We drove right up to the observatory at the peak, it was really cloudy until we reached the car park & emerged above the clouds into sunshine! Fantastic views of peaks poking up through the clouds. We walked about 600m to the first viewpoint for photos & it didn't disappoint. Beautiful Decided to hang around for the sunset and we were blown away by the colours. You must do this trip! (Cloud level not guaranteed)

Madeira is a special place on our planet. It is known for it's hiking. Pico do Arieiro is a beautiful start. Easy accessible with the car, has a webcam to monitor the weather conditions, so it's easy to do for everyone. I would recommend to at least walk a bit on the path towards Pico Ruivo, to get more close to nature.

If you can, go without a guide. Our guide was rushing us everywhere- it was almost impossible to take pictures. Not the easiest hike in terms of endurance, but really safe, at least in dry conditions. Too many people though, and in narrow places movement stops.

We visited this place twice in one day. During the day it was very busy and parking for private cars wasn't allowed at the top so we had to park at the bottom and walk up so added steep walking. The views are great once you're up there though. A number of walks available. Nice gift shop where I bought a commemorative hoodie which I needed as it was quite cold up at the top! Make sure you've got good walking shoes or boots as the paths are uneven in places.

Enjoyed the hike even if the views were a bit varied due to clouds and it was busy. We had a minibus pickup (Get your Guide) and collection either end. Driver permits 5 hours to finish. Took us 3.5 hours from Pico Arieiro via Pico Ruiva to Teixeira and I'm 60. Take gloves as lots of wire rails to pull yourself up and down the paths/ladders, 0.5 l water, 50c coins for wcs, raincoat, puffa jacket, walking boots (not sandals as slippy rocky pathy), sunhat. Sticks not needed. It was 2.5 hours between first and 2nd WC. Personally I think it's unsuitable for kids under tens. There were a few babies in carriers but the risk of head injuries if parents trip is high. Nice cafe at end with 8 euro spaghetti and cheesecake/beer.

Unbelievable views! We checked the webcam for Pico Do Arierio before going up there so knew it was a clear day. We walked the PR1, a beautiful breathtaking route which was just quiet enough to enjoy, however was starting to get busy as we went home. A bonus to find a small cafe just below the summit. Would recommend going early or late as does get busy, especially for parking, many people were parked on the road.

Trail with ever changing views! The trail itself is easy to navigate with steps and pathways but challenging in elevations! Going one way wasn’t bad with the other people but on our way back we hit lots of groups and individuals that slowed us down significantly and made the journey back not so fun…

Fantastic hike. Def get picked up at the end so you don’t have to hike back to Areeiro. We left at 1pm, beautiful blue skies, and got to Peak Ruivo by 4pm. 15 mins up to top; and later a 45 min stroll to parking lot on road to be picked up. First 3hrs were very scenic and interesting but if you’re not in good shape the steps will be a challenge, but just take your time. And watch your head on its tunnels if you’re over say 5 5! At base of Ruivo there is a WC and free water which is a nice touch. Well marked trail. Lot of people but not overwhelming.

One of the best rocky mountain. Had a unforgettable trip here, we did short hike nearby. We spend 3 hours for this trip. Better organise vehicle would recommend. Beautiful landscape drive. Worth day trip.

There is a road leading to the top with the radar, so you can get there by minibus or taxi. The facilities include a restaurant and a souvenir shop. There are wonderful views of the countryside from the top. At the same time, ridge trails for more demanding hiking also begin here.