From Funchal: Pico Arieiro Sunrise with Optional Breakfast
About This Experience
A sunrise trip for people who want the view without committing to a five-hour ridge traverse. The van climbs to the Pico do Arieiro terrace at 1,818 metres, you watch the sun come up above the cloud layer, and you are usually back in Funchal with most of the day still ahead of you.
The listing sells three tiers and they differ more than the shared headline suggests. Basic is transport-only from fixed meeting points with no rescheduling flexibility. Standard is also transport-only but collects you within the defined pickup area and offers more flexibility. Premium adds a breakfast of coffee, tea, sandwiches and homemade cake, plus a levada walk in the Paradise Valley at Camacha, and runs Tuesday to Saturday when conditions allow.
Read the option you are selecting carefully — this is where most of the disappointed reviews come from. It is worth being explicit about what this is not: it is not the PR1 Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hike, and no trail permit is included. If you came to Madeira to walk the ridge, book a hiking transfer instead.
Highlights
- Watch sunrise from Pico do Arieiro, one of Madeira’s highest peaks
- Travel above the clouds for one of Madeira’s most iconic morning views
- Choose from Basic, Standard or Premium options to match your travel style
- Upgrade to Premium for breakfast and a Paradise Valley levada walk
- Return early and still have the rest of your day free
What's Included
- ✓ Shared sunrise experience at Pico do Arieiro
- ✓ Pickup and drop-off according to the option booked
- ✓ Shared transportation
- ✓ Breakfast with coffee, tea, sandwiches and homemade cake (Premium option only)
- ✓ Paradise Valley levada walk (Premium option only, Tuesday to Saturday, if safe conditions allow)
Not Included
- Pickup and drop-off outside the defined pickup areas
- Guided PR1 Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hike
- Weather Retry add-on, unless selected where available
- PR1 trail permit
What to Bring
- Warm clothing
- Weather-appropriate clothing
Good to Know & Caveats
- This experience is not the PR1 Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hike
- Check your selected option carefully. Basic: transport only from designated pickup points, no rescheduling. Standard: transport only with pickup/drop-off within defined pickup areas. Premium: breakfast and Paradise Valley levada walk after sunrise, Tuesday to Saturday only, if safe conditions allow. Premium does not include PR1
- Services depend on the option booked. If Pico do Arieiro conditions are not favourable, an alternative viewpoint may be used. Weather, limited visibility, or alternative viewpoints do not automatically qualify for a refund if the activity operates. Warm clothing is recommended
Meeting Point
Shared pickup or a designated meeting point in Funchal, Caniço, Camacha or near the CR7 Museum, depending on which option you book — Basic uses fixed meeting points, Standard and Premium collect within the defined pickup area.
What Travelers Say
Rated 4.7/5 by 1307 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
The activity provider was super attentive and responded to my messages in a matter of minutes. The driver who took us to the Pico de Arieiro was on time at the pick-up point, very friendly, a good conversationalist, and an excellent driver. We were lucky and were able to see the sunrise beautifully because the clouds were low. A 10 for the experience. Highly recommended. Note: Bring plenty of warm clothing (preferably several layers; even we missed having a blanket to cover ourselves with). The activity provider also reminds you of this with a message. It's colder up there than it seems, and you go up at night to watch the sunrise, so it's even colder.
— Marta Maristany, August
Honestly such an amazing experience and our driver george was absolutely brilliant. He told us where to go in the darkness and did a bit of a guided tour back in the van. He was very funny and knowledgeable and we had a great conversation on the way back. He dropped us off and picked us up on time. We would absolutely go with this company again. Such an amazing experience. Thank you so much. Anytime George wants to come to England we would happily give him a tour of our peaks :) - Emma and Jordan (from England).
— Jordan, August
I really liked it!!! Our guide Gil... was very friendly and professional!!! Thank you very much!!!
— Iryna, August
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this include the PR1 hike to Pico Ruivo?
No, and the operator states so explicitly. This is a sunrise viewpoint experience at the Pico do Arieiro terrace. The guided PR1 hike and its trail permit are both excluded.
What is the difference between Basic, Standard and Premium?
Basic is transport-only from fixed meeting points with no rescheduling. Standard is transport-only with pickup inside the defined area and more flexibility. Premium adds breakfast and a Paradise Valley levada walk in Camacha, Tuesday to Saturday, weather permitting.
Is breakfast included?
Only on the Premium option — coffee, tea, sandwiches and homemade cake. Basic and Standard guests typically eat later at their hotel or back in Funchal.
How long does the whole thing take?
Three to five hours door to door, depending on the option and the season. Premium sits at the longer end because of the added levada walk.
Is it suitable if I don't hike?
Yes. This is the most accessible sunrise option on the mountain — the viewpoint is a short walk from where the van parks, with no trail permit required.
Other Pico do Arieiro & Pico Ruivo experiences
Madeira: Sunrise Hike Transfer to Pico do Arieiro (PR1)
Madeira: Pico Arieiro Sunset with Stairway to Heaven Option
Funchal: Pico do Arieiro Sunrise Hiking Transfer
Madeira: Pico Ruivo Guided Sunrise Hike with Hotel Pickup
Funchal: PR1.2 Pico Ruivo & Achada Teixeira Hiking Transfer
Stairway to Heaven, Pico do Areeiro, PR 1&3 - Sunrise Option
