Ninho da Manta Viewpoint – Pedra Rija Viewpoint loop from Arieiro

Mountain hikes & routes

São Roque Do Faial

Ninho da Manta Viewpoint – Pedra Rija Viewpoint loop from Arieiro

Hard

4.9

(16)

112

hikers

Ninho da Manta Viewpoint – Pedra Rija Viewpoint loop from Arieiro

01:39

3.97km

250m

Mountaineering

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

Last updated: November 2, 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 1.66 km for 745 m

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

141 m

Lower Pico do Areeiro Parking Lot

Highlight • Parking

Below the peak of Pico do Arieiro there is a parking lot, which is the starting point of the hike.

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836 m

PR1 Vereda do Areeiro (Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo Trail)

Highlight • Trail

The PR1 Vereda do Areeiro is one of the most spectacular hikes in Madeira and leads through the island's central mountain range. It connects Madeira's three highest peaks:
Pico do Areeiro (1,818 m)
Pico das Torres (1,851 m)
Pico Ruivo (1,862 m)

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Elevation gain: Between 1,491 m and 1,857 m

The route includes tunnels, steep stairs, and narrow paths along rock faces. It requires surefootedness, a head for heights, and a good level of fitness. The ascent to Pico Ruivo is particularly challenging, but the views of the surrounding mountain landscape are breathtaking.

Note (as of May 2025)
Due to forest fires in August 2024, the hiking trail is currently only partially open. Currently, only the section between Pico do Areeiro and the Pedra Rija viewpoint (approx. 1.2 km) is accessible. There is no information yet as to when the entire path will be reopened.

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930 m

Radar station on Pico do Areeiro

Highlight • Monument

Immediately next to the summit is a radar station of the Portuguese Air Force that can be seen from afar.

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959 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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1.45 km

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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1.64 km

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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1.97 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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2.01 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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