The 15 Morning Tours in Madeira That Earn Their Price

1.Pico do Arieiro Sunrise Transfer Self-guided Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,798 reviews · from $37Our pick

Start before dawn with a shared transfer from Funchal or Caniço to Pico do Arieiro, watch the sunrise, then hike toward Pico Ruivo and Achada do Teixeira. Your host explains the route, timing, and trail signs, while drivers such as Nuno, Pedro, and Henrique are praised for clear instructions and punctual service.

“The trip to Pico do Arieiro was amazing, I would highly recommend this trip. Pedro was our driver and he was absolutely delightful. He was very punctual picking us up and expertly navigated the drive to pick up 3 other groups and then up to the top. He provided us with a nice orientation and excellent suggestions for viewing the mountain sunrise. The hike at Pico do Arieiro was congested but manageable. The second hike down from Pico do Arieiro to Ribeira das Cales was challenging, it was a mostly downhill and with rocky footings and paths that made reaching the bottom at the meeting place quite tight. The last…”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Pico Do Arieiro Pico Ruivo Sunrise or Morning Hike Transfers

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,169 reviews · 8 - 8.5 hours · from $37

Travel by minivan from Funchal or Caniço to Pico do Arieiro for a self-guided sunrise or morning hike. Driver Radko, Ciro, Carlos, or another English-speaking local provides route details, then collects you at Achada do Teixeira after up to five hours on the mountain.

“Good communication, timely arrival. Explained the possible routes and options. Then due to terrible weather, allowed us to change our options and be picked up earlier instead of continuing with the pr3 hike.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Pico Arieiro Sunrise with Optional Breakfast

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 728 reviews · from $51

Leave Funchal before dawn for Pico do Arieiro at 1,818 meters. Guides such as George, Jorge, Francisco, Luis, and Philippe lead small groups to the sunrise, then serve hot drinks and a homemade breakfast in a restored old mill. Choose the 45-minute Paradise Valley levada walk, or visit Santo da Serra Market on Sundays.

“Amazing, would 1000% recommend to others visiting Madeira! Very friendly and helpful guides! We missed the sunrise the first time due to weather and they actually allowed us to come for another time for a perfect sunrise for free!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Sunrise Pico do Arieiro & Ruivo/Larano HikeTransfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 597 reviews · from $34Best value

You’ll ride from Funchal, Caniço, or Garajau to Pico do Arieiro for sunrise, walk the accessible PR1 section, then continue on a self-guided hike. Mondays, Thursdays, and Sundays use PR1.2 to Pico Ruivo. Wednesdays use Vereda do Larano. Transport, timing, and route details are included.

“Amazing sunrise and challenging hike. I made some nice memories.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro & Hike Larano trail

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 516 reviews · from $45

Start before dawn with a drive from Funchal to Pico do Arieiro, optional PR1 hiking, and a sunrise above the clouds. Continue to Guindaste’s glass platform and walk 7 km of the Larano coast. Guides such as Roberto, Rosbert, Chris, and José are praised for safe driving and island insight.

“I think best trip of my life, beautiful sunrise, and hiking I would like to mension was even for not experienced turists, even child could do it. For sure must. Thank you ♥️”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.PR1 Sunrise Pico do Arieiro Self-Guided Hiking Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 299 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $39Top rated

Start before dawn with pickup in Funchal or Caniço, reach Pico do Arieiro for sunrise, then hike at your own pace. Drivers such as Pedro, Filipe, and Adriana explain the route, weather, closures, and pickup point before leaving you to walk PR1 or the PR3 alternative.

“Amazing experience - make sure you have the correct clothing & footwear, it’s bitterly cold up there!”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Pico Ruivo Guided Sunrise Hike with Hotel Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 257 reviews · 5 hours · from $68

Join a small group of up to eight for a pre-dawn hike from Achada do Teixeira to Pico Ruivo. Guide Carlos is often praised for steady pacing, astronomy tips, frequent breaks, and warm tea at the summit. Hotel pickup, head torch, snack, and return transport are included.

“someone who had just done done the tour a few days earlier recommend me the tour. and I have to say it was the highlight of my trip to Madeira. the sunrise was majestic. and our tour guide was simply perfect. great communication (for instance clearly indicated how long the hike was in km and elevation, he stated along the way how far along we were). he also made enough stops but in time to see sunrise. he even had carried up a hot tea and snack for us. he motivated us during the hike, was knowledgeable and even offered to lend not only headlamp, but also jacket and scarf…”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Morning Transfer To Pico Do Arieiro, Hike To Pico Ruivo & Return From Teixeira

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 243 reviews · 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $37

Ride from Funchal or Caniço to Pico do Arieiro, then hike independently through tunnels and steep stairways to Pico Ruivo. Drivers such as Radko, Carlos, Michael, and Ciro provide trail instructions and collect you at Achada do Teixeira. The 11-kilometer route takes about 4.5 hours.

“Great service. Picked up at our Airbnb. Interesting conversation with driver. Made Pico to Pico easier and more enjoyable”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Sunrise Transfer To Pico Do Arieiro, Hike To Pico Ruivo & Return From Teixeira

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 233 reviews · 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $42

Travel in a small group of up to eight from Funchal or Caniço to Pico do Arieiro before sunrise, then hike toward Pico Ruivo and finish at Achada do Teixeira. You walk independently at your own pace, with pickup and return transport arranged by Pico Transfers.

“Excellent driver. Very informative and considerate. Would recommend. On time pick up and beautiful drive back. Clear guidance and instructions”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.Pico do Areeiro Sunrise Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 146 reviews · 4.5 hours · from $70

Join Hugo of Offroad-Seekers for a 4.5-hour sunrise outing from Funchal, Santana, Machico, or nearby areas. You’ll reach Pico do Areeiro before the crowds, take an easy Levada dos Balcões walk, stop for coffee, and visit northeast viewpoints in a group of no more than seven.

“Hugo picked us up on time in a comfortable van . He was a wealth of knowledge on the area. He was very professional and friendly . The places we visited were mind blowing and he recommended some restaurants in a town close which was very authentic with outdoor concert and beautiful decorations . Highly advise this tour . Helen Murray”

Check availability →Read our full review

11.Sunrise Tour @ Pico Do Areiro | Half Day 4×4 Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 144 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $100

Start before dawn with a 4x4 ride from Funchal to Pico do Arieiro for sunrise above the clouds. Guides such as Fernando, Nuno, Jeff, and Francisco add local stories, then lead you on a short Balcões levada walk before coffee, a sandwich, or poncha in Ribeiro Frio.

“Well worth the early start. This trip provides a very special experience. I would definitely recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

12.Madeira Top Sunrise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 140 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $66

Meet your guide around 4 a.m. for a torch-lit 2.5-kilometer hike to Pico Ruivo, Madeira’s highest point. With a maximum of six people, Carlos sets a patient pace, supplies torches, and may provide jackets, tea, and a snack at the summit. Hotel pickup is available in Funchal and Caniço.

“This is the best tour/experience I had in Madeira. Carlos was an amazing guide. He was very patient with us and was giving us enough breaks to rest. I struggled to reach the top but he was very encouraging and gave us tea and a snack bar to spike some sugar into our blood (considering the early wake up). Going down was much easier and the view we got to see was totally worth it. The fact that Carlos was mentioning the progress throughout the hike made it very clear and easier for our minds and bodies to keep going. He also provided jackets for whomever needed. This is a…”

Check availability →Read our full review

13.Sunrise Guided Hike PR1 Pico do Areeiro Pico Ruivo small group

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 133 reviews · 6 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $120

Start before dawn from Funchal or Caniço and hike Madeira’s famous mountain route with a guide such as David or Ronaldo. Expect steep steps, changing weather, sunrise views, Pico Ruivo, and a stop at Santana’s traditional homes. The group is limited to eight people.

“I am not an athletic person so this climb was really difficult for me but David our guide was so supportive and patient. He was very calm during the whole journey encouraging us to go at our own pace. I am glad that I have booked this tour with UpMountain Madeira. Will highly recommend to my friends!”

Check availability →Read our full review

14.Madeira Pico do Arieiro Sunrise Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 130 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $54

Start before dawn with pickup in Funchal, Câmara de Lobos, or Caniço and ride to Pico do Arieiro at 1,818 meters. Guides such as George, Francisco, and Filipe provide blankets, local tips, and breakfast hosting. Choose the breakfast option for homemade treats and a gentle Paradise Valley walk.

“Tour guide was good , but we couldn’t see the sunrise,its was rainy day , sunrise will be at 7:23 am but we left the place at 7:30 am . So around 7:45/8 am sunrise so we missed it . We had breakfast in woods , levada walk is great.”

Check availability →Read our full review

15.From 0 to 1818 meters to Pico do Arieiro Sunrise

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 101 reviews · from $57

Leave your hotel before dawn for Pico do Arieiro at 1,818 meters, where Antonio or another local guide helps you find a prime sunrise spot. Afterward, take a short, gentle walk along the Levada dos Balcões near Ribeiro Frio. Transport, guide, and insurance are included.

“Antonio was an absolute delight! He was full of local knowledge and gave a wonderful tour. The viewpoints that we went to were wonderful and one of a kind! We would recommend this tour to every body!!”

Check availability →Read our full review