Sunrise vs. sunset at Pico do Arieiro: which one is better?

Pico do Arieiro is one of Madeira’s most iconic spots—and for good reason. Whether you’re catching the first light of day or soaking in the golden hues of sunset, the views from 1,818 meters above sea level are unforgettable. I’ve always been a sunset girl (mainly because I love to sleep), but today I finally dragged myself out of bed for a sunrise… and it made me think: which time of day is better? Let me break it down for you.

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Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro

What to expect:
I left Funchal at 5:30am and arrived at Pico do Arieiro by 6:10am—exactly one hour before sunrise. Even at that time, it was already crowded. The upper parking lot was full, and we grabbed the last semi-legal spot on the roadside. Cars kept arriving behind us, and just a few minutes later, it was chaotic with people parking and turning around. We could see traffic starting to back up all the way down the road.

We stayed in the car for a bit (it was cold), then walked over to the viewpoint about 40 minutes before sunrise. The spot was packed—especially once a bus from Funchal dropped off more people. You can still find a place to stand, but it’s not a peaceful experience. And did I mention it’s really cold? Bring gloves, a hat, and a proper jacket. Getting the perfect instagram picture is not worth catching a cold on your vacation.

Was it worth it?
Yes and no. The views were beautiful—you could see all the way to the ocean and São Lourenço. But having done sunset up there many times, I missed the dramatic mountain range views you get in the opposite direction. The morning light is soft and beautiful, but I personally prefer the golden glow of sunset. We didn’t stay to hike because PR1 looked like a queue—people were lined up along the trail… If you do want to hike, read my full blog post on the PR1 trail, but I’d recommend a later time of day.

Tips for sunrise:

• Arrive at least an hour before sunrise to get a parking spot.
• Bring warm clothes and maybe even a thermos with hot coffee or tea to stay warm while you wait.
• Be aware that the bathrooms don’t open until after sunrise (and you’ll have to pay).

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Sunset at Pico do Arieiro

The better-kept secret:
I’ve been up to Pico do Arieiro for sunset at least ten times, and it’s always a special experience. Yes, it’s still popular, but it’s nowhere near as chaotic as sunrise. You can usually find a parking spot at the upper lot even if you arrive just in time. What makes sunset extra convenient is that you can check the live webcams beforehand to make sure the mountain isn’t covered in clouds—unlike sunrise, where you’re driving up in the dark with no clue what the conditions are like.

More space, more peace:
Sunset feels less rushed. I’ve even done a little picnic up there before—there’s enough space to sit off to the side of the trail and enjoy the views without feeling packed in. It’s a great vibe for photographers or anyone who wants to just be there. Arrive about 30 minutes before sunset and don’t leave too quickly after the sun dips below the horizon—often the most beautiful colors appear after sunset.

Tips for sunset:

• Bring layers—it gets cold quickly once the sun goes down.
• If you’re walking down the trail afterward, bring a flashlight or headlamp to get back to your car safely.

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So, Which One Wins?

For me, it’s definitely sunset. You don’t have to wake up early, it’s less crowded, you can check the weather beforehand, and the dramatic mountain views to the west are just chef’s kiss. Sunrise is beautiful and definitely worth doing once, but it’s colder, more chaotic, and harder to plan.

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Planning Your Visit to Pico do Arieiro?

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