Funchal Trip Overview
This walk starts at Pico do Areeiro, at approximately 1818 meters above sea level and we make our way to the highest point of Madeira, Pico Ruivo, around 1861 meters.
It is possible to witness panoramic views of Madeira over the central
mountain range that are absolutely breathtaking.
This is the only known breeding site in the world of Zino’s petrel (Pterodroma madeira), an endemic species considered to be the most endangered seabird of Europe.
In this area, the vegetation of altitude is predominant, mainly of Centenary endemic Urzes; these large trees predate Madeira’s discovery.
To reach Pico Ruivo, we must go around Pico das Torres up a steep incline of steps carved in the rock and then descend, the most difficult part of this trail being the final climb to the Shelter at Pico Ruivo. But the thought of reaching the highest point of the island is a driving force.
Near the Pico Ruivo shelter, we take footpath, which leads to Achada do Teixeira, where we finish our journey.
Additional Info
Duration: 7 to 8 hours
Starts: Funchal, Portugal
Trip Category: Day Trips & Excursions >> Day Trips
Explore Funchal Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
This walk starts at Pico do Areeiro, at approximately 1818 meters above sea level and we make our way to the highest point of Madeira, Pico Ruivo, around 1861 meters.
It is possible to witness panoramic views of Madeira over the central
mountain range that are absolutely breathtaking.
This is the only known breeding site in the world of Zino’s petrel (Pterodroma madeira), an endemic species considered to be the most endangered seabird of Europe.
In this area, the vegetation of altitude is predominant, mainly of Centenary endemic Urzes; these large trees predate Madeira’s discovery.
To reach Pico Ruivo, we must go around Pico das Torres up a steep incline of steps carved in the rock and then descend, the most difficult part of this trail being the final climb to the Shelter at Pico Ruivo. But the thought of reaching the highest point of the island is a driving force.
Near the Pico Ruivo shelter, we take footpath, which leads to Achada do Teixeira, where we finish our journey.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Pico do Arieiro, E 202, Funchal, Madeira 9000-900 Portugal
This hike begins at Pico do Arieiro, located at 1818 meters above sea level, within a short distance we come upon the Ninho da Manta (Buzzard’s Nest) belvedere. From this platform where this bird of prey is supposed to have bred, one can see the valley of Fajã da Nogueira, where some Manx shearwater (Puffinus puffinnus) breed, São Roque do Faial and a large part of the Central Mountain Range.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Pico Ruivo, Madeira Portugal
At an elevation of 1861 meters, the Pico Ruivo Viewpoint, situated in Santana, is located at the highest point of the Madeira Archipelago. This is the third highest mountain in Portugal.
On a clear day, you can see Curral das Freiras, in the Câmara de Lobos municipality, the various plateaus of Santana and the deep valleys of Ribeira Grande and São Jorge. It also offers great views of the Ponta de São Lourenço, Paul da Serra, Porto Santo and the Desertas Islands.
Duration: 30 minutes
