The Pico Grande hike in Madeira is a challenging yet rewarding experience. It’s a 5.6-mile out-and-back trail that takes you through a mountainous area to reach Pico Grande, which stands at an altitude of 1,654 meters. The trail offers stunning views and requires hikers to navigate narrow passages, climb small rocks, and handle high altitudes. It’s not recommended for those with a fear of heights. The best times to visit are from March through October.

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/portugal/madeira--2/pico-grande

To get to the start of the Pico Grande hike by bus from Funchal, is to start from Rosario, and then walk from there to Pico Grande. It’s a longer route but it’s easier to get to the starting point by bus. It’s PR12 - Caminho Real da Encumeada. You can take a bus that stops right at the beginning of this route: Rodoeste no. 6. It leaves Funchal at 7:35am and you get there at around 9:25am. You’ll have to be back in Encumeada by 4pm if you want to make it back though, it’s a one way trip bus.

https://siga.madeira.gov.pt/horarios/2004