Fodor's Expert Review Pico do Arieiro
At 5,963 feet, this is one of Madeira's highest mountains. On your way here, you'll travel over a barren plain above the tree line: watch for errant sheep and goats wandering across the pavement on their way to graze on stubbly gorse and bilberry. Stop in the parking lot near the top and make the short climb to the lookout (next to a giant NATO radar), where you can scan the rocky central peaks. There are often views of the clouds below (unless you're in them), but on a clear day you can see the Curral das Freiras to the southeast. Look in the other direction and try to spot the huge Penha de Águia (Eagle Rock), a giant monolith on the north coast. The trail from the lookout that crosses the narrow ridge leads to Pico Ruivo (6,102 feet), the island's highest point, winding over the second-highest point, Pico das Torres (6,073 feet), along the way—it's one of the best hikes on the island, though it is a tough 13-km (8-mile) round-trip trek, and sections are sometimes closed by landslides.... READ MORE
At 5,963 feet, this is one of Madeira's highest mountains. On your way here, you'll travel over a barren plain above the tree line: watch for errant sheep and goats wandering across the pavement on their way to graze on stubbly gorse and bilberry. Stop in the parking lot near the top and make the short climb to the lookout (next to a giant NATO radar), where you can scan the rocky central peaks. There are often views of the clouds below (unless you're in them), but on a clear day you can see the Curral das Freiras to the southeast. Look in the other direction and try to spot the huge Penha de Águia (Eagle Rock), a giant monolith on the north coast. The trail from the lookout that crosses the narrow ridge leads to Pico Ruivo (6,102 feet), the island's highest point, winding over the second-highest point, Pico das Torres (6,073 feet), along the way—it's one of the best hikes on the island, though it is a tough 13-km (8-mile) round-trip trek, and sections are sometimes closed by landslides. You might consider taking a guided tour from one of the many outfitters in Funchal.
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