From Santana to PR1 and PR1.2 Ruivo – Arieiro

Experience the Best of Madeira’s Mountain Trails: Santana to Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo

If you’re dreaming of walking among clouds and catching panoramic views in Madeira, this Santana to Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo tour offers a perfect blend of convenience, natural beauty, and authentic hiking experience. Starting from the charming village of Santana, known for its traditional wooden houses, you’ll be transported to the trailheads at Achada do Teixeira and Pico do Areeiro, where your self-guided adventure begins. After a scenic hike along PR 1 and PR 1.2 trails, you’ll return to Santana, completing a well-rounded day of mountain exploration.

What we love about this experience? First, the stress-free transportation from Santana eliminates the hassle of navigating narrow mountain roads or searching for parking—especially important on busy days. Second, the self-guided hike allows you to set your own pace while enjoying some of Madeira’s most incredible views, including the iconic peaks of Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo.

A possible consideration? The pick-up time at 3:15 PM might feel a bit early for fast hikers who want more time on the trail, so planning your hike accordingly will help you make the most of it. This tour is suited for travelers who want a flexible, scenic, and reasonably priced way to explore Madeira’s rugged terrain without the stress of organizing transport or guided walks.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Convenient transportation from Santana to trailheads at Achada do Teixeira and Pico do Areeiro
• Self-guided hike with breathtaking views and flexible pace
• Ideal for those wanting to avoid traffic and parking issues in Madeira’s mountain areas
• Includes Wi-Fi during transport, with some limitations in the mountains
• Duration of about 5 hours, perfect for a half-day adventure
• Suitable for travelers with comfortable shoes and rain gear, as weather can change quickly

A Closer Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Transportation:

We begin our day with a pickup service in Santana, a picturesque village famous for its traditional A-framed houses. The driver, friendly and accommodating, offers a smooth ride to Achada do Teixeira. The scenic drive takes us through Madeira’s lush landscapes, and we appreciate not having to worry about narrow, winding mountain roads or parking at the trailhead. The shuttle service is especially valued by those unfamiliar with Madeira’s mountainous terrain or looking to skip traffic jams—something that reviews highlight positively, with one noting, “Very nice driver and flexibility to pick us up 15 mins later.”

Hiking from Achada do Teixeira to Pico do Areeiro:

Once at Achada do Teixeira, you can prepare for your hike. This starting point is perfect because it’s less crowded and offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. The trail to Pico do Areeiro is well-marked, and the self-guided nature allows you to enjoy the scenery at your own pace. Expect stunning vistas of jagged peaks, cloud formations, and the impressive altitude of 1,818 meters at Pico do Areeiro itself.

The Path to Pico Ruivo:

For those keen on continuing, the trail from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo (the highest point in Madeira at 1,862 meters) is one of the island’s most iconic hikes. The path is exposed in parts, so sturdy shoes are essential. The reviews are clear that the views from this trail are extraordinary—“every step offers a new breathtaking perspective,” as one hiker noted. Be aware, however, that weather can turn quickly, so rain gear is recommended.

Returning from Pico do Areeiro:

After a rewarding hike, your driver will pick you up at Pico do Areeiro, making sure you’re comfortable and ready to head back to Santana. The flexible timing is a plus, with some reviewers suggesting that allowing 4-5 hours for the hike would be ideal—especially for those who prefer a more leisurely pace. One review even recommended choosing a later pick-up time for more hiking enjoyment.

What’s Included and What to Know

The tour’s price includes transport, Wi-Fi (though with some limitations in high-altitude areas), and the freedom to explore at your own pace. You’ll need to bring your own food and drinks, as well as rain gear and comfortable shoes. The self-guided aspect means you’re responsible for your timing, so punctuality is crucial—especially since the tour provider emphasizes respecting departure times.

Note that Madeira charges a €3 fee for access to certain hiking trails, payable either at the trailhead or in advance. This small fee helps maintain the trails and facilities and is worth budgeting into your planning.

For families or less experienced hikers, children under 12 or those less than 1.35 meters tall aren’t allowed, so plan accordingly.

Authentic Feedback from Travelers

One reviewer shared, “Everything worked out perfectly, thank you for the uncomplicated transfer,” highlighting how smooth the logistics are. Another pointed out that the scenery is absolutely stunning and that the shuttle’s flexibility was a key advantage. However, some suggested that the early pickup at 3:15 PM might be a bit tight for those wanting more time on the trail, especially during good weather.

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Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a beautiful, manageable trek without the hassle of organizing transport or guided walks. It suits those who prefer to hike at their own pace but still want the security of reliable shuttle service. Active travelers who enjoy magnificent mountain scenery and don’t mind self-guiding will find this a perfect fit.

It’s especially good for people who value flexibility and want to avoid Madeira’s busy traffic or parking congestion, making it perfect for solo travelers, couples, or small groups seeking a scenic half-day adventure.

Final Thoughts on Value and Experience

This tour offers a balanced mix of convenience, flexibility, and natural beauty. For a reasonable price, you get transportation, stunning views, and the freedom to set your own pace on one of Madeira’s most famous mountain hikes. The self-guided aspect might not appeal to those seeking a guided experience, but it’s perfect for confident hikers who want to enjoy the scenery without a tour guide’s commentary.

The scenery around Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo is nothing short of spectacular, creating memories that will last long after you leave. The ability to avoid traffic and parking hassles adds significant value, especially during peak seasons when Madeira’s mountain roads can be crowded.

This experience is well-suited for adventurous, independent travelers eager to explore Madeira’s rugged landscapes at their own rhythm while enjoying the comfort and ease of a reliable shuttle service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, children below 12 years or less than 1.35 meters in height are not allowed, mainly for safety reasons during the hike.

How long is the hike?
The total hike duration isn’t specified exactly, but the whole experience lasts about 5 hours, including transport and hiking; you can expect to hike for several hours depending on your pace.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable hiking shoes, rain gear, and your own food and drinks. Weather in the mountains can change quickly, so be prepared.

Can I choose my pickup time?
Pickup times are confirmed the day before or on the morning of the tour. The default is 3:15 PM, but some reviews suggest that choosing a later time could give you more hiking flexibility.

Is Wi-Fi available during transport?
Yes, Wi-Fi is provided, but it may be limited in mountain areas, so don’t rely solely on it for navigation or communication.

What about trail fees?
There is a €3 fee for access to some trails, payable at the trailhead or in advance.

Is this a guided hike?
No, it’s self-guided, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

How scenic is the hike?
The views are considered breathtaking, with many reviewers mentioning the spectacular mountain panoramas and cloud views.

Will the weather affect the hike?
Yes, weather can change quickly, and rain gear is recommended. Check the forecast before heading out.

In all, this Madeira mountain tour provides a fantastic way to enjoy the island’s high-altitude scenery without the stress of planning every detail yourself. It’s a flexible, scenic, and value-packed choice for independent hikers eager to see some of Madeira’s most iconic peaks.

You can check availability for your dates here: