Pico do Arieiro - Pico do Arieiro

Pico do Arieiro is the third highest peak on Madeira.

background

With a height of 1818 m is the Pico do Arieiro the third highest mountain in Madeira. In the immediate vicinity to the north, only the Pico das Torres (1851 m) and the Pico Ruivo (1861 m), which can be reached from here by hiking.

It is the only peak in Madeira that can be reached by car on a comfortably developed mountain road. This gives it its special tourist importance, on the other hand also a veritable stream of visitors, especially through the bus tours of local tour operators, of which hardly any miss this spectacular vantage point.

In good weather conditions, in addition to the view over the central highlands, Porto Santo, the Sao Lourenzo peninsula and the Ilhas Desertas can also be clearly seen. Especially in summer, however, the early morning hours should be selected because the visibility becomes more and more hazy as the day heats up.

getting there

At Passo do Poiso (approx. 1400 m) the feeder road branches off from the ER-103, which Funchal above Monte With Santana connects. At the same time, connecting roads with the ER-201 and ER-202 flow from the East coast so that the top of the pass is also from Camacha, Santa Cruz and Machico can be easily reached via Santo da Serra.

By bus

There is no public bus connection to Pico do Airieiro. In addition to your own rental car, you can also take advantage of offers from various tour operators or book taxis from Santana, Camacha or Santo da Serra. Only the Poiso Pass can be reached via the Funchal-Santana bus connections (see Ribeiro Frio)

activities

• From here this is Pico Ruivo to be reached via a strenuous hike lasting several hours.
• About in the middle of the feeder road there is a small stone igloo, the Poço da Neve. From here the
  Parque Ecologico do Funchal, Estrada Regional 103, nº 259 (old. Access from the ER-103). Tel.: 351 291 784 700, Fax: 351 291 784 821. (From lunchtime frequent visibility and orientation problems due to fog).Open: Daily 8.30am - 7pm.Price: free entry.last change: not specified
  within an approx. 2h. Explore circular hike

kitchen

• A modern supply station with a café, bar and restaurant including a terrace was built at the parking lot of the viewpoint, where the only shops are. The original Pousada Pico Arieiro is falling into disrepair, according to more recent reports.
• The Passo di Poiso is delighted
  Casa de Abrigo do Poiso. Tel.: 351 291 782 269. Open: 12-24 h.last change: not specified
  increasing popularity.

accommodation

There is no longer any accommodation at the summit itself. The pousada, which is run as a mountain hut, has been closed according to consistent reports, at least as far as beds are concerned. Various holiday apartments are available in the area between Passo do Poiso and Ribeiro Frio. In view of the good transport connections, good accommodation options are also a sensible alternative in the hotels in the surrounding communities.

trips

The trout breeding station of Ribeiro Frio as well as the place Camacha with further hiking opportunities. In most cases, however, the Pico Arieiro is more likely to be approached as a destination, for example as part of a tour.

literature

Web links

1. Official Madeira Tourism Website
2. Travel report of the first author