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São Roque Do Faial

Ninho da Manta Viewpoint – Pedra Rija Viewpoint loop from Parque Ecológico do Funchal

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Hiking trails & Routes

São Roque Do Faial

Ninho da Manta Viewpoint – Pedra Rija Viewpoint loop from Parque Ecológico do Funchal

Hard

4.6

(88)

943

hikers

Ninho da Manta Viewpoint – Pedra Rija Viewpoint loop from Parque Ecológico do Funchal

02:22

6.07km

360m

Hiking

Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

Last updated: April 16, 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 2.67 km for 745 m

Waypoints

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1.59 km

Trail to Pico do Areeiro

Highlight • Trail

Since the upper parking lot is full relatively early, you can take a shortcut using this path

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2.45 km

Stone Staircase to Pico do Arieiro

Highlight • Trail

Nice tour with great moments again and again 🤩

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2.55 km

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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2.72 km

Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo Trail

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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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2.96 km

Narrow Path (Pedra Rija Ridge)

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

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3.01 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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3.77 km

Stairway to Heaven

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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6.07 km

End point

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

1.89 km

1.66 km

1.58 km

587 m

264 m

Surfaces

1.72 km

1.56 km

1.50 km

961 m

232 m

Elevation

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

Weather

Monday 1 June

20°C

16°C

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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Ninho da Manta Viewpoint – Pedra Rija Viewpoint loop from Parque Ecológico do Funchal

Trail to Pico do Areeiro

Stone Staircase to Pico do Arieiro

Stone Steps Trail