Pico do Arieiro, Santana & North Coast Tour
Madeira
Watch the sunrise above the clouds at Pico do Arieiro, hike scenic mountain trails, visit Levada dos Balcões, ride the cable car, and see the traditional Santana houses and São Vicente chapel.
Sunrise Mountain and North Coast Hike in Madeira
This guided small-group tour from Funchal or Caniço features a sunrise hike at Pico do Arieiro and visits Madeira’s northern coastline, suitable for nature lovers and cruise ship guests.
Highlights
- Sunrise hike above the clouds at Pico do Arieiro mountain peak
- Guided PR1 hike to the “Stairway to Heaven” ridge trail
- Easy walk with valley views at Levada dos Balcões trail
- Stop at Miradouro de São Cristóvão for poncha and coastal views
- Visit Santana traditional houses and Igreja de São Vicente chapel
Description
The tour begins with an early pickup in Funchal or Caniço, followed by a drive into Madeira’s mountains. At Pico do Arieiro, watch the sunrise illuminate rugged peaks, volcanic valleys, and clouds. Then hike PR1, known as the “Stairway to Heaven,” along scenic ridge trails with panoramic mountain views.
Next, enjoy an easy walk on the Levada dos Balcões trail, surrounded by endemic Laurisilva forest and green mountains. A short break at a local café offers time for coffee and photos.
The tour continues to Madeira’s northern coast, including the Reserva Natural da Rocha do Navio cable car area, offering dramatic coastal cliff views. Pause at Miradouro de São Cristóvão to taste the traditional local drink poncha, enjoy light snacks, and photograph the coastline.
Your visit concludes with stops at the historic Igreja de São Vicente chapel and the nearby Santana traditional houses, important cultural landmarks of the northern region.
This relaxed small-group experience combines mountainous landscapes, nature walks, coastal viewpoints, and cultural highlights. It is also tailored for cruise ship passengers — select the “Cruise Tour” option and provide ship details after booking for seamless scheduling.
Includes
- Small-group guided experience
- Pickup from Funchal and Caniço (other locations on request at no extra cost)
- Sunrise guided hike on PR1 including “Stairway to Heaven” tickets
- Access to hiking trails, including levada and mountain walks
- Entrance to scenic natural areas
- Visit to Levada dos Balcões viewpoint trail
- Stop at Miradouro de São Cristóvão viewpoint
- Visit to Santana traditional houses
- Stop at Igreja de São Vicente chapel
- Professional local guide
- Transport included from pickup locations
- Cruise ship guest friendly
Excludes
- Personal expenses such as souvenirs, snacks, or extra drinks
- Cable car access at Reserva Natural da Rocha do Navio (€8)
- Optional poncha or beverages at Miradouro de São Cristóvão
- Meals or services not listed under includes
- Optional purchases during free time in Santana or other stops
Important Information
- Pickup/Meeting Point: Pickup available in Funchal and Caniço; exact location and time confirmed after booking. Provide accommodation details or preferred location if requested. Other pickup locations possible without extra charge.
- What to Bring:
- Comfortable hiking shoes for mountain trails
- Warm jacket or light sportswear for early morning mountain weather
- Water, sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
- Small cash or card for optional purchases
Easy Cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
