Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro Stairway To Heaven and PR3 Self Guided
Overview
8 hours
Mobile ticket
Begin your day above the clouds with a breathtaking sunrise at Pico do Areeiro, Madeira’s third-highest peak. As the sky turns shades of gold and violet, you’ll witness one of the island’s most unforgettable views. After sunrise, follow a stunning section of the PR1 trail toward the iconic “Stairway to Heaven” — a dramatic ridge walk with epic photo opportunities. Then, continue your adventure on the PR3 – Vereda do Burro, a quieter trail that leads you through wide mountain scenery, peaceful paths, and open skies. The full hike takes around 5 hours and offers the perfect balance of beauty, challenge, and serenity. At the end, relax with a coffee or local treat before your comfortable return. Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, with early and late start times available. Whether you’re chasing sunrises or unforgettable hikes, this is a true Madeira highlight.
We will inform you the exact pickup time the day before, and keep you updated via WhatsApp.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Not recommended for travelers with vertigo
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro - Watch the first light of day break above the clouds, painting the horizon in golden and pink tones – a breathtaking start to your adventure. PR1: Ninho da Manta & Stairway to Heaven - Walk a scenic section of the famous PR1 trail. Admire sweeping views from Ninho da Manta viewpoint and experience the dramatic Stairway to Heaven. PR3: Vereda do Burro - Continue your journey along PR3, a gentler trail through mountain ridges, pine forests, and high-altitude landscapes — perfect for a balanced hike. Return in Comfort - After the walk, relax as we drive you back to your hotel. A smooth and comfortable ride to end a day full of unforgettable memories.
What‘s Included
Driver
Briefing before the hike
Pickup and Drop off on your accommodation
Bottled water
Meals
You can paid on the moment of the hike or use the official website
Guide ( it is a Self-Guide Walk but we´ll provide all the instructions you need
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro Stairway To Heaven and PR3 Self Guided
Pickup included
Reviews
9 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fantastic service. I only...
Aoife P,,Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic service. I only booked the tour the night before and straight away I was contacted by WhatsApp with all the details I needed
Brilliant!
Hayley K,,Oct 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Couldn’t recommend this experience any more! Luís was my driver and he was fantastic - he sent hiking information a few days before and talked me through the route, showed me the maps etc - I would have been lost without him. As a solo traveller, it was also very reassuring to know he was on the end of the phone during my hike if I needed him. He was super friendly and is so knowledgeable about Madeira - he took the time to also share recommendations for restaurants, beaches etc in the area too. I liked the structure of having the transport and guidance whilst being able to walk without a group. The views from the top are incredible and the PR3 trail was a highlight of my trip! Thank you Luís!
Amazing sunrise trip!
May B,,Sep 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great time on our sunrise hike and down the PR3 trail. Luís got in touch via Whatsapp a couple of days before to confirm the pickup time and location, he provided us with lots of information about what to expect and bring. He arrived on time and was so lovely cracking jokes and giving us the information we needed to complete the walk and also some top tips of where to see the sunrise the best! Would definitely recommend this trip if you like walking but go prepared for all weathers as you start in the dark and at the top it’s very cold waiting for the sunrise. Walking down PR3 we went through the cloud which was cold and wet but was amazing to experience so just check the weather and take a coat with you!
Amazing Luis
cathrine1412,,Sep 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Luis is simply amazing :) such a good tour guide and genuine guy. Gave us in general so many suggestions on what to do in madeira when he had nothing to gain. He was helping us with giving so many directions related to the hike and we had an amazing time. Thank you Luis! The guys from Chipre
Everything was great!...
K K,,Sep 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Everything was great! Beautiful scenery at Pico do Arieiro, peaceful trails and brilliant planing by Luis
Feeling on top of the World
Paul W,,Sep 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Wow. The best organised trip we have ever had. Luis is so caring and thoughtful, very knowledgeable and professional. He will provide the reassurances that everything is well organised and will go to plan. His warm and funny personality will ensure you know you are in safe hands. He checks in with you before your trip and throughout making sure you get the best experience that you wanted. I cannot recommend Hiking Transfers enough. So good we booked a 2nd walk straight away. The Sunrise is amazing and PR1 (even the first 1.2km) is unmissable and the sights will astound you. Worth every penny. You haven’t seen Madeira’s magic if you don’t do a PR walk.
Luis is a fantastic guide...
Natalie H,,Sep 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Luis is a fantastic guide - he was great at getting in touch with me via what's app as soon as I booked the sun rise pick up experiemce. with him. He was full of helpful information before hand and gave excellent advice about the self guided walk. He was great at keeping in touch to see how we were doing during our hike and was able to pick us up 10 mins after we messaged at the end of our hike. Thoroughly recommend using Luis
Top experience
Esmee G,,Sep 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The transport was on time it the contact before was good. We had contact with the guide via WhatsApp and were able to ask questions and received extensive answers. During the walk the guide checked if everything was okay and afterwards we were brought back neatly. During the rest of our stay in Madeira we could also ask other questions and again we received extensive answers.
Related Experiences
Operated by Hiking Transfers