PR1_SHORT
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).
Key parameters
Parking
Parking
Return to the same Pico do Areeiro car park — no onward/return transport needed (unlike the full PR1).
Trail status
PR1 - Vereda do Areeiro (Short – Miradouro da Pedra Rija) · status of the full PR1 trail
Trail open
Check the source before you set off.
Sections and notices
There is no separate official status for this short variant. This is the status of the full PR1 - Vereda do Pico do Areeiro trail; a closure there may or may not affect this section. PR1 - Vereda do Pico do Areeiro
This page is rebuilt once a day; the date above is when the status was recorded, not when you are reading it. Add this status to your website
Ticket availability & booking guide
Areeiro to Pedra Rija (PR1_SHORT)
Check and book with SIMplificaLive webcams
Cameras near this place, run by third parties. Nothing loads until you open one.
Good to know
This is an out-and-back — you return to the same Pico do Areeiro car park, so no taxi or return transport to arrange (unlike the full PR1).
Go early: the first slots give you the Pedra Rija viewpoints and the sea of clouds before the tour groups arrive from around 09:00.
Direct Horários do Funchal mountain bus runs daily from Funchal (Teleférico 4A) to Pico do Areeiro at 06:00 and 13:30 (€3.00 onboard only, 31 seats max), returning at 12:15 and 19:00 (Summer) / 18:00 (Winter). Phone reservation (+351 291 705 555) recommended 7 to 2 working days ahead — a seamless round-trip for PR1 Short.
Trail conditions can change quickly. Always check the linked official source before you go. Sources & methodology Report a data issue