Pico do Arieiro

Pico do Areiro is another excursion you simply cannot miss. This is the third highest mountain of the island (1818 m above the sea level).

The whole excursion is, in fact, made by car until the viewpoint at the top. The landscapes along all the way force you to stop several times to see them slowly.  

The weather of the island can surprise you again. It seemed a sunny day in Funchal, but during our way it became cloudy and suddenly, we surpassed the cloud level and it was sunny again. We could see a sea of clouds below us.

There is a restaurant with a souvenir shop at the top of the mountain. There is also a viewpoint and some military facilities with restricted access.

From the viewpoint you can admire a panoramic view over the highest peaks of the island, including Pico das Torres (1853 m) and Pico Ruivo (1861 m).

There is a trekking route which starts in Pico do Arieiro. It links the three highest tops of Madeira and the path is 10 km long until Pico Ruivo (20 km round trip). You can read more information about this route in Entre Montañas.