Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, Madeira

A spectacular high-mountain walk on Madeira between its second and highest peaks, along a path cut into knife-edge ridges, through tunnels and up stairs, often above a sea of clouds. It's about 11 km return and 5 to 6 hours, with steep drops; it's not for those with a fear of heights.

Go at dawn for sunrise from Pico do Arieiro. Parts of the trail are sometimes closed after storms or fires, so check before you go; a permit fee applies to some trails. Madeira's levada walks follow old irrigation channels through laurel forest.