You don’t need to hike the entire PR1 to see the famous Stairway to Heaven.
The Stairway to Heaven is part of PR1 Vereda do Areeiro, near Miradouro da Pedra Rija. There are two ways to experience this part of the trail, depending on what you want from your hike.
Stairway to Heaven: Pico do Areeiro → Pedra Rija
Choose this option if your main goal is the iconic PR1 views and the famous staircase.
The route from Pico do Areeiro to Miradouro da Pedra Rija is 1.2 km one way. You return along the same path, making 2.4 km in total. Allow around 1.5 hours for the return walk, depending on your pace and photo stops.
The trail has plenty of stairs, both uphill and downhill. It is shorter and suitable for a wider range of hikers. If the stairs feel difficult, slow down and take your time.
Price: €4.50 per person.
This section is bidirectional, so you can return to Pico do Areeiro the same way.
Full PR1: Pico do Areeiro → Pico Ruivo
Choose the full PR1 if you want the complete mountain crossing and have very good physical fitness and hiking experience.
The full route from Pico do Areeiro (1,818 m) to Pico Ruivo (1,862 m) is 6.1 km and takes approximately 3 hours.
It includes steep stairs, significant elevation changes, exposed sections and tunnels. It is one of Madeira’s most demanding mountain hikes and requires good physical preparation.
Price: €10.50 per person.
The most important change in 2026
The full PR1 is now one-way from Pedra Rija to Pico Ruivo.
The section between Pico do Areeiro and Pedra Rija remains bidirectional. From Pedra Rija onwards, you must continue towards Pico Ruivo. You cannot turn around and return to Pico do Areeiro along the same trail.
This means you start and finish in different places.
You start at Pico do Areeiro and finish at Pico Ruivo, so your return transport must be arranged before you start the hike.
From Pico Ruivo, you can continue via PR1.1 Vereda da Ilha or PR1.2 Vereda do Pico Ruivo to Achada do Teixeira.
Which one should you choose?
For the famous Stairway to Heaven and the iconic views:
Pico do Areeiro → Pedra Rija
1.2 km each way · 2.4 km return · about 1.5 hours · €4.50
For the complete mountain experience:
Pico do Areeiro → Pico Ruivo
6.1 km · about 3 hours · €10.50 · one-way after Pedra Rija
You can experience the famous Stairway to Heaven without hiking the entire PR1.
Book your PR1 ticket in advance
Access to PR1 requires a paid reservation through the official SIMplifica portal.
Official PR1 tickets:
SIMplifica – PR1 tickets and reservations
Before your hike, check the current trail status and any access restrictions on the official IFCN website.
Official trail status:
IFCN – Classified Hiking Trails and current trail status