Pico Arieiro Sunrise: Above the Clouds Experience

Experience a magical sunrise at Pico do Arieiro, above the clouds, followed by a descent to the enchanting Levada de Balcoes.

Duration: 3 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Pico do Arieiro - Upon reaching Pico do Arieiro, visitors can take a short walk to the viewpoint to witness the sunrise at an elevation of 1800 meters.
  • Balcoes de Ribeiro Frio - A small Levada known as BALCOES, which in the morning is peaceful, quiet, and away from the crowds.
What's Included
  • Private transportation
  • In-person Guide: English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese
What's Not Included
  • Breakfast
  • Tea and coffee
Additional Information

Departing from the hotel, the journey to Pico Arieiro takes 45 minutes. Upon arrival, finding a cozy spot to witness the sunrise reveals pure magic. Positioned above the clouds, Mother Nature greets us with a magnificent display. Hues of orange and purple pierce through the blue sky, reflecting on the clouds below. Gradually, the sea and green mountains…

Location
Pico do Arieiro
E 202
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(14 Ratings)
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Rossana_q
May 27, 2026
We saw some really... - We saw some really beautiful sights on this tour with Antonio. He picked us up at our hotel at 5:15 am (2 hours before sunrise). We then picked up a couple at their hotel (6 travelers total). We traveled in his jeep that is 35 years old. He clearly taken good care of it. He drove us above the clouds to Pico de Arieiro Stairway to Heaven and told us which way to walk to wait for the sunrise. The walk was shorter than I thought it would be, maybe 15 mins. It was May but at 1880 m it was 8 degrees C/46 degrees F and it was VERY windy, so pack suitable clothes, a beanie, gloves, a blanket to sit on (the boulders are cold), flashlight (or phone flashlight), and tissues (for the runny noses). We waited about an hour and a half for the sun to rise at 7:12 am so I recommend packing a breakfast too. There was very little light pollution so we were able to see so many stars. We got there very early so even though many others showed up after us, we had a great spot to view the sunrise. The views were absolutely stunning. After sunrise and plenty of pictures, we got back in the Jeep and went to a levada that is no longer functioning. This was a very pleasant walk, the birds chirping, the wind blowing. This walk is almost completely flat with some steep downward steps at the end. I tend to be a little unsteady on my feet so my walking sticks helped me here but I would have been ok without them too, I would have just walked more slowly. Our levada walk (about 45 mins) ended at a cafe that seemed like it appeared out of nowhere. They served the most delicious Tarta de nata (similar to pasteis de nata but with pie crust instead of pastry shell), we had some coffee and hot chocolate too. We got back in the jeep and were back in Funchal by 9:30 am. Antonio shared lots about the area and animals we could find in the area. We got to see sheep, goats, and cows. Note: The 4 back seats of the jeep faced the center of the vehicle, mentioning in case you have issues with not facing forward in cars and get car sick. Also, this is a semi-guided tour. When we were at Pico de Arieiro and in the levada we were alone, though Antonio did tell us where to go.
Review provided by Viator
Leanne
Jul 19, 2025
Worth the early start - Friendly welcoming driver Antonio, picked us up from hotel to start our excursion to Pico do Arieiro for the sunrise. On way up Antonio shared his local knowledge making the journey to and from our destination more immersive. We were taken right to the top and only had to walk short distance to viewpoint which was beautiful and incredible. Afterwards we were taken to a nearby Levada walk with balcony viewpoint which again was stunning. This trip was well worth the money and I’d do it all over again
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Departure28071408886
Jun 11, 2025
Amazing views. - It was a memorable experience. Thanks again. Very well positioned. We saw the sun rise. And a nice walk in a levada afterwards with great views.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alison_o
May 30, 2025
Great experience - Antonio was a great guide, brought us to pico de arieiro for sunrise and to a levada afterwards. Definitely would recommend
Review provided by Viator
Anneke_h
May 27, 2025
Dreamlike - The jeep tour to Pico do Arieiro was an unforgettable experience! Very well organized and highly recommended!
Review provided by Viator
Rebeccabw3090tc
Dec 27, 2024
A memorable morning sunrise experience! - Antonio was warm and friendly and kept us laughing! He gave us history lessons of the island’s plants, water system, culture, economics and more. The sunrise was beautiful and on our way down we went to the balconies as well as did a little off roading. I would highly recommend booking your tour with Antonio!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alexander
Dec 18, 2024
Great trip - Thanks to Antonio for this special experience. He is a safe driver and gives a lot of interesting information. The sunrise was amazing. There is also a short walk to Balcoes (with a great view and lovely birds). We can fully recommend this trip and this company.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Aaron_mcmullen
Nov 18, 2024
Antonio is your guide! - Fantastic experience for sunrise above the clouds. We were picked up well outside of funchal for now extra cost by Antonio and he was so informative throuout the drive. The views from the top of the mountain at sunrise were simply breathtaking. Antonio is the best guide you can have, and at such a great price! Would highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mariadosreisf2024
Oct 30, 2024
SUN RISE - An unforgettable experience where you can appreciate how beautiful the sunrise is where you can also enjoy a wonderful landscape surrounded by mountains and be above the clouds is spectacular 👌
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Camilla
Oct 30, 2024
Pico Arieiro Sunrise - Antonio was very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable! The chairs, blankets and hot coffee came in very handy and Antonio found us a lovely spot to see the sunrise.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $58
up to 6 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).