Madeira Top Sunrise
Recommended by 95% of travelers
Funchal, Portugal
- 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Have the special opportunity to watch the sunrise from Madeira’s highest point on this small-group excursion. Following early-morning hotel pickup from your Funchal accommodation, travel via comfortable vehicle to Pico Ruivo. After disembarking, start your 1.5-mile (2.5-kilometer) hike in the dark; as you approach the peak, you will watch the sunrise begin.
- This small-group tour is limited to just six people for an intimate feel
- Hike to the top of Pico Ruivo to watch the Madeira sunrise
- This tour makes it easy to immerse yourself in Madeira’s wild scenery
- Enjoy an active way to explore the island’s scenery
What's Included
- Torches
- Driver/guide
- Local guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Transport by private vehicle
- Insurance
- Food and Drinks
- Hiking clothes, hiking boots or sport shoes
- Wind/rain proof jacket
- hats, scarfs and gloves
- 4,5 eur p.p. for trail maintenance to deliver to the Ranger at the end of the trail, by card or cash
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
You can ask to be pick up in Funchal and Caniço areas, if any other locations please write me to see if its possible. If you please be ready outside of your accommodation, on time.
Start time.4:00 am
What To Expect
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Infants must sit on laps
- Infant seats available
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Xavier_P
I did the trek with my 4 year old daughter. The Guide, Carlos was amazing. He paid attention to every detail and made sure we got enough rest on the way up at the same time making sure we got there before sunrise. He was very friendly and helpful throughout. I would highly recommend the hike with Carlos.
Reviews
4.8
based on 153 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Elizabeth_j, Aug 2026
Fantastic experience, very knowledgeable guide. Be aware that you need to catch your breath at the start due to the altitude but the guide was fantastic and made sure we had plenty of rest stops and also were encouraged to go at our own pace. As there were 2 guides one at the front and one at the back making sure we were all together it was not a problem. Once you get to the top the climb is well worth it for the beautiful views. It was cloudy so not the perfect sunrise but still wonderful.
Anupa_S, Jul 2026
The tour was great, the guide stopped along the way to help people adjust to the altitude. The view was unforgettable and such an unforgettable experience.
Dave_D, Jul 2026
A must do! Amazing experiance. Carlos was a fantastic host. Kept us informed, friendly. Always felt comfortable and whilst hiking up ensured we was safe. Had tea & energy bar for everyone. The experiance was out of this world! Thank you A+
Andrew_D, Jun 2026
Well run event from pick up time to drop off.
The pace from the base of the hill (car park) is easily accessible for most reasonably fit people
SUSAN_K, May 2026
Carlos provided great communication about the pick-up location and time. Informative hike up; the pace met the needs of the group. A beautiful spot to see the sunrise; not many people. Carlos shared some tea and a snack bar at the summit.
Ripley_A, May 2026
This experience was absolutely incredible couldn’t recommend it enough! Carlos was our guide - he provided head lamps which was greatly appreciated! We got to the top in great time and even got to enjoy some tea (thanks again Carlos!)!
Giuliana_H, Apr 2026
Madeira has some spectacular landscapes and walking trails. The guide was excellent and this trip was well organized.
Keri_S, Mar 2026
Wow! Friendly guide and on time for pick up. Drove us up the narrow roads safely to the parking area. Took us up Pico Ruivo in the dark, we all were given head torches and stopped for plenty of rest breaks to allow for the altitude.
The 360 degree view at the top was breathtaking. It wasn’t too busy either. Looking out over the clouds across the sea, but the view inland was protected by the mountains and you could see a dramatic valley with a tiny village at the bottom. We were given tea and a snack to enjoy the sunrise with.
On the way back down, I had to remove some layers as the sun was out and the wind dropped once we were off the top of the world 😃
The group made their was down as different rates. So I often found myself alone looking out over the clouds. It was magical. Like I was on a different planet. Again the guide stopped to do a head count at various points for safety.
The climb is about 2 miles each way and you do need to be fit - The altitude is not massive, but it makes a difference. I am half marathon fit at sea level and my heart was beating faster than I would have expected it to.
This is well worth the effort. Literally a moment I will be remembering forever!
Lucas_Y, Mar 2026
Great experience! Carlos was a great guide - punctual pick up, short rest breaks on the hike up, and even got us a hot cup of tea at the summit to enjoy the sunrise with.
Meghan_C, Mar 2026
I really had high hopes for this! I was so excited but they let me down. 4am and no show! I sat waiting trying to contact them for an hour. Nothing! I'm so disappointed
Glynn_T, Feb 2026
A magical experience. The hike is strenuous, but plenty of opportunities for rest. And what you get to see…amazing.
But bring warm clothes, even in the summer!
LisaMarie_D, Dec 2025
The hike was memorable and a great experience to have in Madeira.
Carlos was very accommodating and allowed for plenty of breaks for the group to hike up at a comfortable pace.
Highly recommend
Aisha_A, Nov 2025
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 must when you are in Madeira.
Laura_J, Nov 2025
From start to finish the whole tour was amazing. Dont be put off by the early wake up whilst on holiday. It’s worth it. We got informed day before on more accurate pick up time from our guide Carlos, who was brilliant.
Informed us of the stars, took breaks on way up to rest and cater for all abilities, even gave us tea and a breakfast bar at the top.
Brilliant experience.
Clark_S, Oct 2025
An excellent, well run trip, and a fine walk with fine views, We had light rain and cloud, so no sunrise at the top, but it was still excellent. We did get the most wonderful rainbow on the way down.
May_B, Oct 2025
Pico Arieiro at sunset is magnificent and glad I got to see it. Giving it 1 star because the car used to transport us was not safe or hygienic. The smell of petrol/gas and burnt rubber was so intense I was gagging and close to vomiting. On the way down the mountain the driver was driving so fast the burnt rubber smell from tires or breaks got in the car, I was covering my nose breathing through my mouth and holding on for dear life trying not to throw up. I got off the car and my clothes, hair, backpack and my entire being smelled like burnt rubber, I felt dizzy and disoriented, I am not kidding, it impregnated every pore. I had to catch flight early AM and forced to put those smelly clothes in my suitcase cuz no time to wash them, now everything smells like burnt rubber. That car should not be used to transport people. Find a different company.
Xavier_P, Sep 2025
I did the trek with my 4 year old daughter. The Guide, Carlos was amazing. He paid attention to every detail and made sure we got enough rest on the way up at the same time making sure we got there before sunrise. He was very friendly and helpful throughout. I would highly recommend the hike with Carlos.
Daniel_A, Sep 2025
Wonderful experience. The views were amazing. The tour guide is great! He is so friendly. Highly recommend
SolveigM_E, Sep 2025
Carlos was a friendly and patient guide who took well care of everything. We felt lucky when the weather forecast was wrong, and the conditions were spectacular!
David_D, Aug 2025
It was great experience. The weather was going to affect our excursion. The provider rescheduled without issue.
Markus_L, Aug 2025
Fantastic experience. The view was spectacular. Our guide was very thoughtful and considerate. Dress accordingly for colder air/wind.
Emma_H, Jul 2025
A challenging hike but well supported by the guide with rest stops as we needed. Absolutely worth the climb for that view 😍 a really great experience and I’m so glad that I pushed myself to do it! I highly recommend
Celia_M, Jul 2025
Was hard but worth it. The hike was well maintained. The guide was knowledgeable. Loved the view. Cm
Rachel_R, Jul 2025
Carlos was amazing throughout. Communicative before the tour about pick up, informative throughout and even understanding when I accidentally took his head lamp home! The hike up to the top takes about an hour but is not difficult if you have a reasonable level of fitness. The view of the sun coming up over Madeira as you climb is spectacular and the sunrise at the top makes the effort worthwhile. Thoroughly recommend!
Davneet_S, Jun 2025
Really easy to communicate and interact with the operator. The tour was well organised and well timed. I would highly recommend this tour.
Morgan_C, Jun 2025
Carlos was an amazing guide! He let everyone go at their own pace and he made sure to stop so people could catch their breath. He explained a lot about the island in general and talked about all the different viewpoints. The small group was a great size and we all really enjoyed having tea and snacks to watch a beautiful sunrise
Gabriela_R, Jun 2025
It was good but just too bad they don’t pick up at our condo we had to drive to meet the driver. But other than that it was good!
Safina_M, Jun 2025
What an unforgettable experience. I owe a lifetime memory to Carlos - thank you so, so much. It was an early pick up (3:50AM) but totally worth it. We arrived in the dark with clear skies, which meant we saw many stars, constellations, Venus, and even two shooting stars! We then began our hike and Carlos equipped us with flashlights and jackets if we needed. We hiked up at our own pace with no pressure and stopped for regular breaks. Once we had reached the peak, Carlos provided us with some tea and a snack - such a nice touch. The sunrise was breathtaking and the viewing point wasn’t overly crowded. You absolutely won’t regret coming on this trip. Carlos made an early start and tricky hike worth every second. Thanks again, Safina :)
CatherineAponte, Feb 2025
A priceless experience, it was a well organized tour and the guide was very helpful. The view from the hike was amazing.
Victoria_R, Nov 2024
The trip sounded amazing and I had booked this as part of my partners 30th Birthday celebration. We were told to be up early and wait outside our hotel at 4am. We did just that, however it got to 10 past 4 and there was still no sign of our tour guide. I called them up and I was told that the tour was not going ahead as the tour guide was not in the island. To say we were disappointed was an understatement, we had woken up early for this tour and it was meant to be a special occasion for me and my boyfriend. Very poor.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
We understand your frustration and we clearly did it wrong, which is very rare. In this situation our guide completely forgot to cancel your booking as he did to all others on that day. If you ever come back to Madeira, we surely offer you a free tour. All the best for you two.
From $64.91
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Madeira Top Sunrise
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