If you're looking for a hiking experience that combines historic architecture and beautiful views, look no further than the combined PR3.1 and PR3 hikes on Madeira Island. It’s one of the most unique routes to reach Pico do Areeiro and one of the less traveled trails in the region. Hiking from Monte to Pico do Areeiro is a massive physical challenge, with more than 1000m in vertical gain but also a beautiful journey through time. You will pass through historic churches, quintas and religious relics on your way to the central massif of Madeira.
Starting in Monte
The adventure begins in Monte, a picturesque village perched high above Funchal. Known for its botanical gardens and stunning views, Monte sets the perfect stage for a day of hiking. I started my day early, taking in the atmosphere and enjoying a coffee at a local café. The scent of blooming flowers filled the air, and I felt excited as I laced up my hiking boots, ready to hit the trail.
The initial section of the hike, PR3.1, starts with a steep ascent through the beautiful stone stairways, which are impeccably maintained in this region. Coming up and out of the first ascent you will reach the beautiful Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte. The stunning architecture of this church gets this trail off to a great start as well as the views down to Funchal.
The Beauty of PR3.1 – Caminho Real do Monte
The trail navigates through very steep local roads passing by religious monuments and historic fountains. While much of this early part of the trail is paved, there are a few exposed stone sections. It’s great to see these stones standing the test of time and something I love to see preserved on Madeira.
As we made our way out of the roads in Monte and deeper into the forest the trail begins to open up with some incredible views of the rolling hills above Monte. Throughout this part of the trail, we were always following the steep levada, which was flowing steadily beside us.
A Challenging Yet Rewarding Journey
Continuing on PR3.1, the trail began to rise more steeply. We were working our way to the Pico Alto viewpoint, which is the penultimate point to the of route.
After about 1.5 hours we had marched our way up to be rewarded by views all the way down into Funchal and along the south coast.
We could spot a giant cruise ship in the harbor and the beautiful weather was the perfect finish to the first half of this hike. Many people will turn back here and create an out-and-back route of PR 3.1. However, we planned to hike on and join the PR3, which would lead us up Vereda do Burro to Pico do Areeiro.
Transitioning to PR3 – Vereda do Burro
After several hours of hiking, I reached the junction where PR3.1 meets PR3. Although some hikers choose to complete them separately, I felt eager to tackle the second part of the hike. The transition between the two trails is seamless, and the shift in terrain was immediately noticeable. PR3 is considered slightly more challenging, and I was ready for the adventure.
Burro in Portuguese, means Donkey so it was a fitting way to start by visiting the local donkeys down at the Eco Shelters. The friendly guys let us pat them before we carried on up the hill.
What stood out most during PR3 was the sense of remoteness. I found myself in a more wild part of the island and it was much different to where we began in Monte. The vegetation changed as well; I passed through patches of heather and ferns that added pops of color to the landscape.
The sound of running water in the river below us was meditative. Eventually we found the waterfalls the rivers were flowing from and stopped to take it all in. I found this section of trail to be my favorite throughout the entire route.
It was the most natural and immersive yet the trail condition remained great with relatively easy to follow signs and a well maintained path.
The route plateaus ever so slightly as we began to catch glimpses of Pico do Areeiro. We passed by old astronomy buildings and stone palheiros as the sun started to glow across the plains.
Reaching Pico do Areeiro
After a rigorous climb, I finally reached the summit of Pico do Areeiro. Standing at 1,818 meters (5,966 feet), it felt like I was on top of the world. The panoramic views from the summit were beyond anything I could have imagined.
Clouds rolled in below me, creating a sea of white that contrasted beautifully with the jagged peaks jutting out from the horizon.
At Pico do Areeiro there is a cafe, where you might want to enjoy a nice, cold Coral beer or a coffee and cake to celebrate the 1200 meters of incline you have just climbed!
Why You Should Combine PR3.1 and PR3
While each hike can be enjoyed separately, combining PR3.1 and PR3 into one continuous journey offers a challenge as well as a unique hiking experience on Madeira. You’ll traverse through dense forests, open ridges, and rugged landscapes, all while soaking in some of the most spectacular views Madeira has to offer. You can explore Monte Botanic Gardens at the start of the hike and then marvel at the views from Pico do Areeiro when you complete the route.
