PR1 Vereda do Areeiro: Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo

The PR1 Vereda do Areeiro is the best-known high-mountain walk in Madeira, Portugal, linking the island's third-highest summit, Pico do Arieiro, with its highest, Pico Ruivo at 1,862 m. The trailhead is the Pico do Arieiro car park and viewpoint on the Vereda do Areeiro in Santana municipality, roughly 40 minutes by road from Funchal. There is no regular bus service, so most visitors arrive by hire car, taxi or organised transfer. Because the route is one-way, a return transfer from Pico Ruivo or Achada do Teixeira should be arranged in advance. Access to the route requires a reservation through the SIMplifica system, at €10.50 per person one-way. The trail covers about 11 km and takes 4 to 6 hours one-way, with around 700 m of cumulative gain and many steep sections of stone and concrete stairs. The path follows a knife-edge ridge above the Curral das Freiras and Ribeira da Janela valleys, so exposure is significant, although most drops are protected by railings or retaining walls. Several short tunnels cut through the rock and are unlit, which makes a head torch necessary. The surface is a mix of volcanic rock, packed earth and steps; there is almost no shade, and cloud can move in quickly and reduce visibility. Key landmarks include the Miradouro do Ninho da Manta just below the start, the Pico das Torres and Pico do Gato sections, and the final climb to the Pico Ruivo summit, where a viewpoint looks across the island. A turn-around point is possible at the Pico das Torres saddle for those who find the exposure or stairs too demanding. A refuge and café at Casa de Abrigo near Pico Ruivo offers basic refreshments, but water sources along the ridge are not reliable, so about 2 litres per person should be carried. Trail closures after storms or fire repair works occur periodically, so current status should be checked before setting out.