48
PDI
11.2 mi
DISTANCE
5,819 ft
GAINED
9.8 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
Page Contributor(s): Ard Oostra, Switzerland; Helmuth Dekkers, Netherlands
INTRO
Pico Arieiro is the most difficult bike climb in Portugal and one of the Top 20 in the world. The views from the top area above the clouds are spectacular - similar to the view from the top of Mauna Kea. The crux of this climb is at the start - the first 2.6 km average 20%.
PLAN YOUR ROUTE
We've partnered with Sherpa-Map.com to bring you the best route planning tool. With a PRO Membership you can use this climb as a reference when creating your route. Average grade is 9.8% (10.8% if descent is removed from the gradient equation!). While 7% of the ride is descent, a daunting 11% is at 15-20% and another 11% is at ≥20%. The steepest 500 meters is 24% and there is a two kilometer segment that averages 22%!!
See more details and tools regarding this climb's grade via the “Profile Tool” button.
Roadway: Narrow two lane road with center stripe for the first 3.5 kilometers through densely populated Funchal. Once you leave the city behind, the road is bordered initially with tropical foliage and flowers for several kilometers until we enter a forested section for about five kilometers beginning at kilometer 9.4. From kilometer 12 to the top, we have unobstructed views of the volcano and ocean or the clouds we have ridden above. All the while the roadway is two lanes with a center stripe and in excellent condition.
Traffic: Mild to moderate for the first four kilometers and mild thereafter.
Parking: There are a couple of parking garages near the climb start (Map; Street View), address - 87 Rua 5 de Outubro Funchal, Madeira. Also see Google Map - Parking in Funchal.
Provisions: There are several restaurants on the climb and a cafeteria at the complex at the top of the climb.
Before heading out on any cycling adventure check out our Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip and use our interactive check list to ensure you don't forget anything.
The views at the top of the climb are spectacular - see, Google - Viewpoint Pico do Areeiro + Reviews. The Pico do Arieeiro to Pico Ruivo is a highly rated difficult hike: 6.7 miles out and back with 3,871' of elevation gain. The terrain, scenery, and colors at the top of this climb remind us a bit of Waimea Canyon - Kokee Road. Also be sure to walk up the steps to PR1 Vereda do Areeiro for magnificent views (Google Map + Reviews).
Use the “Routes in Area” button on the menu bar to see other bike climbs in this area.
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