Vereda do Areeiro

PR 1 Vereda do Areeiro is Madeira's best-known mountain trail: a 6.1 km footpath from the Pico do Areeiro viewpoint (1,818 m) to Pico Ruivo (1,862 m), the island's highest summit. It is managed by IFCN, the regional forestry and nature conservation institute; Visit Madeira, the official tourism site, rates it moderate and gives about 3 hours. It is worth doing for the ridge itself — tunnels, rock-cut stairs and steep drops across the Central Mountain Massif, a Natura 2000 site.

Is PR 1 open, and where does it end?

IFCN reports that the full trail reopened on 1 May 2026, and its official list (updated 2 October 2026) shows it as open. The conditions matter:

• Pico do Areeiro → Miradouro da Pedra Rija (about 1.2 km each way): two-way, so you can walk out and back.
• Pedra Rija → Pico Ruivo: one-way only. You cannot return along PR 1 to your car at Pico do Areeiro.
• Leaving Pico Ruivo: by PR 1.2 Vereda do Pico Ruivo to Achada do Teixeira (2.8 km) or PR 1.1 Vereda da Ilha down to Ilha (8.2 km). PR 1.3 to Encumeada is only open as far as Boca das Torrinhas.
• The eastern variant via Pico das Torres is closed; the route uses the western branch through the tunnels.

IFCN states that walkers are responsible for their own transport back; it does not organise returns to Pico do Areeiro.

How much does it cost and do I need to book?

Booking on the SIMplifica portal is mandatory for everyone, in entry time slots. In 2026 the full PR 1 costs €10.50 for visitors over 12 and includes PR 1.1 and PR 1.2. The out-and-back to Pedra Rija costs €4.50. PR 1 is excluded from the one-day and multi-day combined fees. Residents of Madeira and children aged 12 or under are exempt but still need a booking. See trail booking and fees.

What is the trail like?

Visit Madeira gives a high point of 1,857 m and a low point of 1,491 m. The path drops and climbs again rather than following a contour: there are tunnels cut into volcanic tuff, once used as shelter by shepherds and cattle; a steep staircase carved into the rock to get around Pico das Torres (1,851 m); and, last of all, the climb to the Casa de Abrigo do Pico Ruivo shelter, which Visit Madeira calls the hardest part. Distances are short, but the effort is in the gradients and the exposure.

What do people commonly misjudge?

• The return. Since May 2026 there is no out-and-back on the full route. Plan a pick-up at Achada do Teixeira or Ilha, or take the Pedra Rija ticket instead.
• The ticket. A €4.50 Pedra Rija ticket does not cover the rest of the route, and IFCN does not convert tickets.
• Total walking time. The 3 hours cover PR 1 only; add the 2.8 km to Achada do Teixeira, including the final summit detour.
• Weather. Cloud, wind and cold can roll in fast at 1,800 m. IFCN's code of conduct asks you to carry warm clothes, not walk alone, carry a charged phone and finish before dark.

Nearby

The Pico do Arieiro viewpoint at the trailhead is worth a look even if you only walk to Pedra Rija. More high-altitude routes are in the mountains region.