Pico do Arieiro

Pico do Arieiro is the third-highest peak on Madeira at 1,818 metres, connected by a dramatic ridge trail to Pico Ruivo, the island's highest summit. The summit is frequently above the cloud inversion layer, offering views over a sea of clouds with volcanic peaks emerging like islands, particularly striking at sunrise. The landscape consists of exposed basalt ridges, steep-sided valleys, and endemic vegetation adapted to high-altitude conditions.