Pico Ruivo from Achada de Teixeira

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Climb to the highest point of the island of Madeira, taking the easier route. Beautiful mountain scenery and a superb 360° panorama at the top.

Details

n°118168
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 3.34 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 00 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,713 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,690 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 6,014 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 5,184 ft
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Photos

Pico Ruivo
Pico das Torres
Refuge
Above the clouds

Description of the walk

Start & Parking: Park at Achada do Teixeira in the car park located at the end of the EN-101-5 road from Santana.

Yellow and Red waymarkers (Trail no. 1.2).

(S) From the car park (hike information on a sign), take the path that starts in a west-southwest direction. Gently climb and pass over the summit at around 1,700 m and then down again.

(1) At the junction with the trail No. 1.1, from the right, continue to the west. Head onto a ledge and climb up to reach the Poussada do Ruivo (shelter).

(2) Continue west for roughly another 250 m.

(3) Turn left (south) to climb in loops all the way to the summit.

(4) Return by the outbound route. (E)

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 5,184 ft - Achada do Teixeira
  2. 1 : mi 1 - alt. 5,656 ft - Junction of trails PR1.2 and PR1.1
  3. 2 : mi 1.39 - alt. 5,758 ft - Poussada do Ruivo
  4. 3 : mi 1.52 - alt. 5,915 ft - Junction at the foot of Pico Ruivo
  5. 4 : mi 1.67 - alt. 5,909 ft - Pico Ruivo - Summit
  6. S/E : mi 3.34 - alt. 5,184 ft - Achada do Teixeira

Notes

Start & Parking: Park at Achada do Teixeira in the car park located at the end of the EN-101-5 road from Santana.

Waymarkers: Yellow and Red waymarkers (Trail no. 1.2).

Terrain & Gears: The trail is laid out with paving stones and, in places, cable rails on the sides. Even so, bring good hiking boots.
Despite the latitude, the climate is changeable: I recommend bringing warm clothing and starting early to avoid the fog that can fall quickly.

Facilities: Shelter at Poussada do Ruivo.

Worth a visit

From the top, there is a 360° view of the island of Madeira and the ocean.

On the way, the area where the high-altitude grasslands dominate, gives a pleasant mountain atmosphere.

Reviews and comments

4.9 / 5
Based on 33 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.9 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.9 / 5
Route interest
4.9 / 5
User 4174535
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 19, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A superb, truly unforgettable hike above the clouds!!! We set off at around 9.15 am and got back in the car at around 1 pm. We took our time because the views were so magnificent; we just couldn’t get enough of them.

The hike isn’t very long or too difficult, despite a few climbs, as it’s very well laid out with some steps and also a rest stop just before the final climb, featuring a lovely terrace and the chance to have a drink or a bite to eat if you fancy. I’d recommend doing this hike in the morning as we were lucky enough to do it in the sunshine; however, those who started the climb around midday or later were far less fortunate as the clouds rolled in very quickly. This hike in the mist and clouds is far less pleasant.

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pierre PVO
pierre PVO

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 01, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

We arrived at around 9.00 am to start the hike; the small car park was almost full, but as some early risers were returning from the peak (having watched the sunrise), we managed to park two cars. When we returned around midday, it was much more of a problem, with cars parked on the hard shoulder on the uphill stretch, and the road is very narrow in places.
The trail is very easy to follow; you simply need to stick to the path and follow the other walkers. It is well maintained and has no dangerous sections; the final stretch, from the inn, is more challenging as the slope is steep. We were lucky with the weather, enjoying a 360° view from the summit, but on some days, clouds can obscure the view. Make sure you bring a warm jacket, as despite the sunshine, a strong wind combined with the altitude can make you feel quite chilly.
It took us 3 hours there and back because, as baby boomers, we don’t run like mountain goats and we need to take the time to enjoy the superb scenery.

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Ricoborgo
Ricoborgo

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 27, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A very beautiful hike with no particular difficulty except at the end, where there is a slightly steeper climb, but the effort is well rewarded by a breathtaking 360° view!
The route is very busy around 10 a.m. and the car park fills up quickly, so it's best to start early. Also, be aware that the weather can change quickly. On the way down, clouds began to form and within minutes the views were no longer visible... Be sure to check the weather forecast before setting out on this beautiful hike.
I recommend this route, which is easy to access and takes about two hours round trip without breaks.

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User 28081689

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 23, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very beautiful hike with stunning waterfalls.
There is just a short stretch of road to walk, but we did it backwards so we didn't have to do it at the end.

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User 3489011

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 10, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

We did this hike in February with two children aged 7 and 11. It is very pleasant and the view from the top of Pico Ruivo is splendid.
Magnificent view from the highest point on the island. It took us less than three hours, including a picnic stop.
We highly recommend it.

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Philippe-67
Philippe-67

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 29, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Hike costs €4.50 per person, free parking. A "short" hike, but still quite steep (with steps throughout). Magnificent views. Nice restaurant next to the car park.

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Much
Much

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 13, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A nice little hike
Arriving early (8 a.m.), we were able to enjoy the sun at the top of the peak (during the climb, we could see the clouds fast approaching). Great view at the top, we were lucky there was no wind that day!
When we left, the car park was packed and the trail quickly filled up in the morning, especially while the PR1 was closed.

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ducastelcb
ducastelcb

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 17, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very beautiful hike with magnificent views. Easy, not too steep. The weather was overcast as we drove up, but we did the hike with clouds in the valley and glorious sunshine. Take the time to admire the scenery. Free parking. Hike costs €3. Very busy, like all the well-known hikes in Madeira. Avoid going between 10am and 1pm.

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User 20077005

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 31, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Magnificent route!
An "easy" hike in itself as it is quite short, it took us 1½ hours there and back (not 3 hours as indicated). Be aware that there is a steep climb at the very beginning and at the peak, which is quite intense (with lots of steps), making it a "medium" difficulty hike. You need to be in good shape!
The path is well worth the detour! It's so beautiful!

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User 16938812

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 18, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Very beautiful hike, well marked, breathtaking views.
It is essential to start between 8 and 8.30 a.m. to be able to park without too much difficulty.
Please note that there is a fee for the hike (QR code at the trailhead, but be aware that there is not always network coverage; otherwise, visit the official Simplifica website).

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PierrickBZH
PierrickBZH

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 06, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very fine easy to medium level walk with some exceptional views.
Correct description of the route
We did it in 2h30

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Chaden
Chaden

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 24, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Magnificent hike to the top of Madeira. We drove all the way up to Achada de Teixeira in the fog. The sun came out a little at the car park. Then the weather cleared all the way up. In 1 hour 30 minutes, we were at the top and enjoying the magnificent views of the surrounding mountains, particularly Pico Areiro.
Thanks to the author for this hike!

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Cutchy
Cutchy

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 29, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A great hike that is a good alternative to the Pico do Arieiro -> Pico Ruivo traverse, which is currently closed.

The final climb is no longer closed as indicated in the previous comment, so you can reach the summit without climbing a fence.

Just after we left the summit, the clouds began to block the view, so it's best to do it early (midday at the summit is fine). Otherwise, the route is fairly straightforward, but very exposed to Madeira's winds.

The hike costs €3 per person, which you can pay in cash or via a card app, but it's well worth it.

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Ang76
Ang76

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 21, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A must-do if you're heading to Madeira! Easy and magnificent walk.
The final climb to the panorama is closed after the hostel following the summer fires, but despite this people climb the fence to get up there anyway. It's a shame this isn't indicated at the start of the route.
The views along the way are extraordinary. We did this walk in the morning on an overcast day, arriving at the car park above the clouds, which faded as the morning went on. The weather changes very quickly.

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mathieu9a
mathieu9a

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 16, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

To watch the sunrise, leave the car park at least 2 hours before sunrise.
Don't forget to take :
- A torch
- Warm clothing
- A windbreaker
And enough to have a hot breakfast on arrival while contemplating the spectacle.
The climb is easy despite the altitude of 1860m.
The path is very practicable
Make sure you set off early to avoid the crowds and find a place to park.
Enjoy the show and the hike

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Other walks in the area

Walking PR®1.1: Ilha to Achado Da Teixeira

Visorando Member
↔4.87 mi ↗+2,556 ft ↘-2,539 ft ◔4h 30 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Santana (Madeira)
Halfway up/down towards Pico Ruivo, there is a connection to the PR®1.1 which descends towards Ilha. It is quite steep and challenging in places, but the change in vegetation makes this part very pleasant. The hike does not go too far (-300m elevation gain) as you have to climb back up to return to the car park at Achado do Texeira (starting point for Pico Ruivo). For the more motivated, however, there is the option of really going down and joining the Levada do Caldeirão Verde, then climbing back up towards Achado do Texeira.

Walking Levada do Caldeirão Verde

Visorando Member
Levada do Caldeirão Verde
↔7.41 mi ↗+6,112 ft ↘-6,089 ft ◔8h 45 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Santana (Madeira)
This out-and-back hike follows one of Madeira's most beautiful levadas. Dotted with trees lying over the canal and tunnels, it leads you to the "Green Cauldron", a small cirque with a beautiful waterfall around 100 metres high. The passages through the tunnels, lit by headlamps, will liven up the walk with children. However, be careful with the youngest or the most restless, as some passages are narrow and vertiginous. Difference in altitude of less than 100 metres, do not take into account the data in the technical data sheet.

Walking Pico do Arieiro Pico Ruivo crossing

Visorando Member
Traversée Pico do Arieiro Pico Ruivo
↔6.10 mi ↗+4,820 ft ↘-4,839 ft ◔7h 00 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Santana (Madeira)
A fabulous but demanding hike that leads through exceptional panoramas and vertiginous peaks to the island's highest summit. Although the route is completely safe, it may not be suitable for those prone to vertigo. The path is paved throughout and includes tunnels. N.B. The altitude difference shown is obviously overestimated (which happens in very steep terrain like this): count on around 1000m. Walk closed at the moment.

Walking Levada da Silveira

Visorando Member
Levada da Silveira
↔8.49 mi ↗+3,448 ft ↘-3,451 ft ◔6h 55 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Santana (Madeira)
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Walking Vereda dos Balcões

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Vereda dos Balcões
↔1.91 mi ↗+837 ft ↘-853 ft ◔1h 35 ▲Easy
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Walking Levada Do Furado de Ribeiro Frio

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⚑Departure from Machico (Madeira)
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Walking Levada Do Rei

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↔6.25 mi ↗+3,491 ft ↘-3,468 ft ◔5h 55 ▲Easy
⚑Departure from Santana (Madeira)
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Walking Levada do Castelejo

Visorando Member
Levada do Castelejo
↔4.90 mi ↗+3,471 ft ↘-3,428 ft ◔5h 15 ▲Moderate
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