Sunset At Pico Do Arieiro With Optional Stairway To Heaven Hike

Good tour operator and magnificent views. However, no sunset to spot as it was too cloudy. Do expect some distance on the road.

Drove up to walk on part of a hike and the Stairway to Heaven, then watched the sunset, then back down the mountain. Weather was cloudy but we still enjoyed it.

The trip and experience were well worth while but could have been made much more enjoyable. Our driver, who didn’t introduce himself, made no effort to integrate the group (8 people) or create any sense of a group outing. His only introduction was “the journey up to Pico would take about an hour as the road is very windy”. Next time he spoke was as we approached the summit when he pointed out the viewing point. His final contribution was to say “Sunset is at 7.30 so we will depart from here at 8 o’clock. He didn’t speak on the return journey, didn’t ask if we enjoyed it or anything else. A big opportunity missed. On the plus side he was a very smooth and I expect competent driver.

Convenient and fun, but it was a cloudy/foggy day so the sunset colors were not there. But the views of the mountains were still beautiful.

Highlight of our trip! We were lucky enough to have beautiful weather. Driver was extremely helpful and courteous! We can’t wait to come back and hike the PR1 again!

Beautiful place to visit sólo or with family. The view is amazing and the sunset is a breathtaking experience.

Great experience at sunset. The driver takes you to the lookout, and from there you can walk to the stairway to heaven and back. It takes about an hour or more round trip depending on your pace. The nice part about sunset is that the trail is west facing the whole time so you won’t miss it. Note that there are no bathroom facilities so from hotel pick up to drop off (about 4 hours), there’s no bathrooms. We had a clear night and the views were amazing.

This was an amazing trip. We got to see the beautiful sunset and took some lovely photos. Advice to people visiting, wrap up warm. We under estimated how cold it would be as it was so hot in Funchal.

This was absolutely perfect! Just as it described. Pick up and drop off! You do not need to do a guided hike! George picked us up on time at our hotel and drove us, along with other people, to Pico do Arierio - stairway to heaven. We lucked out and had great weather for the sunset hike! We all finished early, and he drove us back and dropped us off! Easy peasy!! Is definitely recommend having a driver drop you off and pick you up, so you don’t have to deal with permits and the crazy, steep, windy roads!! 10/10!

The weather was really poor for our tour. In the listing, please notice that it says alternate hiking sites will be available if the weather is uncooperative. It was so foggy you literally couldn't see your hand in front of your face. No other hiking spots were offered - we just got stuck at the top of the mountain in deep, thick fog. I contacted the tour operator at least five times after the tour and there was zero response from the company. The owner company completely ghosted me and refused to engage in any kind of communication I do not recommend this tour as they do not live up to their advertised listing. Thankfully, our credit card stepped up to the plate where this unscrupulous company did not. Beware!

Amazing guide and views at the top 😊 very organised and excellent evening out can't be missed on a trip

Our driver and guide was João and he couldn’t have been more friendly or helpful. He was incredibly knowledgable, took us to and showed us the best places to see the sunset and gave us a couple extra stops. He even dropped us off and an amazing place to get some amazing burgers at 23:00! Couldn’t recommend this experience more, well worth the time and money for an unforgettable adventure. Thank you João!

This was a wild ride to see one of the most beautiful places on the planet. I would highly recommend doing this tour as it helps you avoid the annoyance of registering for the PR1 and allows you to avoid the crowds that are supposedly there are sunrise. Jorge picked us up in Funchal and weaved through the crazy narrow roads straight up through the hills and above the clouds. We arrived at about 7:45 and had plenty of time to hike to the Stairway to Heaven and even past it before sunset hit at about 9:15. We were then given a half hour to get back to the van, which allowed us to watch the colors of the sky change before it got dark. Get ready for lots of stairs, btw. Overall, it was a majestic experience to that pictures can't really capture.

The views were breathtaking!! Gil was a great guide. We had a lovely time. Highly recommend this experience!

Mind you this is just a drive to Pico de Aiero. Nothing more. Once you get there you will be left on your own and picked up at 9:30PM. I read many reviews an none of them mentioned this aspect. We paid $147 dollars for 2 persons just to travel in a poor van that made me wonder if it's going to fail during the "race" to the mountain back and forth. I could have booked a taxi for the trip and fel much safer... In any case br aware that this is nothing but an overpriced trip to Pico. Look for other tours that are cheaper and perhaps offer same...

Very nice driver and very smooth drive. He often gives you time to admire the scenery! Absolutely recommend

One of the best experiences and views in the world. Got to be above the clouds and witness one of the most beautiful sunsets one could imagine. Definitely recommend this if you are traveling to Madeira!

Weather a big factor. No sunset and walk would have been dangerous as clouds were over the path. Driver Gil was very friendly.

Practically it’s only the transfer to the spot. If the weather is not fine (fog and rain) it is not an activity worth doing. Check the weather and make sure it will be sunny and warm.

Be aware that they are NOT cancelling the trip due to bad weather. ( But some companies are so kind to do that ) This company drove us up to the mountain and there was no view on top AT ALL and rain. There is a web cam on top, they could have checked. (We too)

This was simply an amazing tour!! Our guide was terrific and the views from top of the mountain were incredible. I would urge everyone to take this tour, you will not regret it!!!

I really enjoyed this tour! The communication worked very well and I felt informed at all times. We didn’t get to see the sunset up in the mountain as the weather was very foggy in Pico do Arieiro, but it made the views quite special and still very much worth it.

Recommend doing this a couples hours before sunset. This is not an easy hike by any stretch. To go to all points requires that you be in good shape. and you still need to hike back! Legs have been achy for two days. This hike will challenge all. The views are spectacular and though from pictures and videos make the trails look intimidating I waas able to do this. And I met a few people along the way who were afraid of heights. Bring layers. While it was very warm when I went, It can get very windy and chilly.

I got a message from the person who organized this tour saying I’d be picked up between 9:30-9:40 and the driver picked me up around 9:45. It was a given since they have to pick up others along the way. It was a total of 8 people. The guide dropped us off at the entrance of Pico and we hiked until the end of the trail (the rest was closed). It was beautiful but crowded at the top with everyone taking photos and flying their drones but it was worth it. I doubt I could drive this road on my own so having a driver definitely helped.

The tour itself would have been great but the weather didn't cooperate. Jonas our guide was very friendly and accommodating. I would only recommend this tour if the mountain isn't covered in clouds

It’s very very cold ( eyeballs frozen cold) and windy in the mountains, wrap up warm, take good grip trainers/ shoes. It’s magical, Mother Nature put on the best show, was truly breath taking. There are viewing points so you do not have to walk the stairway to heaven if you do not want, if mobility challenged etc. There is a small cafe, gift shop and toilets there. Our driver was so lovely, happy, knowledgeable and spoke english, and picked up and drop off at hotel.

What a show stopper put on by Mother Nature. It was truly an amazing evening watching the sun set over the peaks, the clouds billowing beneath us and the display of colours. It was magical. Jorge was a great driver. Super nice. :-)

This trip was absolutely stunning. It’s a must do for people who travel to Madeira. The clouds were right under us and we got to watch the sun drop into the clouds.

The driver was very nice. He explained things as being the perfect guide. It was such a great experience

Great experience, I did this twice with this same company, great communication throughout. Filipe our driver was very knowledgeable and even shared some tips for other good walks in the area, highly recommend this tour with this company to other travellers.

This tour was absolutely incredible! We hiked to Pico do Arieiro for the sunset and the views were breathtaking. The weather was perfect, and our guide arrived right on time and took great care of the group. Everything was well organized and we enjoyed every single moment—an unforgettable experience that we highly recommend

It is important to note that is not a "tour." This is a ride to/from the hiking area. I found it worth it since it's a comfortable ride up and then they wait for you to drive you back. Also, for the sunset tour, be aware that the toilets will be closed by the time you get there, so there will be no opportunity to use the toilet from pick up to drop off.

Wonderful time @ pico Areeiro!! Amazing sunset 🌅… our driver is so awesome he dropped me off right in front of the hotel door ! Love him

A unique experience that cannot be missed! You go on top of the clouds basically a Stairway to Heaven and you witness a breathtaking painting drawn by nature.

This is something that I would talk anyone into doing. The views are once in a lifetime and absolutely stunning. The most beautiful sunset I’ve ever seen.

Totaly worth it. A van came and pick me at the spot i said exactly on time. Mr. Driver was very friendly and nice person he took us to mountain and bring us back home. Thanks for the experiance

The most beautiful view I have ever seen in nature. This is a must do tour you won’t regret it. The tour guide is nice.

Amazing experience and kind knowledgeable driver! I highly recommend this. Our group thoroughly enjoyed the excursion.

We booked sunset + dinner in Madeira. Collected 6.35 and arrived for sunset at 7.45 but sunset was 9pm. No bar or water. No toilets. Cold and had to sit in van. Finally left to go to low standard venue for cheap dinner and bad wine. Toilets were across road in other bar which closed early so access not available late. Very bad experience and will never book with Viator again. All for 155 euros too. 5 of us with one added who did not pay for the dinner.

Absolutely amazing experience. Book it!!!!!! So easy and organized. And the experience is unforgettable

We had our original date rescheduled due to weather conditions and we accepted the change which ended up being a great choice as the sunset was beautiful. The communication was excellent so we always had updates about the weather and the replies were always very quick. Next time I will try the sunrise I think

Drive to see Sunset above the clouds on pico do Arieiro. Gorgeous experience. Would recommend this opportunity

The activity is great and the viewpoint is spectacular. However, the let down was the dinner. The place is really run down with cobwebs on the wall and the food was absolutely mediocre. 5 stars for the drive to the viewpoint and the view off course; however, I will deduct 2 stars for the dinner option.

Fantastic experience to view the sunset. Efficient communication. Comfortable journey. Choice of food and drink not as described and location for eating not a great environment.

Joined this trip on the day I arrived to the island. I arrived to the island at 13h and by 16h30 or so I had joined the tour. We drove straight to Pico do Arieiro and it was a bit cold but the views were incredible. We watched the sunset and afterwards Jorge took us to their unique spot to have dinner. We had some delicious homemade food and we had a LOT to drink. It was a great evening, I am looking forward to trying other tours in the next week

“I recently joined the sunset tour and had an amazing time! The scenery was absolutely breathtaking, and watching the sun dip below the horizon felt magical. The crew was friendly and knowledgeable, making the experience both fun and informative. Everything was well-organized, from start to finish. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a memorable way to end the day!”

We decided to do this trip per recommendation of our friends who had done it last year so our expectations were high. Fortunately the weather was great and we really enjoyed the meal after the sunset. i would recommend this tour as well if you want to have a nice evening.

The sunset at Pico do Arieiro was absolutely breathtaking. The experience was made even better by a fantastic guide who was knowledgeable and friendly, ensuring everything went smoothly. The delicious food, refreshing drinks, and the incredible views made this tour worth every penny. Highly recommended! 🌅🍴🍷

DON'T BOOK THIS TRIP. They drop you at the top of the mountain (no drinks as advertised) there is a cafe that closes at 6pm the toilets are locked. The view is stunning just do it a different way. The dinner is a warmed up chicken pot roast, chicken pieces with potato wedges, served on plastic plates in a shed (says it's an old mill but has no features the mill stones are boxed in). IT'S A SHED. no heating, exposed electrics, not clean and NO TOILETS. A group of young people smoking outside so we had to be shut into the shed to tea our meal without having smoke blow in and be watched while we eat. The host then fed the bones of the chicken to the feral cats outside. Pudding was a cheap chocolate moose in a reusable plastic container. I paid £119 for 2 of us for this as it was my birthday I was expecting a lot more than a cheap chicken dinner in a shed. Poor service and when I complained via viator they stopped my placing a review there. There are cheaper ways to see the spectacular sunset go that way.