An absolute highlight on Madeira. The well known “stairway to heaven”. Again I was really lucky with the weather that day. And again with not having others around me. This spot gets heavily crowded around sunrise as it is part of the PR1 hiking trail between Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo. Many hikers use the magical light from the upcoming sun to start their hike.
…you are just beneath the clouds.
Taken on an amazing down country ride around and down from Pico do Ariero. For my second bike ride on Madeira, I chose an organized tour. This had the benefit of leaving urban areas without getting exhausted. Nature around Funchal starts at 1000m above sea level or you have to travel to a different spot on the island.
I got shuttled up to 1300m where an amazing ride begun. A nice cross country ride up to 1600m around Pico do Ariero followed by an endless trail ride down to Funchal. I wish I had chosen a fully for that part of the jouney. Or at least a proper air fork. The bike I had was horrible on the technical parts. Anyway, the view and the fun were priceless. Absolutely stunning experience.
The scene was breathtaking and magical. Totally worth the early start of the day.
5 stars, would definitely recommend.
A must see on Madeira. Were thinking many others too.
I was expecting a few others and their cars up there. In reality, hundreds of people were there and all together we sat like in an ancient amphitheatre, and were watching the sun slowly rising.
One of th ethings on Madeira I was keen on:
Sunrise above the clouds. Early morning ride through the darkness up to Pico Arieiro, hoping for clouds. Felt happy to see them upon arrival.
(this will be a series throughout the next days)
Achadas da Cruz, located on Madeiras west coast. Accessible by a steep cable car from a 450m high cliff.
Funchal suburbs within the „Banana line“. Looking behind the shiny front row buildings reveals different perspectives.
The yellow well aged building caught my attention.
Ponta de São Lourenço. Different spot on Madeira, another magnificient view. This time over the most eastern part.
Old laurel trees, known as the “Fairy Forest” of Fanal. Perfect weather for strolling through and taking pictures.
A picture of a Levada winding through jungle like nature along the mountainside. There is often just a small footpath next to Levada to hike along. Makes meeting other hikers interesting sometimes.