How long is Pico do Areeiro?
Portugal, europe
6.6 km
1,804 m
moderate
Year-round
Pico do Areeiro is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1.804m (5,918ft) above sea level, located in Madeira, a Portuguese archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean. At this elevation, it is
one of the highest roads in the country
How long is Pico do Areeiro?
The road to the summit, also known as Pico do Arieiro, is totally paved. Starting at the paved ER103, on Paso do Poiso, it’s 6.6 km (4.10 miles) long.
How steep is the road to Pico do Areeiro?
The road to the top, the third-highest summit on the Island of Madeira, is very steep, with an 11% maximum gradient through some of the ramps. The elevation gain is 421 meters. The average gradient is 6.37%.
Is Pico do Areeiro open?
Located in the center of Madeira, in the central mountain range, and surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery with jagged peaks, the road is typically open all year round. Fog is common, and the top of the mountain is often above cloud level.
Is Pico do Areeiro worth it?
The summit hosts a large car park, a restaurant, a souvenir shop, and an Air Defense Radar Station built in 2011. It’s one of the most visited peaks on the island, due to its easy access, extraordinary views, and well-known nature paths to Pico das Torres and Pico Ruivo.
The footpath northwards towards Pico Ruivo is an important tourist attraction, with a daily average of 1,000 tourists trekking on it. On the way to Pico do Arieiro, one can admire a unique stone-built pit (looks like a huge igloo) known as “Poço da Neve,” built by an English family who once used to store ice, snow, and hail from the mountains.
With good weather, it is possible to see Porto Santo, the neighboring island, 30 nautical miles to the north.
The road to Alto de Torre-Serra da Estrela, the highest point of Mainland Portugal
Estrada Nacional 2 is the Route 66 of Portugal
Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our
to discover the most spectacular roads of the world
Drive Us to Your Road!
With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click
to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
Road Details
- Country
- Portugal
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 6.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,804 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
hardRoad Trip Guide: Conquering Col des Ruillans in the Hautes-Alpes
🇫🇷 France
# Col des Ruillans: A Wild Alpine Adventure Ready for one of Europe's most extreme driving experiences? Col des Ruillans sits at a jaw-dropping 3,231m (10,600ft) in the Hautes-Alpes, making it one of the continent's highest roads. You'll find it nestled within the stunning Écrins National Park in southeastern France's Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. And yes, there's actually a bar at the summit—because why not celebrate your conquest with a drink? Now, here's the catch: this isn't your typical Sunday drive. Starting from La Grave, the 8.3 km (5.15 miles) route climbs a brutal 1,742m with an average gradient of nearly 21%. We're talking steep. The entire road is unpaved and basically serves as a chairlift access trail, which means you'll need a seriously modified vehicle to even attempt it. Regular cars? Absolutely not. The real kicker? You can only realistically drive this beast during a tiny window at the end of August, when the snow finally melts enough to make the road passable. Winter and spring? Forget about it. But if you time it right and your vehicle is up for the challenge, you're looking at one of the most spectacular alpine experiences France has to offer, surrounded by some genuinely breathtaking scenery.
hardWhere is the road to Lac de Plan d’Aval?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're in the French Alps, specifically the Savoie department, ready for a quick but intense climb up to Lac de Plan d’Aval. This isn't just any lake; it's a shimmering reservoir perched way up at 2,041m (that's 6,696ft!). You'll find it snuggled within the stunning Vanoise National Park. The road itself, the D108 (or Route des Barrages), is a blast from the past, built back in the day for a hydroelectric project. Now, it’s your gateway to hiking and pure mountain bliss! Starting from the adorable village of Aussois, it’s a 6.8 km (4.22 miles) shot straight up. Don't let the short distance fool you. You're gaining 558 meters in elevation, so get ready for an average gradient that'll make your calves burn. We're talking about some serious ramps topping out at almost 12%! The pavement is smooth, but those hairpin turns demand your full attention. Your reward? A huge parking lot between two dams overlooking the turquoise waters of Plan d’Aval, surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Massif de la Vanoise. It’s an adventurer’s paradise! Just a heads-up, being on the south-facing slopes, this road gets buried in snow during winter, so plan your trip accordingly. Good news for all vehicles: it's paved all the way! But pro-tip: those steep downhills mean your brakes might get a little toasty. Cyclists, this is your Everest! The consistent climb makes it a legendary training spot in the Savoie region.
moderateDare to drive the dangerous road to Peña Horadada in the Sierra Nevada
🇪🇸 Spain
# Peña Horadada: Spain's Ultimate High-Altitude Adventure Ready for some seriously stunning alpine driving? Peña Horadada sits pretty at 2,350m (7,709ft) above sea level and ranks among Spain's highest mountain passes. This beast is tucked away in Almería province, right in the heart of Andalusia's famous Sierra Nevada—you know, the same dramatic range that's home to the legendary Pico Veleta. Here's where it gets interesting: this entire 46km (28-mile) stretch of road is completely unpaved, winding through the Sierra Nevada National Park itself. We're talking serious off-road territory here—only 4x4 vehicles allowed, and it's strictly off-limits to regular cars. No shortcuts, no exceptions. The route itself is an east-west journey that kicks off at Puerto de la Ragua (sitting at 2,046m/6,712ft) and ends in the tiny village of Ohanes. So basically, you're climbing even higher after already being at an impressive elevation. The raw, rugged beauty of this high-altitude traverse is absolutely unreal, with jaw-dropping Sierra Nevada scenery surrounding you at every turn. This is the kind of drive that gets your adrenaline pumping and leaves you with stories for years.
extremeColle Barant
🇮🇹 Italy
# Colle Barant: A Wild Alpine Adventure Nestled high in the Province of Turin in Piedmont, Italy, Colle Barant sits at a breathtaking 2,381 meters (7,811 feet) above sea level. This isn't your typical mountain pass – it's a heart-pounding gravel track that'll test both your nerves and your vehicle's suspension. Originally carved out as a military road for army vehicles, this route is seriously steep and narrow with sections that'll have your palms sweating. The gravel surface becomes treacherously slippery in places, and the exposed drops on either side mean there's zero room for error. It's the kind of pass that demands respect and careful driving. What makes it genuinely special, though? The incredible history along the way. You'll spot evidence of the old military presence everywhere – abandoned forts, gun placements, and crumbling barracks scattered across the landscape. At the summit, you'll find Fort de l'Infernet standing as a weathered sentinel to the past. Fair warning: Mother Nature calls the shots here. Snow can close this pass anytime, so check conditions before you go. But if you're after an authentic, off-the-beaten-path Alpine experience with stunning scenery and genuine adventure, Colle Barant delivers in spades.