Morning Patrols Ease Traffic at Pico do Arieiro
A stronger police presence at Pico do Arieiro has helped bring order to what was once a chaotic parking situation. Every morning, from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., officers from the Public Security Police (PSP) are on site. Their goal is clear: make sure traffic flows better, especially during the busy early hours when visitors arrive to see the sunrise or start a hike.
Drivers have noticed the change. “Before, there was a lot of confusion,” said one local taxi driver. Now, with officers making sure cars are directed to the lower parking areas, things are smoother. Taxis and official transport services are still allowed to go up to the main drop-off point.
“It was a bit difficult,” said one visitor. “I almost didn’t make it. My sister had to stay in the car because she just can’t make it up the slope. It’s a shame.” She added, “I got here and was upset — I saw cars arriving and many empty spots up top. I really got frustrated.”
When asked if parking was easy, another visitor said, “Yes, it was easy. The only delay is at the ticket machine, but otherwise parking was fine.”
Visitors of Pico do Arieiro, RTP Madeira
Overflow Parking Adds a Climb - and Complaints
While most vehicles are now sent to the large parking lot below the main viewpoint, not everyone is happy about the arrangement. Reaching the peak from the lower lot takes around 25 minutes on foot, and for some visitors, that’s too much. One woman explained that her sister had to stay in the car because she couldn’t manage the steep walk. “There were empty spots up here,” she said, frustrated. Others shared similar thoughts, saying it felt unfair when they saw cars going up while they had to walk.
Sunrise Crowds Still Bring Pressure
Despite improvements, the busiest time remains early in the morning. Visitors gather early to watch the sunrise and start their hikes before the heat of the day. This leads to a rush between 07:00 and about 13:00. After that, traffic slows down, and the area becomes calmer. Some locals have adapted their routines. One man said he prefers to visit in the afternoon, when the roads are quieter and the experience is more relaxed: “I take the coastal road and come up in the afternoon because it’s more pleasant - there’s less traffic”.
Patrols to Stay Through Summer, Trail Still Closed
The current traffic and parking system, including police presence, is expected to continue through the summer months. However, the PR1 hiking path from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo remains closed. There’s no official date yet for its reopening. For now, visitors are asked to plan ahead, wear good walking shoes, and be ready for some uphill effort. While the new system has solved some problems, it also brings new challenges - especially for those not used to mountain terrain or early-morning climbs.
Source: RTP Madeira
Care for a share?
Comments