Pico do Areeiro

At 1,818 meters (5,965 feet) above sea level, Pico do Areeiro is Madeira's third highest peak. It is famous for sunrise views above the clouds and as the starting point of the spectacular PR1 hiking trail toward Pico Ruivo.

Getting there and back

Which route

• Route 801:
  801
  Funchal – Santana; selected trips stop at Poiso, about 7 km of road below the summit Dated timetable on the route page →
• Route 850:
  850
  Funchal – Arco de São Jorge via Poiso and Ribeiro Frio; the same Poiso caveat applies Dated timetable on the route page →

Where to board

No SIGA route climbs to the summit. The dedicated Horários do Funchal service in the service section on this page boards in Funchal at the Teleférico (cable-car) stop, which is also one of its two reservation stops. Routes 801 and 850 reach Poiso only, on selected trips.

From the stop

The dedicated bus stops at the summit car park and the radar roundabout; the PR1 trail towards Pico Ruivo starts at the summit. From Poiso, 7 km of mountain road remain and nothing on this site treats that as a connection.

The way back

Only the dedicated bus returns from the summit. Check the official timetable linked in the service section on this page and choose your return before leaving; if you miss it, arrange a taxi or pre-booked transfer.

Good to know

• The service is weather-dependent and does not run on 25 December; check the official trail status before the PR1.

Official public transport

Dedicated Funchal–Pico do Areeiro service

Horários do Funchal runs a separate public bus to the radar roundabout at the summit. It is not Route 801.

On-board fare €3.00 each way

Published service season: 29 March 2026 to 27 March 2027.

Departure, arrival and shuttle operating times are withheld here until a dated source has been verified. Check the linked official timetable before travelling.

Check the official timetable ↗ View the official service map ↗

The bus has 31 seats. You can reserve by phone 7 to 2 working days ahead, but reservations are accepted only when boarding at Teleférico or Pico do Areeiro. Be there 15 minutes early.

Runs daily except 25 December. Horários do Funchal may suspend the service when weather or road access is unsafe.

What reaches the summit—and what only comes near

Direct city service

The dedicated bus stops at CAM Florestal, the main parking area and the radar roundabout.

Routes 801 and 850: Poiso only

Selected trips stop at Poiso, on the mountain approach road. About 7 km of road still remains to the summit, and these routes do not climb to the radar. Do not treat Poiso as a guaranteed connection to the dedicated bus.

Summit-area shuttle

A separate shuttle links CAM Florestal, the parking area and the radar roundabout every 15 minutes during its published windows. It costs €1.20 and starts only when at least four passengers are present.

Access information last reviewed: 24 July 2026.

What to see at Pico do Areeiro

The summit offers 360-degree panoramic views across Madeira. On clear days, you can see the PR1 hiking trail snaking across the mountain ridges. The visitor center features a café and information about the mountain's unique ecosystem.

Best time to visit

Early morning for sunrise views above the clouds is spectacular. Clear weather is essential for views. The site is accessible year-round, though winter may bring snow and ice at the summit.