Had a fabulous evening with Claudio doing the sunset hike. His knowledge of plants and geology was fascinating and we thoroughly enjoyed the amazing views from the hike. Cláudio also found us a beautifully quiet spot from which to watch the sunset. Would definitely recommend this trip.
About Activity
What's Included
Includes
- All Fees and Taxes
- Air-conditioned vehicle
Excludes
- Tip
Departure & Return
Departure Point
- The time it takes to reach the place is about 35 minutes by car from Funchal, and then we walk about 2.3 kms for 45 minutes.
Itinerary
In winter time, the Pickup is earlier. Private activity (your reservation only) We will take a hike of about 3 km to Pico Ruivo, lasting 45 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, then we wait for the incredible sunset, accompanied by an impressive view from north to south of the island of Madeira. To combat the cold, a hot tea or coffee will be provided according to your preference, which must be informed after the reservation. After sunset we returned to the car making stops at some viewpoints. Arrival at the hotel will be around 2 hours after sunset.
Language Offered
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ An unforgettable sunrise hike with Claudio! 🌅🥾 We had the most amazing experience hiking to Pico Ruivo for sunrise with Claudio. From the very beginning, he was incredibly professional — arriving promptly, making us feel completely safe and well looked after, and guiding us confidently along the route. Claudio was extremely knowledgeable and shared lots of really interesting information about Madeira, the mountains and the local area along the way, which made the experience even more enjoyable. He also took some fantastic photos of us throughout the hike, capturing memories that we’ll treasure forever. 📸 The sunrise from Pico Ruivo was absolutely breathtaking, but what made the experience even more special was that Claudio went above and beyond on the way back, taking us to three other incredible viewpoints that we would never have discovered ourselves. It was such a lovely bonus and a wonderful way to finish an already fantastic morning. Claudio was friendly, professional, knowledgeable and clearly passionate about sharing the beauty of Madeira. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide and would 100% recommend him to anyone wanting to explore Madeira’s incredible mountains and scenery. Thank you, Claudio, for such a brilliant and unforgettable experience! ❤️
Claudio was wonderful from start to finish. He made the drive enjoyable by sharing so many facts about Madeira but also didn’t talk too much on the journey there as we were all tired as it was so early 🤣 We were advised ahead to bring coats but we hadn’t thought to bring these on holiday with us, he provided us with some which we were so grateful for as it was so cold at the beginning of the hike. The weather unfortunately wasn’t the best to see the sunrise from high up so he made so much effort to drive us to another point on the island where we saw a beautiful sunrise so we didn’t miss out. Would definitely book Claudio on our next trip to Madeira.
If you’re looking for a truly special hiking experience in Madeira, stop searching and book with Hiking Island. We did the Private Sunset Pico Ruivo hike with Claudio, and it ended up being one of the absolute highlights of our trip. Claudio is exactly the kind of guide you hope to find: knowledgeable, passionate, funny without trying too hard, and deeply respectful of the mountain. He knows the island inside out and shares its stories naturally, never making it feel like a rehearsed tour. The timing was perfect. Hiking in the softer evening light, watching the crowds disappear, and reaching the summit as the sun dropped into a sea of clouds was simply unforgettable. One of those rare moments where you stop taking photos because you just want to be there. As a trail runner and someone who spends a lot of time outdoors, I really appreciated Claudio’s pace. He reads the group well, never rushes anyone, but also never makes the hike feel slow. You always feel safe without feeling over-managed. A lovely extra touch: he also took beautiful photos along the way, so we could simply enjoy the experience instead of constantly reaching for our cameras. Madeira has spectacular landscapes, but the people you experience them with make all the difference. Claudio definitely did. Highly, highly recommended.
My partner and I had such a beautiful experience on this sunrise hike with Claudio. Claudio was a lovely guide, efficient, patient, knowledgeable and experienced. I have always been discouraged with private tours due to cost. Claudio had been this experience super affordable and makes such a personal touch. Could not recommend him enough. Additional touch was taking some photos of our experience so we can look on this fondly We will use him again on our return next year.
Second hike of our holiday and it was breathtaking, absolutely stunning views and many many steps to the top of the highest peak. (So literally breathtaking) Cláudio made our hike even better, he’s the best private tour guide and even took pictures of us during our hike to send to us and showed us the most beautiful views and bits of information about Madeira along the way. The hike and Cláudio, were just incredible!
A unique experience, safe and with lots of information.
It was an amazing experience. I would recommend it to everyone who goes to Madeira island. The perfect mountain guide!
Really good Sunset view from Pico Ruivo and good hospitality
We booked this tour as a sunrise (instead of a sunset) hike and this hike to Pico Ruivo was the highlights of my trip to Madeira. The hike began under an array of starts and ended with an epic sunrise, as seen from the highest peak in Madeira. Our mountain guide, Claudio, was absolutely wonderful in every way. He was knowledgeable, kind, patient and prepared. We completed this hike as a small group of three - myself, my sister, and my niece, age 11, and he was attentive and accommodating. Claudio even helped me find the perfect spot for my GoPro to capture the sunrise in a time lapse. Following this hike, he took us to a delicious cafe for breakfast and to grab a picnic lunch. On this day, Claudio was also able to take us on a hike along the Larano Trail, complete with incredible coastal views. We were so lucky to find Claudio as our guide and also secured two other full hiking days with him. Thank you Claudio for making our time in Madeira so special!
A big thank you to Claudio, he was top-notch.
Claudio is an exceptional guide, passionate about his island; he was able to share his passion for his island and its peaks with us. Guided by the full moon and the stars, we climbed safely to the summit of Pico Ruivo. Thank you Claudio for this moment of sharing surrounded by a magnificent setting. The hike is simple, sublime, and the summit magical. We will never forget the sunrise. Memories forever etched in our minds. Maëva and Ewen
A big thank you to Claudio for this magnificent outing to Pico Ruivo to admire a splendid spectacle of nature 🙏
Claudio led to a spectacular experience. To repeat the next time you go to Madeira.
Excellent professional. Repeat.
Excellent tour, an ascension after just an hour and a sunset over the clouds, the fantastic colors and the indescribable memories.
Watching the sunset at Pico Ruivo is a unique and unforgettable experience. At the highest point of Madeira, the sky turns into a spectacle of intense colors, shades of orange, pink and golden, while the clouds stretch below as a quiet sea. The silence of the mountain and the feeling of being above everything make the moment even more magical and contemplative.
Beautiful ✨ Claudio is the best mountain guide ✨
Exceptional experience. The place chosen, away from the crowds, was spectacular.
Exceptional, very professional, always well disposed and smiling. Good late afternoon.
The best tour ever done, the guide has immense knowledge of flora and fauna. The Claudio, super attentive and left a few tips where to eat and drink a wonderful poncha
Perfect hike off the beaten track! Claudio is an extremely experienced and competent guide! From hotel pickup to Levada hike without a single tourist, sunset on Funchal Bay to Espetada dinner - everything is perfect!
We loved Sunset with Claudio, was already waiting for us when we arrived and made us a briefing of what we were going to do. He took us to the highest point of the island to enjoy a phenomenal view, but along the ascending and descending route he enlightened us of various aspects and facets of the course, the biology and geology of the place, the folklore and the history of the island and that particular place. It showed in the few spots less visited where we were more restrained to visualize the sun and the plant of shades of light that were disappearing. It was an experience that I recommend and if possible repeat. A magical place.
The Madeira walk was simply unforgettable, with stunning landscapes at every step. The mountain guide was super professional, attentive and knowledgeable of the region, making everything even more special and safe. Totally recommend for those who want to explore the nature of the island in an authentic way!
Monday through Friday 9 am to 7 pm EST
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