There are ample stairs on the way to the summit. This trail takes all day (4-6 hours for 15km), but the stunning scenery is worth the effort. The last stairs before you reach the summit of Pico Ruivo - there is a steep descent to the left and right!

Translated by

•

Bernd 🌲🦌🍄🥾

May 18, 2025

Mountaineering

The "Stairway to Heaven" is an iconic section of the PR1 Vereda do Areeiro hiking trail. It is located between Pico do Areeiro (1,818 m) and Pico Ruivo (1,862 m), the highest point on the island. This section is characterized by steep stone steps that wind along narrow ridges and rock faces, giving the impression of leading directly to heaven in suitable weather conditions.

The combination of dramatic scenery and unique perspective makes this section a popular photo subject for hikers and photographers.

Translated by

•

Nearby routes

Best routes near Stairway to Heaven – PR1 Vereda do Areeiro

4.8

(10)

hikers

1. Pico do Arieiro – Ninho da Manta Viewpoint loop from Areeiro

3.75km

01:35

240m

Hard mountaineering route. Great for any fitness level. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Hard

4.6

(7)

hikers

2. Pico do Arieiro – Ninho da Manta Viewpoint loop from Areeiro

2.49km

01:07

160m

Hard mountaineering route. Great for any fitness level. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Hard

5.0

(2)

hikers

3. Ninho da Manta Viewpoint – Pedra Rija Viewpoint loop from Areeiro

6.90km

02:33

360m

Hard mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Hard

Details

Informations

Elevation 1,850 m

Weather

Today

Saturday 14 March

14°C

11°C

18 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 19.0 km/h

Most visited during

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

See nearby routes

Take Me There

Location: Curral Das Freiras

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Caminho Fino (Pedra Rija Ridge)

A Escadaria para o Céu

View from Miradouro dos Balcões

Juncal Viewpoint

Waterfall in Caldeirão do Inferno Gorge

Balcões Viewpoint

Viewpoint of Ribeiro Frio

View Over the Paul da Serra Plateau

PR9-Wanderung mit vier Tunneldurchquerungen

Lower Pico do Areeiro Parking Lot

View of Curral das Freiras

View Below Pico do Areeiro Near the Observatory

Stairway to Heaven – PR1 Vereda do Areeiro

1. Pico do Arieiro – Ninho da Manta Viewpoint loop from Areeiro

2. Pico do Arieiro – Ninho da Manta Viewpoint loop from Areeiro

3. Ninho da Manta Viewpoint – Pedra Rija Viewpoint loop from Areeiro

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Sign up or log in to keep exploring this route

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️