Pico Ruivo
1,862 m
Portugal
Also known as Пику Руйву, პიკუ-რუივუ, +2Also known as
Пику Руйву · პიკუ-რუივუ · Ruivo · Пику-Руйву
- Elevation
- 1,862 m
- Prominence
- 1,862 m
- Difficulty
- 2/10
- Hike
- Best Season
- Apr–Oct
- Routes
- 2
RegulationReported 1 May 2026
PR 1 Vereda do Areeiro reopened after reconstruction following the August 2024 wildfire (IFCN gives 1 May 2026; some sources 27 April). Pedra Rija to Pico Ruivo is one-way towards Pico Ruivo; open daily since 26 June 2026. The east variant via Pico das Torres was reported as still closed in September 2026.
visitmadeira.comRegulationReported 1 Jan 2026
Mandatory timed booking and fees for all classified walking routes in Madeira and Porto Santo via the SIMplifica portal from 1 January 2026; residents were exempted from booking later in January 2026.
dnoticias.pt
Routes
2The shortest way to Madeira's highest point: 2.8 km and about 270 m of ascent on a paved and stepped path from the car park at Achada do Teixeira (about 1,592 m), past weather shelters and the Casa de Abrigo do Pico Ruivo to the summit. About 1h30 return. Booking on SIMplifica and a fee are required.
Elevation Profile
approximate line- Distance
- 2.8 km
- one way
- Ascent
- +312 m
- start → summit
- High Point
- 1,862 m
- Time Up
- 1h 26m
- DIN 33466
- Time Down
- 1h 04m
- DIN 33466 · same way back
Achada do Teixeira is reached by road from Santana on the north coast; next to the car park stands the 'Homem em Pé' (Standing Man) basalt formation. The PR 1.2 follows a well-made, partly paved path with steps south-west along the ridge, with several small stone shelters built for the sudden weather changes common up here. Views open over the central mountain massif and, often, a sea of cloud. After about 2 km the path reaches the Casa de Abrigo do Pico Ruivo, the shelter where the PR 1 from Pico do Areeiro, the PR 1.1 Vereda da Ilha and the PR 1.3 to Encumeada also arrive. From the shelter a short, steeper stepped path climbs to the summit platform (1,862 m) with its trig pillar and viewing rail. Return the same way; IFCN gives 1h30 for the round trip of 5.6 km. The path is easy underfoot but fully exposed to wind, rain and occasional winter ice, and IFCN closes classified trails during weather warnings. Since 1 January 2026 all classified trails require a timed booking on the SIMplifica portal; visitors over 12 pay EUR 4.50.
Start
Achada do Teixeira1,580 m
- No regular bus to Achada do Teixeira; taxi or tour transfer from Santana or Funchal.
- Parking at the trailhead
Stages
| Day | Stage | km | m ascent | m descent | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Achada do Teixeira → Pico Ruivo | 2.8 | 312 | 30 | 1h 26m |
Waypoints
- Parking: Achada do Teixeira1,580 m
- Hut: Casa de Abrigo do Pico Ruivo1,758 m
- Summit: Pico Ruivo1,862 m
Key Passages
- Ridge path with weather shelters
- Stepped climb from the Casa de Abrigo to the summit
Equipment
0/5 packedDownloads
Route confidence 85%Overview
Madeira's highest summit (1,862 m), on the volcanic spine of the island and often above a sea of cloud. A short paved path from Achada do Teixeira reaches it in 45 minutes; the classic approach is the exposed PR 1 ridge walk from Pico do Areeiro.
Pico Ruivo rises at the heart of Madeira's central mountain massif, a deeply eroded volcanic landscape of knife-edge ridges, basalt dykes and gullies dropping towards the north coast. Together with Pico das Torres (1,851 m) and Pico do Areeiro (1,818 m) it forms the island's highest group of summits, protected as part of the Natura 2000 network and the Madeira Natural Park. The upper slopes are covered in high-altitude heath, with bird species found only in Macaronesia.
Two trails lead to the top. The PR 1.2 from Achada do Teixeira is a short, well-made walk that suits almost anyone. The PR 1 from Pico do Areeiro is one of Europe's best-known ridge walks: narrow, railed paths, tunnels and staircases along the crest, rebuilt after the August 2024 wildfire and reopened in 2026 as a one-way route towards Pico Ruivo. Both meet at the Casa de Abrigo do Pico Ruivo, a stone shelter just below the summit.
The mountain is busy, especially at sunrise and in the middle of the day. Since January 2026 Madeira manages visitor numbers on its classified trails with compulsory timed bookings and fees, so plan ahead rather than turning up.
Climbing Notes
Book a slot on the SIMplifica portal before you go: EUR 4.50 for the PR 1.2 and most other classified trails, EUR 10.50 for the one-way PR 1 from Areeiro, free (but still booked) for children 12 and under. Residents of Madeira are exempt from booking. Rangers check tickets at the trailheads.
The PR 1.2 needs only walking shoes, a warm windproof layer and water. The PR 1 is a 3-hour walk with many steps, exposed sections protected by railings and unlit tunnels; a headlamp and boots with good grip are needed, and it is unsuitable for anyone who suffers badly from vertigo. Because it is now one-way beyond Pedra Rija, arrange a taxi or tour pick-up at Achada do Teixeira.
Weather changes quickly: cloud, strong wind and heavy rain can arrive within an hour, temperatures at dawn can be near freezing in winter, and IFCN closes classified trails during weather warnings. Check the IFCN trail-status page on the day.
Season
Best Apr–Oct- January: Good
- February: Good
- March: Good
- April: Best (best window)
- May: Best (best window)
- June: Best (best window)
- July: Best (best window)
- August: Best (best window)
- September: Best (best window)
- October: Best (best window)
- November: Good
- December: Good
- Jan
- Cold and sometimes icy at dawn; trails close in storms
- Feb
- Changeable; occasional frost or snow on the summits
- Mar
- Wet and windy spells; trail closures possible
- Apr
- Spring flowers; MIUT race in late April
- May
- Settled weather
- Jun
- Long days; often above the cloud
- Jul
- Warm and busy; book slots early
- Aug
- Busy; wildfire risk in dry spells
- Sep
- Warm, fewer visitors
- Oct
- Good conditions; first autumn storms
- Nov
- Rain and wind more frequent
- Dec
- Cold dawns; storm closures possible
Access & Permits
- Permits
- SIMplifica trail bookingRequired
Since 1 January 2026 every classified walking route in Madeira requires a pre-booked timed entry slot and fee, paid on the regional government's SIMplifica portal: EUR 4.50 per visitor over 12 for PR 1.2, EUR 10.50 for the one-way PR 1 to Pico Ruivo (lower rates through licensed operators). Madeira residents are exempt from booking.
simplifica.madeira.gov.pt
- Fees
- PR 1.2 Vereda do Pico Ruivo: EUR 4.50 per visitor over 12
- PR 1 Vereda do Areeiro (one-way to Pico Ruivo): EUR 10.50 per visitor over 12; EUR 4.50 for the out-and-back to Pedra Rija
- Rules
- PR 1 is one-way from Pedra Rija towards Pico Ruivo; leave Pico Ruivo by PR 1.2 or PR 1.1
- IFCN closes classified trails during weather warnings and for works; check the IFCN status page before setting out
- Natura 2000 site: stay on the paths; camping only in authorised areas
- Getting There
Santana (Achada do Teixeira approach); Funchal (Pico do Areeiro approach)
Madeira Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC)
- Achada do Teixeira: road from Santana (about 30 minutes by car); car park at the trailhead
- Pico do Areeiro: road from Funchal via Poiso (about 45 minutes); car park at the summit viewpoint
- No regular buses to either trailhead; use a taxi, hire car or organised tour, and plan a pick-up at Achada do Teixeira if walking the PR 1
Hazards
- Weather
- Exposure
Huts & Shelters
1- 1,758 m
Casa de Abrigo do Pico RuivoRefuge