Experience Pico do Areeiro through our live webcam. Monitor weather conditions, panoramic views, and the natural beauty of Madeira's third highest peak at 1,818 metres altitude.
Live external view of Pico do Areeiro, offering a unique perspective of this majestic mountain.
Pico do Areeiro stands as Madeira's third-highest peak at 1,818 metres above sea level, offering some of the most spectacular panoramic views on the island. Our live webcams capture the dramatic mountain landscapes, cloud formations, and breathtaking sunrises that make this location a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
Whether you're planning a hiking adventure to Pico Ruivo, checking weather conditions for the famous sunrise viewing, or simply wanting to experience the majesty of Madeira's central mountain range, our Pico do Areeiro webcams provide real-time views of this UNESCO World Heritage landscape.
Experience the unique ecosystem of Madeira's high-altitude environment through our cameras - witness the interplay of clouds and peaks, observe the endemic flora of the Laurisilva forest, and discover why Pico do Areeiro is considered one of the most accessible and spectacular viewpoints in the entire Atlantic.
Pico do Areeiro Information
- ⢠Elevation: 1,818 metres above sea level
- ⢠Third highest peak in Madeira
- ⢠Accessible by paved road
- ⢠Starting point for mountain trails
- ⢠360-degree panoramic views
- ⢠Best time: sunrise viewing
â ď¸ Important Trail Information
â ď¸ Important: The PR1 trail from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo has experienced closures due to safety concerns, wildfires, and maintenance. Always check current trail status with the official government source (IFCN) before planning your hike: https://ifcn.madeira.gov.pt/pt/atividades-de-natureza/percursos-pedestres-recomendados/percursos-pedestres-recomendados.html. Some sections may be closed without prior notice.
đ Official Trail Status Source
Official Trail Status: Check the official IFCN (Instituto das Florestas e Conservação da Natureza) website for current trail status, closures, and recommendations: https://ifcn.madeira.gov.pt/pt/atividades-de-natureza/percursos-pedestres-recomendados/percursos-pedestres-recomendados.html. This is the authoritative source for all Madeira hiking trail information.
Check Official IFCN Trail Status âPractical Information
đ Parking
Parking: Free parking is available at Pico do Areeiro, but spaces fill up quickly, especially during sunrise hours (6-8 AM) and peak season. Arrive early or consider visiting during off-peak times. The parking area can accommodate approximately 50-70 vehicles.
đ What to Bring
What to Bring: Sturdy hiking boots with good grip, headlamp or torch (essential for tunnels), gloves for wire rail sections, warm layers (temperatures can drop to -8°C), waterproof jacket, sufficient water (at least 1.5L per person), snacks, and a fully charged phone. The trail includes dark tunnels where a headlamp is mandatory.
â° Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit: Sunrise viewing is spectacular but requires arriving 30-60 minutes before dawn. Check sunrise times for your visit date. Early morning (6-8 AM) offers the best light and fewer crowds. Weather can change rapidlyâalways check our webcam before heading up.
𼞠Trail Details
PR1 Trail Information: The hike from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo is approximately 10km (6.2 miles) and takes 3-5 hours depending on pace. Difficulty: Moderate to challenging with steep ascents, numerous steps, and elevation gain of 637 metres. The trail includes several tunnels (bring a headlamp), narrow paths with handrails, and exposed sections. Not recommended for those with severe vertigo or children under 10.
đ¤ď¸ Weather Considerations
Weather Considerations: Mountain weather changes rapidly. Even if conditions are clear at lower elevations, the peaks may be above cloud cover. Check our webcam for current visibility and cloud conditions. Strong winds, fog, and sudden temperature drops are common. If visibility is poor, consider postponing your visit.
đ Alternative Routes
Alternative Routes: If the main PR1 trail is closed, consider hiking from Achada do Teixeira to Pico Ruivo (PR1.2), which is shorter (2.8km) and less challenging. This route starts at 1,592m and takes about 1.5 hours each way. Always verify trail status before departure.
đ Getting There
Getting There: Pico do Areeiro is accessible by car via ER 103 road from Funchal (approximately 45 minutes). Public transport is limitedâmost visitors drive or join guided tours. Tour companies offer sunrise tours with transportation from Funchal hotels. Taxis are available but expensive for the return journey.
Activities at Pico do Areeiro
Hiking to Pico Ruivo (PR1 Trail)
The famous PR1 trail connects Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo (1,862m), Madeira's highest peak. This 10km trail takes 3-5 hours and includes tunnels, steep sections, and narrow paths with handrails. Check trail status before departure as closures are common. Bring a headlamp for tunnels, gloves for wire rails, and sufficient water. The trail is moderate to challengingânot suitable for those with vertigo or young children.
Stargazing
High elevation and low light pollution make Pico do Areeiro ideal for stargazing and astronomical observation.
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Advanced Observatory & Astronomical Research
Unique Atmospheric Phenomena and Extreme Microclimates
Pico do Areeiro (1,818m), Madeira's third highest peak, functions as a unique natural laboratory for studying subtropical high-mountain atmospheric phenomena. Its strategic location above the thermal inversion layer (1,200-1,400m) creates exceptional meteorological conditions.
Our HD webcam, equipped with advanced weather sensors, continuously documents temperature variations between -8°C and +28°C. Daily thermal amplitudes can reach 25°C during transition months (October-November, March-April).
Centre of Excellence in Subtropical Astronomy and Astrophysics
Pico do Areeiro has established itself as one of the most prestigious astronomical observation sites in the Atlantic, benefiting from unique conditions that rival professional observatories. The altitude of 1,818m, combined with extremely low light pollution (Bortle scale Class 2-3), provides exceptional atmospheric transparency with average seeing of 1.2-1.8 arcsec.
Premium Experiences and Advanced Scientific Tourism
đ Panoramic Observatory Experiences
Exceptional panoramic views and astronomical observation opportunities from Madeira's third highest peak.
â Advanced Astronomical Tourism
World-class astronomical observation with Bortle Class 2-3 skies and professional equipment access.
đ¸ Live Documentation & Research
Continuous atmospheric monitoring and research documentation from this strategic high-altitude location.