Routes
A hand-picked selection of Madeira's official trails, with sourced status and practical details.
PR1 - Vereda do Areeiro (Short – Miradouro da Pedra Rija)
The short, out-and-back version of PR1: from Pico do Areeiro (1,818 m) down to the Miradouro da Pedra Rija at km 1.2 and back. This is the easiest way to see the famous rock-cut stairways carved into the exposed ridge — the ones hikers nickname the "Stairway to Heaven" — with sweeping views over the sea of clouds, passing the Ninho da Manta viewpoint on the way. It does not enter the one-way section or the tunnels and does not reach Pico Ruivo. You return the same way to the same car park (about 40–60 minutes round-trip).
View details CUSTOM_MOINHO_NOVALevada do Moinho & Levada Nova
A ~8.1 km loop near Ponta do Sol combining two levadas through waterfalls, tunnels and old mill ruins. Bring a headlamp for the unlit tunnels, and note that parts follow exposed cliff edges with steep drops.
View details PR1PR1 - Vereda do Pico do Areeiro
PR1 is Madeira's iconic high-mountain traverse from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo, with breathtaking ridge views, exposed sections with steep drops, and several unlit tunnels — a strong torch or headlamp is essential.
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