his friend Tim during their recent visit. However, the PR1 hike is not without it’s challenges and there’s a few things we think are really important to know before you visit.
Things to know about the PR1 hike in Madeira:
The PR1 hike in Madeira is tough trail, filled with lots of incline, exposed walkways and a reasonably long total distance. You hike from one mountain peak, Pico Do Arieiro, to the other, Pico Ruvio. The PR1 hike boasts spectacular views, meaning all of your effort will soon be forgotten as you soak up the scenery around you. Read below for a few things to know about the Pico Do Arieiro hike.
- How long is the PR1 hike: The length of the PR1 hike depends on where you start, and what point you reach before turning back. However, if you park in the ‘longer stay car park’ (see below), hike the full trail starting at Pico Do Arieiro and up to Pico Ruvio, and return back, it will be around 16kms in total. The distance between Pico Do Arieiro to Pico Ruvio is around 7kms each way, and getting from the car park to the start of the trail is around 900m-1km each way. All up, the out and back route is between 14-16kms depending on where you start.
- How long does the PR1 hike take: Now this is variable. You will see online that people say the hike takes between 3-4 hours.. and while this may be accurate for some in good physical fitness or experienced hikers, we think it will take more like 5-7 hours. The amount of time you stop to rest, take photos, and enjoy the views will definitely add/remove extra time, as will the starting point. We would recommend allowing at least 5-6 hours, but potentially more if you aren’t accustomed to hiking.
- How much elevation does the PR1 hike have: In short.. a lot! There is over 1km off elevation gain over the trail, yes 1000m. For those that haven’t hiked much.. this means a LOT of stairs. Keep this in mind when planning your time commitment, and you ability to complete the hike.
- Where should you start the PR1 hike: The best starting point, and the most common, is to commence the PR1 trail at Pico Do Arieiro. This mountain peak has multiple car parks, a small café and basic bathroom facilities. You then hike the trail up towards Pico Ruvio.
- What gear do you need for the PR1 hike: The essentials are hiking shoes, appropriate clothing, sunscreen (it’s a very exposed trail), plus enough water and food supplies. The possible additions might be a head torch, especially if you start in the early morning, or for the long tunnels – note you can use your phone. You may also want hiking poles and other hiking gear like a satellite phone if you are worried about your phone reception.
- Are there any restaurants or facilities on the PR1 hike: At the start of the trail, at Pico Do Arieiro, there is a small café and bathroom facilities. On the length of the trail, between Pico Do Arieiro and Pico Ruvio, there isn’t any facilities. There are no toilets, no places to fill up your water, or to buy refreshments.. factor this in with your planning. At the base of Pico Ruvio (around 6kms into the trail), there is a small kiosk that sells basic drinks and snacks. There isn’t a bathroom here. We recommend you carry all of your equipment and food with you, and possibly bring emergency items incase you need to got to the bathroom along the hike.
The ‘stairway to heaven’ on PR1 hike:
The Stairway to Heaven is the most famous part of the PR1 hike in Madeira. This is the narrow set of stairs climbing up a cliff that you’ve likely seen slashed across your Instagram feed. This is truly a unique sight, and one of the most beautiful views in Madeira. What many people don’t know is that the Stairway to Heaven is only located around 20-30 minutes into the trail from Pico Do Arieiro. This is an easy way for those wanting to see this view and experience part of the hike without doing the full trail. However, we think the entire hike is worth doing, filled with spectacular views, tunnels, and trails. If you are wanting to visit the Stairway to Heaven, be prepared that the busiest times here are sunrise and sunset, where people will be coming just to get their photos here. If you want to visit the trail at a quieter time, try around 1-2 hours before sunset, as this will likely be less people. Regardless of when you visit, and how many people are there, this is a truly unique view and well worth doing, even if you don’t think you can make the full PR1 hike.
How to get to the PR1 hike:
- Distance from Funchal to PR1 hike: It is around 20kms from Funchal to the start of the PR1 hike at Pico do Arieiro.
- Can I get public transport to the PR1 hike: Not really.. you can get a bus half the way (the 81), but will need to get a taxi (which aren’t around) after that. Realistically, you need your own car (recommended) or a pre-arranged lift/tour.
- Do you need a car to get to the PR1 hike: In short.. yes! There are limited/no public transport options, and pre-arranged transport is costly. Hiring a car is the easiest way to be able to do the hike at your own pace, and not worry about having to be back at the finish point in time for your transport. There are no taxis at Pico do Arieiro, so make sure you pre-arrange transport if you are going with this option.
- Where is the best place to park on the PR1 hike: There are 2 parking areas at Pico do Arieiro. The first parking area is located at the summit, but is only for 1 hour duration. The second parking area is located around 900m-1km down the road, and has a lot of spaces. If you are planning on doing the hike, this is where you should park. As mentioned above, this will add on 1km each way to your total hike, and while annoying, it’s likely the best option.
What is the best time of day to do the PR1 hike:
The best time of day to hike PR1 in Madeira really depends on your goals, however, we think there is a ‘more optimal’ time to not only avoid the crowds, but also to enjoy the sunset. The busiest time is without a doubt sunrise, where people clamour to see the view at Pico Do Arieiro. If you are sent on sunrise, go for it! However, make sure you get there around 20-30 minutes before, or even more if you want to be at the Stairway to Heaven for sunrise. However, we think the best time of day to hike PR1 is early afternoon. Hear us out.. starting around 1-3pm (pending your fitness/speed) means you have time to hike the 5-7 hours, reach the Stairway to Heaven on the way back at golden hour, and finish at Pico Do Arieiro just in time for sunset (check beforehand, often just after 8pm).
Sunset at Pico do Arieiro (PR1 hike):
Watching the sunset at Pico do Arieiro will go down as one of the most spectacular we have ever seen. You look out over the mountain peaks, with the sun slowly sinking down behind them. Often in the later evening clouds will form below the mountains (yes, you’ll be above the clouds!), adding another stunning layer to the picture. See a few shots from a stunning sunset at Pico do Arieiro below:
Have the Madeira wildfires affected the PR1 hike?
In August 2024, there was sadly a wildfire through the central Madeira region, which reached Pico Ruvio, and caused extensive burning of the landscape. The trail was closed for a period of time (around 2-3 weeks). Positively, many parts that make the PR1 hike incredible are still the same, including the trails and views. The greenery will regrow, especially in ‘wetter seasons’, however this is a reminder that nature can be fickle, even on the most beautiful destinations in the world.
Is the PR1 hike dangerous and how hard is the PR1 hike?
The PR1 hike should not be underestimated. It is a tough hike (up to 16kms), with a lot of elevation (over 1km), and exposed conditions. While the trail itself is relatively well maintained with rails, there is always a risk if you put yourself in unsafe positions (e.g. climb the barriers). In the heat of the day, it is easy to suffer from heat exhaustion. We were both in good physical fitness, but are only casual hikers, and found this trail to be quite tough. Someone in poor physical fitness would likely struggle and should consider if they are able to complete the hike as there is now way to ‘exit’ when half way along. Finally, like any hike, it isn’t without it’s perils. On the way back we hiked past someone who had to be airlifted off the mountains. We are unsure if it was due to an injury, medical episode, or just heat exhaustion. Either way, this is a good reminder not to underestimate the difficulty of the PR1 hike in Madeira.
So is the PR1 hike in Madeira worth the hype? Absolutely! It’s hands down one of the best things we have ever done!
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