The driver picked us up on time and gave us blankets to keep us warm when we reached the top of the mountain .
About Activity
What's Included
Includes
- Round-trip transportation
- Small-group shared experience
- Pickup/drop-off according to the option selected
- Driver / local host
- Shared sunrise experience at Pico do Arieiro
Excludes
- Hotel pickup when the Sunrise + Meeting Point option is selected
- Pickup and drop-off outside Funchal and Caniço
- PR1 Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hike
Departure & Return
Departure Point
- Meet outside Garajau Madeira Hotel at the main roadside entrance on Estrada do Garajau. Please wait by the hotel entrance and remain visible to the driver.
Return
- Meet outside Garajau Madeira Hotel at the main roadside entrance on Estrada do Garajau. Please wait by the hotel entrance and remain visible to the driver.
Itinerary
Pico do Arieiro is Madeira’s third-highest peak and the highest viewpoint on the island reachable by car, at 1,818 metres above sea level. This is where you will watch the sunrise and enjoy one of Madeira’s most spectacular mountain settings above the clouds.
Pick up and drop off at funchal, plus driving to the different points of this experience takes roughly 1h15 minutes
Language Offered
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
Reviews
Don’t waste your money, you can take a bus to the top for few euros. Didn’t see sunrise due to weather but no alternative given by the provider. The experience lasted 2.5 hrs, not between 3-4 hours as advertised. Majority of that time you sit in the van in a dark waiting for a sunrise, then you get 15 min for the sunrise which we didn’t see. Poor experience. Would be even cheaper to take over up there and back
The tour guide Gregorio went over and above. He made sure the group was well taken care of even picking a panoramic location and made us breakfast and coffee! The sunrise was spectacular! The viewing location was perfect it really felt like we were above the clouds! Highly recommend!!
Fantastic experience, with amazing sunrise views. Gets very cold waiting, so wear layers but so worth it!
High price for transport only. No possibility to see any part of PR1 route. Such a little time after the sunrise.
The experience was lush and the guide was amazing, thank you 🙏
We had a good weather above clouds and it was beautifull, would recommend
Friendly, timely, convenient pick up and return to my hotel. Every sunrise there is spectacular, some more than others but timing is something that you can't control. Two thumbs up for the service.
Fantastic trip, the sunset was magical, despite a cloudy start, it still looked brilliant and worth the early start. (Do take extra layers as it VERY cold at the top early in the morning!) We actually only book the standard trip but they gave us a free upgrade to the breakfast and levada walk which was lovely (delicious orange cake). Jorge was a great driver, very friendly and happy to help, he also stopped at the Cristo Rei do Garajau on the way back which was a great extra!
What a fantastic experience! Our guide was brilliant and we were well looked after. The whole trip was a wonderful and beautiful way to start the day. Would highly recommend.
Tour guide was honest and punctual. Giving all required information. Best sunrise experience above and beyond clouds. Dress up like if you’re going in harsh winter. Must have LED Headlamp Rechargeable -for tracking in darkness.
Such an amazing sunrise! Even if the weather seems bad, you must go! The weather is u predictable and we saw the most amazing sunrise. Jorge was a great tour guide! Highly recommend.
Amazing service and very professional. The sighting of sun was amazing. They picked up and dropped of on time and took us right to the footings of the steps
Experience was amazing. It is really worth it to watch the sunrise up to the mountains. I will go again next opportunity. Francisco our driver/guide was amazing, super kind. 10/10
Our booking said it included breakfast and we didn’t get offered anything We had to pay for coffees when we stopped
Great experience with a really nice tour guide who brought us to some extra viewing points and walks that we wouldn't have been able to find ourselves. For the sunrise itself we were a bit unlucky with the cloud cover but it was worth it anyway for the nice breakfast and other viewing points. Would highly recommend!
Such a wonderful experience! April is a great time to go because whilst there are other people on the mountain of course, it’s not overcrowded and we were blessed with perfect weather conditions. It was a small group so easy to find the guide, and it was very peaceful with plenty of time to walk around and take photos once it was lighter as well. Stopping off at a local coffee shop for 10 minutes was a nice added personal touch too. Also due to a couple of people moving around and leaving the van early I switched seats and accidentally left a bag in the van which I only realised after drop off - I called and they were so kind and empathetic and called the driver straight away. The kind driver brought it back to me straight after his last drop off which I honestly really appreciate after he started work early for our tour and with Easter Saturday traffic. A lovely company with warm, kind people - and not only that, I got a sunrise that I’ll never forget!
A must-do tour in Madeira. It is absolutely amazing to watch the sun rise and the views are incredible.
The sunrise was absolutely breathtaking. The lovely company and Francisco’s kindness and cheerful energy made it even more special. Truly a beautiful morning!
Unfortunately the thick cloud cover at Pico do Arieiro meant zero visibility. Our guide, Sofia, suggested we find another viewpoint lower down. We watched a beautiful sunrise over the sea. Obviously we were disappointed not to have the Mountain view but our guide ensured it wasn’t a total failure.
I would highly recommend this trip. Our guide George, was incredibly kind, friendly and thoughtful - he even provided each of us with a blanket to keep us warm in the cold mountain air. He made sure we knew exactly where to go for the best sunrise views, which were breathtaking. A small tip for future travellers: if you prefer not to use your phone for light, be sure to bring a torch for the walk to the viewing site.
Prompt pick up and safe careful driver to the summit. Josef was kind and careful with our 4 year old, offering her extra blankets in addition to the ones we brought and allowing us time to put in our car seat. He also provided her with some chocolate wafers which she devoured while waiting for the sunrise and a spare torch: so kind and patient. We loved the sunrise but it’s cold so take hat coat and scarf and blankets if you have We had a flask of coffee/tea to sip while you wait for the sun to come up. This is in January may not be needed in the summer. We had a wonderful time thanks again
Fantastic experience. Definitely bring a jacket, gloves, and a hat if you go in the winter-- it was freezing up there! Take your your guide up on his offer of a blanket, haha. It was all very beautiful and I'm so happy we did it.
It’s freezing at the summit ! But a fabulous experience to witness the sunrise amongst and illuminating the clouds
Tour guide was good , but we couldn’t see the sunrise,its was rainy day , sunrise will be at 7:23 am but we left the place at 7:30 am . So around 7:45/8 am sunrise so we missed it . We had breakfast in woods , levada walk is great.
I have genuinely never seen anything like this with my own eyes before - best views I have ever seen. The whole experience on this tour was very wholesome and a fantastic start to our time on the Island.
I booked this last minute because the conditions when I did a sunrise hike to Pico Ruivo a few days ago were so overcast. The driver wasn't super chatty but was punctual and reliable, and we arrived in good time-allowing everyone in the group to find a spot. After the sunrise, we had 30-40 minutes to soak it in and take photos before heading back. The sunrise is super memorable and the views are stunning!
Take warm clothes and gloves if you have them. It’s a long wait for sunrise… Francisco the driver was friendly, informative and provided a good breakfast. The walk in the woods is lovely.
My husband and I loved it If you love sunrise experiences you will absolutely love this because eventhough you are there for a while , (the driver takes you a little earlier so you’ll be an hour before sunrise ) magic is happening meanwhile . DO bring something to protect you !!! Doesn’t matter where you come from , wear something ! It gets chilly , breezy and drizzly . We did a time lapse video with my husband and it came out awesome ( except for the part a women photobombed our video , even though it was pretty obvious we were recording it ) anyways people will be people . So if you do something similar put your cameras / phone in an area where there are almost no chances of people walking infront of it . We chose to be in the hill during the whole experience (you’ll notice it once you get to the end , you just have to climb a little bit ) it’s a great spot , there no people walking up and down or back and forth (except for that only lady but I don’t think she. Will be back , so you are all good ) 😂 Enjoy ! It’s great ! And also 5stars to our awesome driver “FELIPE” who was very knowledgeable and nice to keep up entertain during the drive .
Breakfast and tickets are charged but not included. You are only paying for transportation. This is a scam. I’m requesting a refund
Smooth booking and pre- pickup messages. Stunning views from top, worth the early start. Followed by decent breakfast and pleasant levada walk .
Wonderful option to get right to the top of Pico do Ariero before sunrise! Our driver made sure we knew exactly where to go. We arrived approximately 90 minutes prior to the actual sunrise, so we could take in all the beautiful colours and views as the sky lightened. Our driver was also able to answer our additional questions about getting to Pico Ruivo and the Stairway to Heaven. 10/10 recommend!
We received a message the evening before to confirm the pickup time from our hotel and our guide was there promptly. We picked up just another couple and set off for Pico. When we arrived we discovered a police checkpoint and that vehicles without permits have to park further down and walk up a steep path or road so this tour was a major benefit. We arrived in very good time (an hour before you saw the sun rise above the clouds) and before 90% of the crowds, and received good advice on where to watch the sunrise from the peak. Afterwards, we headed to the picnic spot where warm cheese & ham toasties (or just cheese for vegetarians) toasties were made, with tea, coffee, orange juice, cereal bars and even chocolate cake also available in plentiful supply. Finally a trip to the Santo da Serra market (something unique to the Sunday trip), where there was an array of local fruit, veg and cakes on offer, as well as both local and generic clothing and souvenirs, often at better value than in Funchal. If you were quick, there was time to visit the local church or explore the village with several open cafes. Our trip was in mid-September; we were picked up at 6am and were back to the hotel by around 11am. Blankets were available but you need trousers and a warm layer to be comfortable at the summit and the outdoor picnic halfway down - early morning Funchal at 21C translated to 9C at altitude.
A fantastic way to see the sunrise and be able to get right to the top without worrying about parking (tours and taxis are able to access a higher spot than the other cars!). A 5 minute walk and we were at a perfect spot with the added extra of very welcomed blankets. After the tour we had a very basic style breakfast (cheese/ham toasties, cake and coffee). They did cater for my vegan diet with a vegan cheese toastie, small breakfast cereal bar, and soya milk. The Levada walk stop off at the end was a nice edition, very flat and gentle.
The driver was exactly on time and communication via Whatsapp after my last minute booking was clear. The experience in overall was everything I expected and more - but prepare for heavy crowds and surprisingly cold weather.
Booked it last minute , great communication with details of the driver / guide and vehicle. Our guide Fransisco arrived on time with a very happy smile. The journey to the sunrise viewing place was 35 mins from our hotel ( Baia azul) , our guide was very informative throughout the journey, when we arrived he directed us to the best viewing spot. We arrived in good time to get a good seat before sunrise. After seeing the spectacular view met Francisco back at the mini bus for a short drive for breakfast- ham/cheese toasties , coffee or juice and local cake. We chatted to our guide throughout telling us about the local area. We hopped on the minibus again for a short drive to the Levada walk, a short 2mile picturesque walk , full of greenery, fruit trees and wildlife. All in all a great trip, I would definetly reccommed.
A fantastic tour, pick up and dropped off right outside of our accommodation. George was so lovely and had great knowledge of the island/mountains. Would definitely book with him again!
This is a must for anyone visiting Madeira. Some of these tours offer breakfast but we just did the tour up and down as we were back in our hotel by 9.45am and still able to catch breakfast. It's an early pick up, around 5am to enable you to reach the summit when its still dark, you will need you mobile phone to light the short 400yd walk around the summit to reach the perfect spot to view. There are a few people offering this tour, but there's plenty of space for everyone at the top to find the perfect spot and watch as the sun rises. The view above the clouds as the sun comes up is amazing and everyone sits there quiet and in awe. Definitely do it again when we returned to Madeira.
This was a wonderful experience; from being picked up at my accommodation, to getting to our destination quickly. We were nearly the first people there so able to pick a good viewpoint to watch the sunrise. After watching the sunrise, stopped for breakfast, which was perfect; outdoors, with kitties. And our final activity was the walk that lasted about 45 minutes through the woods and along a clearly marked path. It did last longer that scheduled, but I’m ok with that as I had nothing else planned. Highly recommend.
100% worth it. Hugo was the best and it was an amazing way to start the day and view the most beautiful views! If you’re considering this tour, book it.
Great trip with my daughter. B early start (5am) but we had a hotel pick up that made it a little easier. George was our driver - a lovely, gentle man. We headed up to the viewing point through dramatic scenery and mist, albeit dark! Once there, we had little instruction but followed the masses to the viewing point. We were one of the first there so had prime viewing pick of place. It was exceedingly windy and very cold. We had begun given a blanket each, but I wished I’d put on more layers - even a hat and gloves! The sunrise was unforgettable…you could even see the sun moving up. After that, we headed to an outdoor snack bar for breakfast - don’t expect too much…just a picnic breakfast really on a borrowed site (“pretty rustic” as one of my fellow travellers commented on) but it was tadty and did its job. The stray cats added even more quirky atmosphere! After that we headed to the 50 minute Levada walk. Again not much instruction and little history, information about the Levada, but it was an easy, stunning walk with beautiful alliums illuminating the way, and fragrances in abundance assaulting the nose. All in all a wonderful trip I’d do again. And we were back for a 2nd breakfast at our hotel by 10.30am,
This trip is really well worth the early start. Excellent and lovely driver took us there in time, so we could choose a good position to wait for the sun. Didn't have to bother about the parking which was already busy at that time. We arrived in complete darkness and could experience the first pastel glows on the horizon. Magic experience! The driver gave us some extra blankets, but bring all the clothes you have! Definite recommendation!
Pick up from the hotel was welcomed, John Silva being our driver. Chatty, but informative and took us up to the top talking fondly about the experience. Windy on the peak, so shorts definitely not the right attire, but with fleece blankets handed out we plodded up the mountain to the peak face to take in the ever changing scenery. Spectacular
This was a brilliant trip done by the best. The pick up and drop off went smoothly and the driver Francisco was absolutely amazing!! He did a brilliant job at keeping us entertained and was very passionate about Camacha and places to go after the tour. The breakfast was so hearty and cozy, it was impressive to see him doing it all alone and checking in on us constantly. The cats at the venue were a plus for sure!!! Cannot give this man as big of a shoutout as he deserves, we even got blankets to watch the sunrise :) I'd definitely do this again and I've already told many friends about the experience.
George our guide superb.. Fun, belpful. This is amust to see the sunrise take a torch!! Amazing.views worth 5 15 am.start Breakfast funny in a shed side.of road done ok I recommend this tour.company
A fantastic thing to go and see. The sunrise over the clouds is amazing. This company is excellent and kept us fully informed at every step. Our driver - Francisco - was amazing, knowledgeable and a safe driver.
Lovely to see the beautiful sunrise. The walk along the levadas was also very enjoyable but the guide didn’t come with us which we were a bit surprised at. Breakfast was a bit odd - odd combination of things and a strange place with no facilities. We would have been happy with just a cup of coffee
This was and has been the highlight of my trip and I am so glad I did it on the first day when in Madeira. The sight was to die for and it gave me so much peace. Great driver and guide.
Beautiful experience. The sunrise was beautiful and truly a must see. I would say this tour only allows you to watch the sunrise and doesn’t give you much time to do some of the pr1 route. I didn’t realise stairways to heaven was on the other side and didn’t have time to explore thats the only Disappointment. But suppose wasn’t included in the trip.
It's an ok experience. The sunrise is nice and all but it is super cold and the driver just drops you in the nearest road and you have to find your way .
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