This is one of the most iconic hikes in Madeira – and also the highest! 🌄⛰️

PR 1.2 – Vereda do Pico Ruivo takes you to the very top of the island at 1862 meters above sea level. Starting from Achada do Teixeira, this 2.8 km out-and-back trail offers incredible 360-views, with a good chance of walking above (or through) the clouds ☁️

Trail information:

Official name: PR 1.2 – Vereda do Pico Ruivo
Distance: 2.8 km return / 1.7 miles return
Elevation: Approx. 260 m / 853 ft elevation gain
Length: 1.5–2.5 hours return (depending on pace and photo stops)
Difficulty: Moderate
Fee: €4.5 per person (pay here)

How to get there:

🚗 Drive – Around 1 hour from Funchal to Achada do Teixeira. There’s a free parking lot at the trailhead. We recommend picking up a rental car at Madeira Airport for the best rates!

🚕 Transfer or tour – If you don’t have a car, consider booking a sunrise tour or transfer to the trailhead.

🌅 Sunrise tip: This trail is stunning at any time, but sunrise here is next level. You might even catch a cloud inversion! For our blog post on hiking this trek for sunrise, click here.

There’s a mountain hut (Casa de Abrigo do Pico Ruivo) near the summit for a rest, and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can link up with other trails from here for longer hikes.

Make sure to bring:

• 🧴 Sunscreen

• 💧 Plenty of water

• 🧥 A warm layer and windbreaker

• 📸 Camera

• 💶 Money (for using the toilet below the peak or a coffee at Casa de Obrigo)

This hike is one of the best ways to experience Madeira’s wild beauty – don’t miss it! 🙌🏼

⚠️ There’s a €4.5 entry fee to do this hike, which you need to pay before you start the hike. You can do that here.