Sunrise Tour @ Pico Do Areiro | Half Day 4x4 Tour
Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Madeira, Portugal
- 5 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Begin your day watching the sunrise over the clouds and mountains on this early morning adventure from Funchal. Join a small group and head to the summit of Arieiro, Madeira’s third highest peak, to watch the sky change from night to day. After, enjoy a “levada” walk through the lush forests before the crowds set in.
- A great tour for photographers who want a sunrise backdrop
- A small group means more attention from your tour guide
- Hassle-free transfers from your Funchal accommodation
- Travel in a 4x4 vehicle for an adventurous experience
What's Included
- Local driver-guide
- 4x4 transport and short hike
- Morning forest walk and coffee stop
- Alternative route for bad weather conditions
- Food and drinks
- Personal expenses
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Operating hours.6:00 am
Itinerary
1
Funchal
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
2
Pico do Arieiro
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Balcoes de Ribeiro Frio
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
Ribeiro Frio
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Amber_P
A lovely morning! We learned a lot about Madeira on a beautiful morning! The tip from our guide were spot on. The sunrise was beautiful, nice 40 minute walk with a beautiful view and a great espresso at the end.
Reviews
4.9
based on 146 reviews
Akash_R, Nov 2025
Jeff, Rodrigo, and Emilio were absolutely fantastic! Their knowledge of the area was incredible, and they knew exactly where to take me for the best viewpoints at the perfect times to capture stunning photos. On top of that, they were all extremely friendly, fun to spend the day with, and clearly passionate about what they do. I’ll 100% be booking with them again. Highly recommend!
Christelle_P, Sep 2025
Fernando was the absolute best. He gave my group an alternate tour route because the weather was too foggy. It felt like we were long lost friends!
Ashley_D, Sep 2025
An incredible experience! The most beautiful sunrise above the clouds! Fernando was awesome!! 10/10!
Amber_P, Jul 2025
A lovely morning! We learned a lot about Madeira on a beautiful morning! The tip from our guide were spot on. The sunrise was beautiful, nice 40 minute walk with a beautiful view and a great espresso at the end.
beeburlingaolcom, Apr 2025
Brilliant!! Even though we had snow on our sunrise would highly recommend. Fernandos amazing. Do it!
Dhanya_K, Oct 2024
We loved our sunrise drive with a small group. Unfortunately the weather didn’t permit us to see the sunrise at pico de arreiro, but our guide Fernando improvised & took us for a view near the ocean& to see some other amazing views.
Niall_H, Jul 2024
Really enjoyable, our tour guide was superb, a local of the island gave us so much local information.
Helen_H, Jul 2024
We had an amazing time on this trip. It was one of the highlights of our week in Madeira. Our guide Nuno, was fun and chatty cheering everyone up after the early start and introducing everyone. We are a family of 3 and we were joined by a couple from London. He got us to a great spot to watch the sunrise. Truly beautiful. We also really enjoyed the walk to Balcoes, another stunning spot. Our morning was relaxed and we weren't rushed at any point, free to wander and enjoy at our own pace. We loved the Pastel de Natas at the coffee stop near Balcoes.
Nuno was friendly and informative throughout telling us the history of the island, and his personal stories of life in Funchal made the morning more fun for my 11 yr old daughter, keeping her laughing. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Nuno & Hit the Road.
Thanks for a great trip.
Tomas_R, Jul 2024
Amazing sunrise, followed by a short levada walk with stunning views. The guide was awesome, funny and punctual.
Kimberly_G, Jul 2024
Incredible experience!!! Our guide Fernando was punctual and very friendly. The vehicle was very comfortable. We learned a lot from our guide about this beautiful island throughout the tour! The sunrise above the clouds was absolutely amazing; Fernando personally walked us to a perfect spot on the mountain to watch! Afterwards we enjoyed a beautiful and peaceful levada walk ending in a fantastic view. Finishing the tour was delicious coffee, breakfast sandwiches and of course a poncha! HIGHLY recommend!! This is a must do on the island !
Julie_P, Jun 2024
Enjoyed every minute, didn't want the trip to end! Our driver Fernando was a real gem! Easy going, informative and fun. Led us to a perfect spot to see the sunrise in plenty of time of time to see the amazing array of colours before sunrise. Spent some time at the top enjoying the spectacular views! Lovely drive to the start of our short levada walk Walk was easy without any scary drops, leading to the most amazing viewpoint! Spent some time taking in the beauty before heading down to a local mountain cafe for coffee where I could have stayed all day! Highly rrcommend!
Katherine_C, Aug 2023
Our guide Fernando was great fun and brought the trip alive! He made sure we arrived in good time to get a good viewing spot! It is a very popular trip. Not to be missed!
Holly_C, Jul 2023
What a perfect morning we had, our driver Nuno was amazing and the sunrise was breathtaking!!! Definitely a day we will remember forever
Georgina_D, May 2023
You can’t help the weather but when the tour guide explains he has a plan B you expect something
After promising us a good place to see the sunrise and we are 100% guaranteed, this didn’t happen.
Then said we would go to a sugarcane factory and it was closed
Tracy_J, May 2023
Had a fantastic morning. What an amazing sight Pico Do Areiro was at sunrise! Beautiful. A wonderful guide and enjoyed it from
Start to finish. I would highly recommend this experience!
Kellie_K, Apr 2023
Wonderful experience with Hit The Road Madeira and Francisco as our guide. Learned a lot along the way and the sunrise experience was breathtaking, followed by a short levada walk.
Shaun_S, Apr 2023
Excellent driver and guide from Fernando, an amazing experience its a must do activity the weather was on our side too, cannot recommend en
Colin_B, Oct 2022
Our driver Fernando was excellent at finding us a sunrise when the clouds didn’t allow it at the mountain, by bringing us down to the north coast. He also was very knowledgeable about lots of things that weren’t on the itinerary so 5 stars for him.
Robert_C, Oct 2022
The most memorable parts of the tour were the sunrise itself, our guide, Fernando, and the people we met from the Netherlands and Finland.
Jess_W, Aug 2022
Honestly one of the most magical experiences! Loved every minute of it. Feels like you are on top of the world. Our tour guide was really nice and made us feel comfortable even at 6am haha! 100% recommend! Not too much walking so perfect for anyone looking to go.
Peter_B, Jun 2022
This trip can’t be explained in words how incredible it is. Watching the sunrise is so breathtaking. Our driver ?Fernando was so good. He explained traditions, plants, history of Madeira and took us to some lovely viewing points. Not to be missed.
Tip. Wear warm clothes it is freezing
David_O, Jun 2022
An excellent trip to see the spectacular sunrise above the clouds. We'll worth the very early start. Our driver/guide Fernando was very entertaining and full of local knowledge.
Rachel_B, May 2022
Unfortunately the weather did not permit us to see the sunrise it was very foggy when we got to Pico Do Areiro but our guide Fernando took us further down to another viewpoint to hopefully see the sunrise but the fog did not lift enough however it was a great viewpoint over Funchal. We then did a lovely easy levada walk through the forest with a warm drink in a cafe at our pick up point at the end. Then a final stop at a viewpoint in the nature reserve with another spectacular view over Funchal. Our guide Fernando was really good loads of facts about Madeira and he along with the other 2 couples on our group made the trip really enjoyable despite not seeing the sunrise.
Angela_S, Apr 2022
Fernando was our driver. He was great, very knowledgeable, fun and helpful.
I struggle with arthritis in both knees and was worried about the walk to the top.
There was a wide pathway, handrail and a few steps, probably a 10 to 15 minute walk.
It wasn’t too steep and I am so glad I made the effort as the sunrise was spectacular.
The Levada walk was an enjoyable experience as well.again wide footpath and not too steep but proper walking footwear needed as it was a bit muddy and uneven in a couple of places.
Thank you Fernando, this was a great experience.
Joanne_R, Apr 2022
Well worth the early start. This trip provides a very special experience. I would definitely recommend.
Stefan_K, Apr 2022
Jeff’s knowledge of the island, its history and the amazing spots he took us to after we saw the sunrise.
Mia_Y, Mar 2022
This is perfect for those who are not used to going on hikes or doing outdoor activity, but want to experience the sunrise above the sea+mountains of Madeira. We got there about 10-15 minutes before the sunrise, and was able to catch the most amazing sunrise above the clouds. Even though the forecast said it would be raining, we lucked out by having lots of clouds and strong sun for dramatic sunrise photos. I was a little worried how intense it would be because I am not a hiker and hate being outdoors but this was the highlight of my trip! I would highly recommend for those from the city, looking for something different.
Carolina_V, Mar 2022
Amazing experience. Weather it's always a surprise at Madeira, so watching the sunrise on February it's a lucky strike, but Fernando made sure we have a good time anyway, taking us to other amazing places! Absolutely recommend.
Greta_R, Nov 2021
Excellent, exciting trip to see sunrise in amazing mountains and clouds surrounded. Amazing views, perfect guide, and route good organized to see the variety of nature and landscape .
Must to go) to have amazing day start) and photos.
Richard_S, Nov 2021
Great trip with Hit the road Tours. Jeff was very engaging and knew where to take us to avoid the mountain cloud and ensure we got our sunrise. The Levada walk to round off the trip was fab. Would recommend Hit the road Tours. Richard.
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