pico do arieiro

We've been to various peaks in Europe but Pico do Arieiro takes some beating; the views over the volcanic peaks and valleys are truly wonderful. The variety of colours of the rocks and landscape are quite something. We went on a clear day and could see the edge of the world; it truly is breathtaking.

We intended to walk from Ariero to Ruivo via Torres but the cloud stated to come I when we were half hour away from Ruivo. We completed Ruivo 2 days later. The walk is captivating, sublime views, weather was amazing. We will definitely do this hike when we are next in Madeira. Nice to see families trekking together. Good boots are required. The walk was very steep in places and would not suit everyone but that adds to the experience, no hoards of tourists. We had drinks and cake after our walk at the café and took in the amazing views.

Fantastic trip to the top :) very good road up here. The prices on the restaurant is not high. The atmospheare is SO quiet and still, this is amazing and one of the best view I have seen.

On the first day that we went there , the weather at the top was thick cloud, rain and very windy. As we were on a mountain bike trip with Loko Loko, we ended up starting at around 1000m to avoid the worst of the weather, and ended up in warm sunshine at the coast......great fun.The next day we drove to the Nun's Valley viewpoint and decided to then go across the new road to Pico Ariero. Just finished at a cost of €29 million, it seems ridiculously narrow for a road that is supposed to be two lane. It does seem that there is often a band of cloud at around 1000m in Madeira, and sure enough above that Pico Ariero was in perfect conditions. Spectacular steep mountains showing some amazing solidified lava seams going in all directions. The path from the top gives some quite different views, even after on just 15 minutes walking. Fantastic.

The views are outstanding - clearly on a clear day!! The walks to Pico Ruiz currently take 6 hours return due to some landslides - so take care up there!!

go on a clear day and you will love it ;) i had been before and loved it ,this time we went in feb and the weather was not the best but still good

If you are lucky enough (the mountain is most of the time covered by clouds, featuring bad weather, raining etc..) you will enjoy stunning views from there! When we were there it was really windy, but sunny (after a half-dozen of failed attemps to go there that were called off due to bad weather) and we were literally above the clouds (which somehow limited the views but it was an amazing experience). There are several nice walking tracks starting from here, take a walk !(but beware of the changing weather!)

Fantastic views, must take walking boots next time and do the walks. Being above the clouds was a wonderful experience, would definitely recommend hiring a car and visiting this and other areas the large tourist buses don't go to.

Because you can drive here, you should, but only on a clear day. But, apart from anything else, the drive up through the eucalyptus forest is a delight, and then you break free and rise above any clouds into the clear air. A good trail leads across to Pico Ruivo, but it's quite a hike, and you will need picking up on the other side. So content yourself with the short walk to the top of Arrieiro, and then come down to the restaurant for a coffee or lunch.

Pack lite,have your cam/photo camera standby, binoculars are handy, good rain jackets needed (gore-tex) as it can shower very hard in a short time.

We were above the clouds, the sun was shinning. The views were unforgettable! Driving up was rather interesting, as twice our bus was in VERY close contact with one going opposite way. I'm happy we took the tour and not just went ourselves in rented car. I wouldn't like to be behind the wheel!

Lovely walk along the top if a bit blowy. Take care as the wind was very strong on the top! Remember to take some layers as it was a bit cold walking, still it was nice to come back for a hot chocolate in the restaurant.

it was one of the 30% of days not covered in cloud. Views breathtaking. Petrel exhibition wonderful. modern facility

Went here as part of the east tour by Lido Tours based in Funchal. Just 8 of us in a minibus. The journey to the top of the mountain was stunning with views above the cloud base ranging for miles. It was not too busy around the visitor centre and we were able to walk out part way along the ridge.

We love this place. We make an effort to visit this peak everytime we visit the island. It is truly stunning and you will get some wonderful pictures up here. For the brave: their is a long trek along the mountain and hills which leads towards the largest peak in Madeira.