Sunset at Pico do Arieiro with Optional Stairway to Heaven Hike
From
£39
pp
3h 30 mins · 4.4 (85)
Watch the sunset from Pico do Arieiro, Madeira’s third-highest peak, on a shared experience designed to help you enjoy this iconic mountain location in a calm and convenient way. Hotel pickup is included within the listed pickup areas. Guests may also choose to independently explore nearby viewpoints such as Ninho da Manta and the Stairway to Heaven on an optional self-guided walk of roughly 2.4 km round trip.
After pickup, travel up to 1,818 meters to admire the changing colours of the sky above the clouds in one of Madeira’s most striking mountain landscapes. Whether you relax near the main viewpoint or do the optional walk, this experience offers a memorable way to enjoy Pico do Arieiro at sunset.
If summit weather or visibility is too poor, an alternative viewpoint in the Palheiro area or another suitable location may be used. Clear views cannot be guaranteed. Warm clothing is recommended, as mountain temperatures can drop quickly after sunset.
Free cancellation
Pickup included
What's included
- Optional self-guided Stairway to Heaven walk, subject to trail access and conditions
- Driver
- Hotel pickup and drop-off within the listed pickup areas
- Shared sunset experience at Pico do Arieiro
What's not included
- Official trail/access fees, if applicable-
- Pickup and drop-off outside the defined service area
- Guided hiking service
- Food and drinks
Itinerary
- Pico do Arieiro is Madeira’s highest viewpoint reachable by car, at 1,818 metres above sea level. We spend around 1 hour 30 minutes here, giving guests time to enjoy the sunset and, if they wish, independently explore nearby viewpoints such as Ninho da Manta and Stairway to Heaven (Miradouro Pedra Rija). The return transfer departs 30 minutes after sunset, so guests choosing the optional walk should manage their time carefully and return before departure. If summit weather conditions are too poor, an alternative sunset viewpoint in the Palheiro area may be considered. (1h 30min)
- Optional viewpoint visit during free time at Pico do Arieiro. Ninho da Manta offers impressive mountain views and can be visited independently during the stop at the summit. (20 min)
- Also known as Stairway to Heaven, this viewpoint can be visited independently as an optional self-guided walk from Pico do Arieiro. Guests planning to do this walk should head out promptly on arrival and allow enough time to return before departure. (30 min)
- Return transfer to Funchal after the activity. The return transfer departs 30 minutes after sunset. (1h 0min)
Practical information
- Operated by
- Charismatic Mountain
- Max group size
- 8 travellers
- Travellers per booking
- 1–15
- Languages
- pt, en, es
- Confirmation
- INSTANT
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation available.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Important notes
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only within the listed pickup areas. Pickup outside the defined service area is not included.
- Please bring warm clothing and suitable footwear. Mountain temperatures can be much lower than in Funchal.
- Mountain weather can change quickly, and clear views, sunset colours or visibility cannot be guaranteed. The tour normally operates when access is open and conditions are safe. If conditions at Pico do Arieiro are not favourable, an alternative viewpoint such as Palheiro or another suitable location may be used.
- Weather, limited visibility, or use of an alternative viewpoint do not automatically qualify for a refund if the main tour operates.
- The optional Stairway to Heaven walk is self-guided and subject to official access rules, trail conditions, weather, visibility and availability on the day. Any required trail/access fees are not included.
- This walk is not guaranteed and is not required in order to enjoy the sunset visit. Inability to do the optional walk does not automatically qualify for a refund if the main tour operates.
- Return departure is normally around 30 minutes after sunset. If you choose the optional self-guided walk, the recommended turnaround point is the Stairway to Heaven / Miradouro da Pedra Rija viewpoint. Please do not continue further along the trail, as this may make it impossible to return to the vehicle on time.
- If you realise you may be late, please contact the driver or our team immediately by phone or message. The vehicle cannot wait indefinitely for late guests, as this would affect other travellers. Guests who are not back at the agreed return time may need to arrange their own return.
Frequently asked questions
This tour lasts approximately 3 hours 30 minutes. Allow a little extra time at either end if you need to transfer between the ship and the excursion meeting point.
The excursion price typically covers transport, a qualified guide, and the activities listed in the description above. Meals, gratuities, personal shopping, and any entrance fees not mentioned in the description are usually paid separately on the day.
Age and fitness guidance for this excursion is not specified in the data we hold. The tour description above is the best guide — if you have any specific concerns, contact your cruise line's excursion desk before departing the ship.