At 1,818 metres, Pico do Aireiro (sometimes spelled Areeiro) is the third highest mountain in Madeira and the highest point that can be reached by car.
This makes the mountain ideal for the best views of Madeira's jagged dramatic peaks, even for less fit hikers. The local Miradoura do Juncal viewpoint is reached by a 200-metre walkway from the car park, more or less on level ground.
Compare car rental prices - FNC Airport
Pico do Arieiro is the most popular starting point for treks up Madeira's highest mountain, Pico Ruivo.
The ridge, marked PR1, is 5.3km one way and takes around 7 hours to complete each way. Details, including a map of the route, are described on the Pico Ruivo site detail.
How to get there
There are no public transport buses to Pico do Arieiro (or anywhere nearby), so you need to use a car.
There is a new tarmac road to the summit and the distance from Funchal is 19km, see map. Parking at the summit is free.
What to see around
Discover all the places to see in Madeira.