Madeira · Portugal
Pico do Arieiro
ER202Poiso to Pico do Arieiro
The only big Madeiran summit you can drive to: from Poiso the ER202 hairpins up to Pico do Arieiro, the island’s third highest peak at 1,818 m. Park by the radar station and the whole central massif is at your feet, cloud permitting.
The ER202 leaves the ER103 at Poiso and climbs to the summit of Pico do Arieiro, Madeira’s third highest peak at 1818 metres and the only major summit reachable by car. The paved road rises through tight hairpins and steep grades to a car park, cafe and radar station with views over the central massif. Mind the early-morning fog, sudden cloud and steep descents.
Scenery
Best seasons
In these collections
Where it runs3.8 mi · point to point
Navigate to the start: Apple Maps · Google Maps
Character
Corners
busiest around mile 2Elevation
under 4%4–8%over 8%1,394.4 – 1,797.8 mPoints of interest3 stops
- AstronomiaViewpoint2.0 mi in
- Pico do ArieiroViewpoint3.8 mi in
- Poço da NeveViewpoint2.4 mi in
Hazards
- Sudden cloud and fog
- Steep hairpins
- Ice in winter
Sources
“The road climbs first through dense pine forest, then over tight curves and serpentines all the way to one of the island's highest peaks.”
Verified route: mapped from real road geometry and fact-checked by a human editor. How roads get checked
Driving the Pico do Arieiro: quick answers
How long does it take to drive the Pico do Arieiro?
How difficult is the Pico do Arieiro to drive?
When is the best time to drive the Pico do Arieiro?
Nearby roads
The closest great drives to Pico do Arieiro.
