PR1 finally reopened earlier this year, and it immediately shot to the top of everyone’s Madeira itinerary. The trail is often booked out weeks in advance, and many people now plan their entire trip around securing one of the limited reservation slots.

If you’re one of the lucky ones who managed to get a ticket, you probably noticed that it says “Sentido Único”, or in English, “One Way”. That’s because if you’re hiking PR1 from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, you can only walk it in that direction. Once you reach Pico Ruivo, you’ll need to arrange your own way back. Unfortunately, there isn’t another easy footpath back to Pico do Arieiro.

Thankfully, you do have a couple of good options. Just make sure you plan ahead before starting your hike.

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Option 1: PR1.2 to Achada do Teixeira + Taxi

This is by far the most popular and easiest return option. From Pico Ruivo, simply follow PR1.2 down to Achada do Teixeira. This 2.8 km trail is already included in your €10.50 PR1 ticket, so you don’t need to buy anything extra. The path is wide, easy to follow, well maintained, and mostly downhill.

The descent from Pico Ruivo takes around 45 to 60 minutes before you reach the parking area at Achada do Teixeira. There’s also a small café where you can grab a drink or snack while waiting.

During the day, several taxis are usually waiting in the parking lot to shuttle hikers back to Pico do Arieiro. Most are large 6 to 9-seater taxis, making it easy to share the ride with other hikers and split the cost. On our trip, we paid €15 per person.

One thing to keep in mind is the time. If you’re planning to finish the hike after about 6 or 7 pm, there may not be many taxis waiting anymore. If you’re starting PR1 later in the day, I actually recommend doing things the other way around. Leave your car at Achada do Teixeira first, then take a taxi to Pico do Arieiro before starting the hike. Taxis are much easier to find earlier in the afternoon, and you’ll have your own car waiting for you once you finish.

Personally, I still wish there was a shuttle bus between Achada do Teixeira and Pico do Arieiro… but a girl can dream.

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Option 2: Hike to Curral das Freiras (Nun’s Valley) + Public Bus

If you’re an experienced hiker and still have some energy left after PR1, this is my personal favourite option. It definitely isn’t the easiest because it adds another 8 km and around 3 to 3.5 hours of hiking, but it rewards you with one of the most beautiful mountain trails on the island.

From Pico Ruivo, follow the signs for PR1.3 Vereda da Encumeada. The trail starts just below the summit, on the final climb from Casa do Pico Ruivo.

You’ll follow PR1.3 for just under 4 km. Honestly, I think this is one of the most scenic ridge walks on Madeira. After the wildfire damage in 2024, the trail has recently reopened and has been beautifully restored.

Be prepared though. The trail is fully exposed to the sun, and it’s a constant up and down. There are definitely more climbs than I expected! One of my favourite parts is crossing over to the north side of the mountains. It’s still incredible to me how dramatically different the landscapes are between the north and south of Madeira.

After around 3.9 km, you’ll reach Boca das Torrinhas, where PR1.3 meets PR2 Vereda do Urzal.

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Turn left onto PR2 and begin the descent towards Curral das Freiras, also known as Nun’s Valley. You’ll already be able to see the village far below you. The trail winds through eucalyptus forest before descending quite steeply to the road over the next 4 km.

Overall, this extension adds roughly 8 km to your day and turns PR1 into a proper full-day mountain adventure. Make sure you’re wearing proper hiking shoes and carry enough water, snacks, and sun or rain protection.

Once you arrive in Curral das Freiras, you’re only about 30 minutes by car or around 45 minutes by bus from Funchal. The Horários do Funchal Bus 81 runs several times a day, and the bus stop is conveniently located just down the road from the PR2 trailhead. Even better, it’s right next to Bar Vieira, making it the perfect place to enjoy a cold drink while waiting.

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Google Maps actually shows the bus departures accurately for this route (what a luxury for Madeira!), but if you prefer the official timetable, you can also check the PDF schedule on the Horários do Funchal website.

The fare is around €2 and can be paid in cash on the bus or with a Giro card.

One important thing to remember is that the bus returns to Funchal, not Pico do Arieiro. So if you’re staying in Funchal, I’d actually recommend taking a Bolt to Pico do Arieiro in the morning instead of driving yourself. You’ll save both the parking fee and the hassle of getting back to your car later.

If you’ve parked at Pico do Arieiro, you’ll need to take a Bolt back up after reaching Funchal.

Which Option Should You Choose?

Personally, as an avid hiker, I’d always choose the second option. PR1.3 is an incredible trail in its own, and it’s a fantastic way to escape the crowds once you’ve reached Pico Ruivo.

That said, if you’re not an experienced hiker or simply want the easiest solution after finishing PR1, walking down to Achada do Teixeira and taking a taxi is absolutely the best choice.

Whichever option you choose, make sure you’re well prepared for a day in Madeira’s mountains. Weather conditions can change quickly, so always bring enough water, suitable clothing, and proper hiking shoes.

If you’re still planning your PR1 adventure, you can also read my full experience hiking the newly reopened trail.

Looking for more incredible hikes, hidden gems, and the best PR trails on Madeira? Check out my Madeira PR Trails Guide and start planning your next adventure.