Private Tour
Madeira Sunset in Pico do Arieiro and Optional Stairway to Heaven
Overview
Available languages
3 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Admire the sunset from Madeira's third-highest peak on a shared tour from Funchal to Pico do Arieiro. enjoy Pico do Arieiro without big crowds. You have the option to go on a self guided hike to the Stairway to Heaven and Ninho da Manta (roughly 2.4 km total with return)
Following pickup at your hotel, we head towards Pico do Arieiro at an altitude of 1,818 meters where you can enjoy the sun setting in one of the island's most beautiful settings.
Before settling into your ideal viewing spot, enjoy the lovely scenery of Pico do Arieiro and then enjoy the sunset.
Weather conditions can change very quickly so we are not responsible for weather changes, please check forecasts before booking.
The PR1 walk is NOT mandatory and it is OPTIONAL only , so the fees on our excluded section are not obligatory, only if you wish to do the stairway to heaven (PR1 ) you can explore many of it's other free spots. Pre registration can be done at the government's official website - Simplifica website
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please be in time back at the car as we leave 30 minutes after the sunset, any disregard of others or bad behaviour will not be tolerated
The walking to Stairway to Heaven viewpoint is optional and Self guided so please be cautious and respect the appropriate trails and guidelines
We recommend having a meal before the Tour as restaurants will be closed by the time we arrive to Pico do Arieiro
This tour will take place rain or shine. If the weather/visibility conditions at the top are not good enough to explore the peaks ( torrential rain) we will change locations in order to try to get a view of the sunset. But we will always drive to pico do arieiro unless the road is closed or if there is a red alert for weather.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Pico do Arieiro
Highest viewpoint of the island reachable by car at 1818 metres of altitude or 6060 ft. We stay 1h30 minutes here and this can be spent visiting the popular viewpoints such as Stairway to Heaven (Miradouro Pedra Rija) and Ninho da Manta. We leave Pico do Arieiro 30 minutes after the sunset ( this time will be given to you by the guide on arrival at Pico do Arieiro) so we advise to plan your return to the car in order ot be back in time before departure (normally we recommend going immediately to the viewpoints such as stairway to heaven as the return from this viewpoint can take 30 to 40 minutes around 1.2 km walk) We also do the Sunset tour in Ponta do Pargo, the western tip of the island, especially if the weather in Pico do Arieiro isn’t ideal for the sunset for that particular day.
You can explore Pico do Arieiro as we will stay there for 1h30 minutes and this viewpoint is one of the spots you can visit. It is optional but included in our price
What‘s Included
Air-conditioned vehicle
Guide/Driver Included
Pickup and Drop off from Accomodation/Hotel (C.Lobos (center only) ) Funchal and Caniço
Pickup and drop off outside our pickup area
PR1 walking fee (3 to 4.5€ per person until may 2026) 7 to 10.5€ after may 2026)
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Sunset Tour with optional Walk
Transport ONLY: This option allows you to see the sunset and walk to the stairway to heaven (optional). We leave 30 minutes after the sunset
Duration: 3 hours: This duration includes driving from pickup from your accomodation and return from Pico do Arieiro.
Pickup included
Reviews
72 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour!
282iinap,,Dec 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I 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.
Dorothy we are not in Kansas anymore! This is Pico Areira!
Samson F,,Dec 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Recommend 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...
Tina G,,Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00I 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...
Christine K,,Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00The 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
Wonderful trip to do
Sharron W,,Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It’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.
An evening not to be missed!
Meredith N,,Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00What 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. :-)
Sunset tour
Janine W,,Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This 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.
A must do experience
Ariol T,,Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The driver was very nice. He explained things as being the perfect guide. It was such a great experience
Amazing must do tour
Geraldine C,,Oct 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great 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.
Unforgettable Sunset at Pico do Arieiro
Iryna P,,Sep 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This 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
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