PR1 Madeira: Practical Tips Before Your Hike

Even if you already know which PR1 option you want to hike and have bought your ticket, there are still a few practical details that can make a big difference to your day.

Where can I park at Pico do Areeiro?

If you are arriving by car, whether your own or a rental, keep in mind that the upper parking area at Pico do Areeiro is paid and is usually completely full from sunrise. So you should not rely on being able to drive up and find a parking space.

You are more likely to find a space at the lower parking area. From there, you can either:

• walk uphill;
• take the shuttle to the upper area of Pico do Areeiro.

Shuttle

every 15 minutes

Fare

€1.20 one way

Ticket

on the bus, cash only

How strict is the entry time shown on the ticket?

Your ticket specifies a particular entry time, so it is best to plan to arrive in advance.

In practice, a small amount of reasonable flexibility may sometimes be possible, but this depends on the particular circumstances and on the person checking your ticket.

How much extra time should I allow before my entry time?

If you are arriving by car, do not plan to arrive exactly at the time shown on your ticket. Allow at least 30 extra minutes for:

• finding a parking space;
• parking your car;
• waiting for the shuttle, if necessary;
• travelling up to the upper area;
• finding the trail entrance;
• having your ticket checked.

Can I buy a ticket on the spot?

Many people wonder about this. At the entrance, a staff member checks and scans your ticket using a device that looks similar to a bank card terminal, so it may seem like you could simply pay for your ticket there if needed.

However, you cannot buy a ticket directly from the person checking tickets at the entrance.

If there are still available time slots on SIMplifica, you can purchase a ticket online from your phone while you are there. However, for the popular PR1, this is more of a possibility than something you should rely on: available slots can sell out quickly. That is why it is best to arrange your ticket in advance.

How far in advance should I buy my PR1 ticket?

If you are planning to hike the full PR1 to Pico Ruivo, it is best to plan your ticket purchase at least several months in advance. PR1 is one of the most popular mountain trails in Madeira, the number of entries is limited, and popular time slots can fill up quickly.

For the shorter section to Miradouro da Pedra Rija / Stairway to Heaven, the situation is usually easier: there are more available slots, so you generally do not need to book quite as far in advance.

If your travel dates are already fixed, check ticket availability early and choose a suitable time rather than leaving it until the last few days.

What happens after Pico Ruivo?

Pico Ruivo is not necessarily the end of your day, especially if you plan to continue hiking. After reaching Pico Ruivo, the highest point in Madeira, you begin your descent. As you descend, pay close attention to the signs: there is a junction where you can choose which direction to take.

If your goal is simply to finish the PR1 and reach your transport, continue along the main trail towards Achada do Teixeira. If you want to continue hiking towards Ilha, pay close attention to the sign at the junction so that you do not miss the turn onto PR1.1.

How much extra time should I allow for stops?

The official 3-hour hiking time for the full PR1 is an estimate, not a time limit by which you have to finish the trail. In practice, allow some extra time.

The views along PR1 genuinely deserve a few stops. Sometimes you simply want to stop, look around and take in just how spectacular the scenery is. So leave some time for photos, rest breaks and those moments when you simply stand there thinking, “Wow.” This applies both to the shorter section to Stairway to Heaven and to the full route to Pico Ruivo.

Will I have mobile phone coverage on PR1?

There is not mobile coverage everywhere along the trail. You will have a signal in some sections, while in others it may disappear completely. It also depends on your mobile operator. So do not rely on having a stable mobile signal throughout the entire PR1.

If a driver or taxi is picking you up after the hike, it is better to agree on the meeting point and time in advance rather than rely on being able to make a call from the trail at any moment.

Where can I eat during the PR1?

If you are hiking the full PR1, there is a café before the final ascent to Pico Ruivo. This is a convenient place to stop, have a drink and get something to eat before continuing up to the summit. The food here is quite simple, so think of it mainly as a place to take a break and have a quick snack.

After the descent, you can continue to Achada do Teixeira. There is a restaurant and café there where you can have a proper meal and refuel after the hike.

Both are commercial establishments, and the toilets are paid. It is a good idea to carry some small change — around €0.50–€1.

And one final thing

PR1 is a route that is much more enjoyable when the practical details have been planned in advance. Plan your time, transport and stops so that once you are on the trail, you can simply enjoy the mountains, the views and the experience itself.