From Funchal: Pico Arieiro Sunrise with Optional Breakfast

Watching the sunrise from Pico do Arieiro, Madeira’s highest viewpoint, is a truly remarkable way to start the day. This 3 to 5-hour tour from Funchal, offered by Charismatic Mountain Tours, provides an opportunity to see the island’s incredible dawn vistas at 1818 meters altitude. The tour includes a hot breakfast served in a rustic old mill or, on some days, the option to skip the meal for a more flexible schedule. With a strong rating of 4.6 from 766 reviews, this experience is praised for friendly guides, beautiful scenery, and great value.

While the tour’s core feature is the sunrise viewing, it also offers a chance to enjoy local food, leisurely walks, and breathtaking landscapes. The breakfast options and the levada walk make it a rich, multi-layered experience. However, it’s important to note that the weather can change rapidly, sometimes leading to alternative sunrise spots, and that early mornings require packing warm clothing.

Key Points

• High-altitude sunrise at Pico do Arieiro, Madeira’s highest viewpoint at 1818 meters
• Tour duration varies from 3 to 5 hours, with flexible start times
• Optional breakfast served in a rustic old mill, including toasted sandwiches and homemade cake
• Levada walk in Paradise Valley, showcasing endemic trees from the Laurissilva forest (available with breakfast)
• Lower-cost option available without breakfast or levada walk, ideal for those focused solely on the sunrise
• Sunday tours include a visit to Santo da Serra farmers market and breakfast

You can check availability for your dates here:

Picking Up from Hotels in Funchal, Santa Cruz, or Caniço

This tour begins early, with hotel pickups around 6:00 AM in Funchal, Santa Cruz, or Caniço. The transport provided is comfortable, with small groups or private options, ensuring a relaxed and personalized experience. The driver and guide are well-regarded for their friendliness and knowledge, making the journey to Pico do Arieiro smooth and enjoyable.

Travelers should arrive dressed warmly, as temperatures at the summit can be quite chilly, especially before sunrise. The pick-up times are scheduled to arrive in time to witness the dawn and maximize their viewing experience.

Witness the Sunrise from Madeira’s Highest Point

The main highlight of this tour is the sunrise viewing at Pico do Arieiro, which is the highest viewpoint on the island. The early morning departure ensures you arrive before dawn, allowing for photo opportunities and quiet moments before the crowds arrive. The views are described as breathtaking, with many reviews noting the spectacular colors and cloud inversions.

In cases where weather conditions aren’t ideal, the guides are prepared to take you to alternative sunrise spots such as Santo da Serra Golf Court or Skywalk Viewpoint in Santana. Despite the unpredictability of Mountains weather, the guides work hard to offer the best possible viewing experience.

The Breakfast at an Old Mill in Paradise Valley

The breakfast option is a highlight for many participants. Served in a refurbished old mill, the meal includes toasted sandwiches (ham and cheese), homemade cakes, and refreshing drinks like tea and coffee. The rustic setting provides a private and cozy atmosphere, shielded from the cold, especially appreciated during the early hours.

For those preferring a shorter or more flexible trip, the lower-cost version omits the breakfast and levada walk, focusing solely on the sunrise and return. The breakfast served in the mill earns frequent praise for its homemade taste and generous portions.

Levada Walk in Paradise Valley

For guests who opt for the breakfast option, a 45-minute walk follows in the Paradise Valley area. This levada walk showcases endemic trees from the Laurissilva forest, with easy paths suitable for most travelers. The scenery includes lush greenery and mountain views, making it a peaceful way to connect with nature after watching the sunrise.

This walk is not included if you choose the lower-cost option without breakfast, but it remains a notable part of the experience for those who participate.

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Visiting the Santo da Serra Farmers Market on Sundays

On Sundays, the tour includes a visit to the farmers market in Santo da Serra. This weekly event allows visitors to explore local produce, handmade goods, and authentic Madeira culture. The breakfast for Sunday bookings is included, replacing the levada walk with this market visit.

This makes the Sunday tour particularly suitable for those wanting a full cultural experience combined with the sunrise.

Weather Considerations and Alternative Spots

The mountain weather can be unpredictable, especially in the early morning. If visibility at Pico do Arieiro is poor, the guides will take you to alternative spots such as Guindaste Skywalk Viewpoint or Ponta de São Lourenço. The tour takes place rain or shine, but refunds are not available if the weather hampers the sunrise view.

Participants are advised to dress warmly and bring weather-appropriate clothing to stay comfortable during the cold, windy early hours.

The Guides and Overall Service

Many reviews highlight the knowledge and friendliness of the guides, especially Jorge and George. They are praised for timely pickups, helpful explanations, and extra touches, like providing blankets or drinks. This level of personalized service and local insight enhances the experience, making it more than just a sightseeing trip.

The small group sizes and private options add to the sense of comfort and flexibility, ensuring everyone gets a good spot for the sunrise and can enjoy the walk and breakfast at their pace.

Accessibility and Practical Tips

The walks are easy but involve some stones that might be slightly challenging for wheelchairs, prams, or walkers. Those with mobility concerns should contact the tour provider beforehand. Since temperatures are cooler at the summit, dressing in layers and bringing warm clothing is essential.

The morning start means travelers should be prepared for an early wake-up, but the stunning views and peaceful atmosphere make it worth the effort.

Price and Booking Flexibility

Booking the tour via GetYourGuide, travelers can reserve in advance with the option to pay later. Cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the tour, providing flexibility for changing plans. The standard price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transport, breakfast (if selected), and the levada walk.

The lower-cost option available Monday to Saturday offers a great alternative for those mainly interested in witnessing the sunrise without extra activities, at a more affordable rate.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This sunrise tour is perfect for early risers who want to see Madeira from its highest point. It’s ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and culture enthusiasts keen to experience local food and scenic walks. The friendly guides and well-organized logistics make it suitable for all ages, provided participants dress warmly.

Those who enjoy guided small-group experiences and personalized attention will find this tour particularly satisfying. Conversely, travelers with mobility issues or those uncomfortable in cold weather may need to plan accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, the levada walk (if breakfast is chosen), a visit to Santo da Serra market on Sundays, and breakfast are included depending on the option selected.

Can I see the sunrise if the weather is bad?
If weather conditions prevent a clear sunrise at Pico do Arieiro, the guides will take you to alternative spots like the Guindaste Viewpoint or Ponta de São Lourenço. The tour proceeds rain or shine, but no refunds are issued for poor visibility.

What should I bring?
Warm clothing is essential, especially for the morning hours. Weather-appropriate gear and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Are there options without breakfast?
Yes, a lower-cost version is available Monday to Saturday that skips breakfast and levada walk, focusing solely on sunrise viewing.

Is the tour suitable for families?
The easy nature of the walks and the small group setting make it suitable for most families, though mobility concerns should be considered.

What days is the Sunday tour available?
The Sunday tour includes breakfast and market visit and is only available on Sundays.

How early do I need to wake up?
The pickup is generally around 6:00 AM, so be prepared for an early start to catch the sunrise.

What guides lead this tour?
The tour is led by professional, friendly guides who speak English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, and German.

How do I book this tour?
Reservations can be made through GetYourGuide, with flexible payment options and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Can I customize this experience?
Small groups and private options are available, allowing some personalization within the tour framework.

This Pico Arieiro Sunrise tour offers a calm, scenic, and culturally rich way to begin a day in Madeira. Its stunning views, friendly guides, and delicious breakfast make it a popular choice, especially for those who want to combine nature, food, and breathtaking scenery early in the morning.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby