Pico do Arieiro is the third-highest mountain on the Portuguese island of Madeira and, like the other peaks, is centrally located in the eastern part of Madeira.
The radar dome located just behind the extraordinary mountain peak, enhanced by the fog, gives the idea of an artificial moon in a science fiction scene. From a distance, it looks like a smooth white sphere; on a slightly larger image, you can see that it is composed of the distinctive hexagonal panels.
Apart from the moon, the strange shape of the rocks, the volcanic sand and the unusual thick, long grass reinforce the feeling that this is a scene on another planet. Yet this is not a manipulated photograph.
Incidentally, the radar station is not very mysterious or exciting either; it supports traffic control for Portuguese aviation from the island of Madeira.
Pico do Arieiro is also a popular starting point (or finishing point) of brave hikers for a challenging trek through Madeira's wild mountainous nature. The steep slopes are tough to climb, the weather conditions also make a trek exciting: the wind is almost constantly brisk. and the peaks of Madeira's mountains stick out in bright sunshine one minute, while a moment later you can't see your hand in front of your face because of the fog, or get soaked by a heavy shower.
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