PR 1 - Vereda do Areeiro

This iconic 6.1 km trail connects two of Madeira's highest peaks, linking Pico do Areeiro (1,818m) with Pico Ruivo (1,862m). The route features the famous 'Stairway to Heaven'—a narrow set of stairs with guardrails and vertical drops on each side—along with dramatic tunnels and steep slopes that reward hikers with fabulous central massif landscapes. At these elevations, high-altitude heath vegetation dominates, and hikers may encounter endemic bird species found only in Macaronesia. The 3.5-hour hike demands moderate fitness but offers some of the most breathtaking panoramic views on the island, with weather variations creating both challenging conditions and remarkable cloud-top vistas.