Pico do Arieiro: The Complete Guide to Sunrise, Viewpoints & Hiking in Madeira
Mystical craggy peaks floating above a sea of clouds, epic sunrises, incredible hikes and some of Madeira’s most spectacular scenery; here’s everything you need to know to visit the Pico do Arieiro Viewpoint, Miradouro do Juncal.
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Standing at 1,818 metres above sea level, Pico do Arieiro (also spelt Pico do Areeiro) is Madeira’s third-highest peak – and honestly, one of the most surreal places we’ve ever been to. Craggy peaks jut through a sea of clouds, the sky turning every shade of orange and gold before the sun even breaks the horizon, and an otherworldly quiet that makes you feel very, very small in the best possible way.
We visited for sunrise, and it’s without a doubt one of the most incredible sunrises we’ve ever seen.
This guide covers everything you need to know – the viewpoints, the sunrise, how to get there, what to wear, the best time to visit and whether it’s actually worth the early alarm (spoiler: yes, it absolutely is).
Contents
Pico do Arieiro at a Glance
- 📍Location: Central Mountains, Madeira, Portugal
- ⛰️ Altitude: 1,818 metres (third-highest peak in Madeira)
- 🌅 Best for: Sunrise, viewpoints, hiking
- 🗓️ Best time to visit: Year-round (summer for clear skies, winter for cloud sea)
- ⏳ Time needed: 1-2 hours for viewpoints, full day if hiking to Pico Ruivo
- 🚗 Getting there: 40 minutes by car from Funchal
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What is Pico do Arieiro?
Pico do Arieiro is the third-highest mountain in Madeira, sitting at 1,818 metres in the island’s Central Mountain Range. It’s famous for its dramatic landscape of jagged volcanic peaks, which often jut out above the clouds, making you feel like you’re on another planet.
One of the best things about the Pico do Arieiro viewpoint is how accessible it is by car. It’s not a viewpoint you have to work hard to reach. You can literally drive to the summit, and it’s a 5-minute walk from the car park.
However, because it’s so easily accessible, it’s one of the most popular viewpoints in Madeira, so it gets busy.
On a clear day, you should be able to see out to the neighbouring island of Porto Santo.
The Two Viewpoints at Pico do Arieiro
There are actually two viewpoints on Pico do Arieiro worth visiting, as they have very different views. Most people only make it to the first – don’t be most people.
Miradouro do Juncal
Miradouro do Juncal is the main viewpoint, a 5-minute walk from the car park and faces east, straight towards where the sun rises over the ocean. If you’re coming for sunrise, this is where you’ll want to watch it.
What makes this viewpoint so incredible is what’s below you: a sea of clouds rolling between the mountain peaks, and the sky lit up in deep oranges and reds as the sun breaks through. It’s hands-down one of the most beautiful and peaceful places we’ve ever visited.
Our top tip: it gets busy. There can be hundreds of people on the main balcony for sunrise. However, if you follow one of the dirt paths that branch off slightly from the main viewpoint, you’ll find some quieter spots with the same view.
Miradouro do Ninho da Manta
Miradouro do Ninho do Manta is 1.2 kilometres from the car park along a narrow but well-maintained path with handrails – it’s not a hike, just a walk. Most people don’t bother with this viewpoint if they’re only here for sunrise, but you definitely should.
Rather than facing the sunrise directly, Miradouro do Ninho da Manta is surrounded by dramatic peaks on all sides. When the light hits, it feels moody and quite mystical. If we come back, we’ll watch sunrise here for a completely different experience.
If you’re hiking from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, this is the first viewpoint you pass.
Pico do Arieiro Sunrise - Everything You Need to Know
Seeing the sunrise at Pico do Arieiro is one of the best things to do in Madeira, and probably why you’re on this page, so here’s everything you need to know.
What time is sunrise at Pico do Arieiro?
Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro ranges from around 6am in mid-summer to 7:45am in winter. Check the exact times closer to your trip and aim to arrive at least 40 minutes before.
Our top tip: the sky starts glowing before the sun breaks through the clouds, and this is when the colours are at their most vivid. If you arrive just in time for the sun itself, you’ve already missed the best part. We arrived about 40 minutes before sunrise, just as the sky was starting to light up, which was the perfect time.
Is it worth going to Pico do Arieiro for sunrise?
100% yes – it’s probably the most incredible place we’ve ever seen sunrise – and we’ve seen quite a few over our travels (I’m very much a morning person and will always try to see at least one sunrise per trip).
It’s actually quite hard to describe it without sounding like I’m exaggerating or to even do it justice. The silence – and yes, it’s busy, but everyone up there is pretty quiet, taking it all in – the clouds below you, jagged peaks around you and the light above you create something that none of the other sunrises we’ve seen has had. It was the highlight of our entire Madeira itinerary.
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How to Get to Pico do Arieiro
Pico do Arieiro is around 40 minutes from Funchal. The map below shows its exact location.
Car
Car is the easiest and most flexible option by a mile. Once you’re on road ER 103, it takes you almost the entire way – one left turn at Abrigo do Posio restaurant, and you’re nearly there. The road is in great condition, and the drive should take around 40 minutes. If it’s a particularly foggy morning, as it was when we were there, allow for a little more time, as you’ll have to drive slowly, especially as it’s dark.
The car park fills up quickly, so arrive at least 40 minutes before sunrise. From the car park, Miradouro do Juncal is a 5-minute walk (not even).
If this car park is full (there are around 70 spaces), there’s a car park a little lower down with 300 spaces. This is a 15-minute walk from the viewpoint.
Private Transfer
A private transfer is our pick if you want the easiest, most stress-free experience. You get picked up and dropped off at your hotel at your chosen time, so there’s no navigating dark (and potentially foggy) mountain roads at 5am in an unfamiliar car.
Bonus: transfers can also collect you from Pico Ruivo at the end of the hike if you’re doing the full trail.
Guided Tour
Guided tours are always a great option if you want company and context – a guide who knows the mountain and can point out the best spots to see the sunrise, and handles absolutely everything. Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation are included.
Taxi
Another easy, although expensive option is to book a taxi. This should cost around €50/€60 one-way from Funchal. If you’re only planning on going to the viewpoint and not hiking, you can sometimes make a deal with the driver to wait and take you back.
Bus
At 6am and 1:30pm, you can take a public bus from Praça da Autonomia on the Funchal promenade to Pico do Arieiro. Buses return at 12:15pm and 7pm, and the fare is €3 per trip (tickets are bought onboard). It’s a super cheap option, but you’ll definitely miss sunrise during the summer, and it’ll be tight during the winter. However, if you’re just going to enjoy the viewpoint and you don’t mind missing the sunrise, then it’s a good option.
The Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo Hike
Pico do Arieiro is the starting point for the hike to Pico Ruivo – Madeira’s tallest mountain and one of the most incredible hikes we’ve ever done.
The scenery is honestly mind-blowing the entire way – narrow ledges, dark tunnels, steep staircases into the clouds, jagged peaks in every direction – it’s unlike anywhere we’ve ever been before.
It’s not an easy hike, although the path is well-maintained and there are steps, ladders and handrails to help you at various points, so as long as you have a reasonable level of fitness and wear proper hiking shoes, you should be fine.
It’s around 7 kilometres one-way with significant elevation changes. You can either hike in one direction and get picked up at Pico Ruivo, or hike in both directions. We hiked in both directions as the car was parked at Pico do Arieiro. It was tiring, but I’m glad we did this, as we got to see the views from either side.
Note: since we visited, you now have to purchase a permit for many of Madeira’s hiking trails. You don’t need a permit to see sunrise at the viewpoint, but you will need it if you hike to Pico Ruivo. Permits can be bought on the SIMplifica portal.
We’ve written a full guide to the hike with everything you need to know.
Read our complete guide to the Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hike
Everything Else You Need to Know About Pico do Arieiro
The best time of year to visit the Pico do Arieiro Viewpoint
Madeira has a sub-tropical climate with hot summers and mild winters, so the Pico do Arieiro Viewpoint is worth visiting year-round. In the summer, you’re more likely to have clear skies, but also more people. Winter mornings are colder (so bring layers), but you’re also more likely to get the magical sea of clouds.
The best time of day to visit
We visited for sunrise, which we would 100% recommend, especially if you’re only going once on your trip.
Sunset would be our second choice – the light is softer, so the sky tends to be even more dramatic. It’s also significantly quieter than sunrise.
If you’re in Funchal for a few days and you can be flexible, try to time your sunrise trip with cloud cover. Seeing Madeira’s Central Mountains jut out above the clouds was such a surreal and surprising experience.
Facilities at Miradouro do Juncal
- Car parks – there are 2 car parks:
– P1 – a couple of minutes’ walk from the viewpoints. There are 70 spaces, and it costs €4 per hour or €20 for 24 hours. This car park fills up very quickly before sunrise.
– P2 – around a 15-minute walk from the viewpoints and has 300 spaces. It costs €2 per hour, or €5 for 24 hours.
Do not park on the road if the car parks are full, as you may get towed. - Toilets – for a fee of around €1. Bring cash as card isn’t always accepted. They’re open between 9am and 6pm, so they’re not available if you’re here for sunrise.
- Pousada do Pico do Areeiro — a café with hot drinks, meals and souvenirs. It opens at 9am.
What to Wear
The weather in Madeira, particularly in the mountains, can be unpredictable and change quickly, even if it looked clear when you left.
We were there in May, and we wore shorts, a t-shirt, and a light jacket. We took a hat and extra layers, but didn’t need them. In the winter, you’ll need more layers as the mornings will be a lot colder. And, even in the summer, if you catch the mountain on a windy day, it can be quite chilly.
Once the sun’s up, you can really feel the heat, so make sure you have sunscreen.
Hiking shoes are a must, as there are a few places where you have to scramble, so you need the grip.
How to Check Conditions Before You Go
There’s sometimes an operational webcam where you can check the conditions. This is more useful for afternoon visits since it’ll be dark pre-sunrise, but worth bookmarking.
FAQs About Pico do Arieiro
Is Pico do Arieiro worth visiting?
100%!
Yes – the Pico do Arieiro sunrise is honestly one of the most incredible experiences we’ve ever had, and a real highlight of any Madeira visit. Yes, it’s busy, but it’s busy for a reason. Whether you go for sunrise, sunset or anytime in the day, it’s an absolute must.
Are Pico do Arieiro and Pico do Areeiro the same?
Yes, they’re the same place. Arieiro is the English/international spelling, and Areeiro is the official Portuguese spelling. You’ll see them used interchangeably on maps, signs and travel sites.
Can you drive to Pico do Arieiro?
Yes – and it’s the easiest way to get there. The road is in excellent condition, and there are two car parks. From Funchal, the drive is around 40 minutes along road ER 103.
Do you need to book to visit Pico do Arieiro?
If you’re just visiting the viewpoint, then you don’t have to book. If you’re hiking to Pico Ruivo, you’ll need to buy a permit. For the Pico do Arieiro Viewpoint, you’ll only need to book if you’re joining a guided tour or arranging a private transfer.
How far is Pico do Arieiro from Funchal?
It’s about 20km from the centre of Funchal to the viewpoint, which takes around 40 minutes to drive. The road is straightforward once you’re on ER 103.
Is Pico do Arieiro the same as Miradouro do Juncal?
Miradouro do Juncal is the main viewpoint at Pico do Arieiro – it’s a 5-minute walk from the car park and the most popular spot for watching the sunrise. Pico do Arieiro refers to the whole mountain area.
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