Sunrise 4x4 Tours with Hit the Road Madeira
Difficulty
easy
Duration
5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels due to vehicle transport; light walking required at viewpoints.
Overview
Witness dawn break from Madeira’s peaks on a guided 4x4 adventure with Hit the Road Madeira. This half-day tour promises dramatic cloudscapes and sweeping views ideal for families and photographers.
Sunrise Tour - Half Day 4x4 Tour
Half Day Tour • 4h • Ideal for adventurous families, couples and photographers • Adults only
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Embark on a breathtaking 5-hour sunrise tour to Pico do Areiro, where you'll witness nature's beauty from above the clouds. Perfect for families, couples, and photographers, this adventure includes a guided 4X4 ride and visits to stunning backup locations, ensuring a memorable experience amidst extraordinary colors and landscapes.
Beautiful experience
Duration
5 hours
About
This is a special tour indeed.
Ideal for adventurous families, couples and photographers
There is a certain feeling about being up before everybody else, experiencing the marvels of nature uninterrupted and in all its glory. Our number 1 sunrise spot is Pico do Areiro, the third highest peak of the island.
Very often we are above the clouds and the colors are absolutely extraordinary, truly a once in a lifetime moment! Of course, we cannot always guarantee the perfect weather conditions for the perfect sunrise so we have back up spots such as;
Pico do facho, Ponta Sao Lourenço, Guindaste Viewpoint and one or two secret spots, each with their own unique characteristics.
This is a real adventure!
Included
- Guided Tour in a Land Rover Discovery 4X4
- Pick-up / Drop-off in Funchal
- Insurance as by Portuguese Law - RNAAT 820/2020
Adventure Tips
Dress in layers for temperature changes
Early mornings at high elevations can be chilly—even in summer—so bring warm, breathable clothing.
Bring a camera with manual settings
Sunrise lighting shifts rapidly; manual controls help capture vibrant colors and contrast.
Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes
Uneven terrain at viewpoints requires solid footwear for safe footing during short walks.
Prepare for early pick-up times
The tour starts well before dawn to reach the best vantage points on time.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Madeira firecrest (Regulus madeirensis)
- Trocaz pigeon (Columba trocaz)
History
Pico do Arieiro has historically served as a military post and is now a key landmark for hikers and adventurers on the island.
Conservation
The Laurisilva forest near tour sites is a protected UNESCO World Heritage area, with guides emphasizing minimal impact practices.
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Adventure Hotspots in Funchal
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Layered clothing
Allows adaptation to rapidly changing mountain temperatures.
all specific
Camera or smartphone
To capture the dramatic light and views at sunrise.
all specific
Comfortable hiking shoes
Provide stability on rocky and uneven terrain near viewpoints.
all specific
Headlamp or flashlight
Useful for early morning departures before sunrise.
all specific