Ninho da Manta Viewpoint – Pedra Rija Viewpoint loop from Arieiro

Hiking trails & Routes

Curral Das Freiras

Ninho da Manta Viewpoint – Pedra Rija Viewpoint loop from Arieiro

Hard

4.5

(764)

6,840

hikers

Ninho da Manta Viewpoint – Pedra Rija Viewpoint loop from Arieiro

01:04

2.36km

150m

Hiking

Hard hike. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: November 3, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment that may be dangerous

A part of this route comprises technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience may be required.

After 829 m for 745 m

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

134 m

Pico do Areeiro (1,818 m)

Highlight • Summit

The Pico do Arieiro is one of the must-see natural sites on the island of Madeira. At 1,818 meters above sea level, it is the third highest peak on the island. It offers spectacular views of the steep cliffs it dominates as well as an infinite horizon over the ocean.

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624 m

Stone Staircase to Pico do Arieiro

Highlight • Trail

Another highlight along the route. However, immediately afterward, the path is blocked by an iron gate. The path has collapsed, and there was a forest fire. According to unconfirmed reports, it is scheduled to reopen in the summer of 2026.

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729 m

Stone Steps Trail

Highlight • Trail

816 m

Ninho da Manta Viewpoint

Highlight • Viewpoint

The Ninho da Manta viewpoint is located just a few meters from the start of the Vereda do Areeiro route (PR1), one of the most famous hikes in Madeira. It has therefore become an obligatory stop, both for hikers setting off from here to the island's highest peak and for visitors to Pico do Areeiro.
This observation point next to the Pousada do Pico do Areeiro was called Ninho da Manta because a common buzzard (Buteo buteo), a bird of prey, supposedly nested there. You can see the municipality of São Roque do Faial and the valley of Fajã da Nogueira, the preferred nesting site of the shearwater (Puffinus puffinus).
Likewise, from the Ninho da Manta viewpoint you can see part of the central mountain range of Madeira. The landscape is dominated by impressive rock formations that often rise above the clouds. The endemic species of the Madeira petrel (Pterodroma madeira), which is considered the most threatened lake, also nests here

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873 m

View from Pico do Arieiro

Highlight • Viewpoint

893 m

Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo Trail

Highlight • Trail

The PR1 hiking trail – Vereda do Areeiro, which leads from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo, is one of the best-maintained high-altitude trails in Madeira – despite its alpine character.

Current situation (May 2025)
Only the first section, from Pico do Areeiro to Pedra Rija (~1.2 km), is currently open.
This section is in very good condition – with railings, paved steps, and a well-maintained path.
The main section over the ridge (Stairway to Heaven, Tunnel, and Torres) remains closed until further notice.

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1.14 km

Narrow Path (Pedra Rija Ridge)

Highlight • Trail

Great view of parts of the island and the Atlantic. Path is very well developed.

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1.19 km

Pedra Rija Viewpoint

Highlight • Viewpoint

Coming from Pico do Areeiro, you reach this vantage point after about one kilometer. Shortly before is the often photographed staircase with steep precipices on both sides.

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2.36 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

1.66 km

429 m

191 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

1.53 km

745 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (1,780 m)

Lowest point (1,630 m)

Weather

Today

Thursday 5 November

24°C

19°C

47 %

Additional weather tips

There’s a fairly high chance of rain. Consider packing a waterproof jacket.

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

December 31, 2024,Wanderung auf dem Pico do Arieiro, Madeira

Hike only possible in a shortened form (like ours), hiking trail closed due to rockfall, start early in the morning due to fewer parking spaces, rush of tourists and clouds gathering during the day. Driving to the summit is possible, not for beginners ;-)

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January 19, 2026,🇵🇹 Pico Arieiro, AP Pedra Rija, AP Ninho da Manta, Himmelsleiter

Get up 🫣 today at 4:30 AM to drive to Pico Arieiro. So early because it's a 👍 Hot Spot 👍 on Madeira. Everyone wants to experience the ☀️ sunrise up here and some daredevils the 🌠 "Stairway To Haven" with the ladder to heaven 🌌🪜. However, at 6:30 AM at the start on Pico Arieiro, it was 0 degrees …

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September 23, 2024,Vom Pico Areeiro zur Treppe zum Himmel

Unfortunately, the path to Pico Ruivo behind the Stairway to Heaven was closed due to the forest fires in August. This makes the area geologically unstable.

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September 29, 2024,Pico do Areeiro und Pico Ruivo - PR1 Vereda do Areeiro Route auf der Insel Madeira

The height of Pico Ruivo at Pedra Rija (1.2 km) is amazing!

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April 7, 2025,Pico do Areeiro

It couldn't be easier. Parking right under the peak. But the most interesting part starts further on. An incredibly scenic trail to Pico Ruivo. Unfortunately, after the big fires, only a 1.5 km section is open. The weather is playing tricks on us again, although this time it sometimes takes pity on us and shows us the beauty of the …

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May 9, 2025,Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo - PR1 Vereda do Areeiro route on the island of Madeira

The way is closed so you can only walk 1.2km but still spectacular and woth it. Can do PR3 or 4 afterwards

April 25, 2025,Pico do Areeiro - PR1 1/3 part and back Vereda do Areeiro route on the island of Madeira

PR1 is closed due to fires. Only approximately 1/3 parts are accessible. Incredibly overcrowded place.

March 23, 2025,PR1 Pico do Ariero fino Pedra Rija

Mid-March 2025 the Pico do Areiro - Pico Ruivo trail was closed by the authorities due to bad weather. It is only passable up to Pedra Rija, like this track. Check the opening of the trail on the visitmadeira online site before taking it.

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