Pico Ruivo - Pico Ruivo

The Pico Ruivo is the highest mountain on Madeira.

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The Pico Ruivo is the highest mountain in Madeira at 1,862 m. It is located on the northeastern edge of the central highlands and belongs to the administrative area of ​​Santana. It is essentially covered with heather.

Pico Ruivo can only be climbed on foot (see below). However, it is one of the island's outstanding hiking destinations, mountain solitude on both the access paths and on the summit should not be expected.

In good weather there is a wide view over the central highlands, to the island off the coast to the north Porto Santo and the northeastern peninsula on the Sao Lorenzo peninsula. The weather conditions can, however, also vary greatly during the day.

Between Encumeada and Rabaçal there is also a Pico Ruivo do Paúl, to which a hiking trail also leads.

getting there

There is no public bus connection to any of the starting points for an ascent. In addition to your own rental car, you have the option of taking advantage of offers from various tour operators or taxis from Santana, Camacha or to book Santo da Serra from.

Opportunities for advancement on foot

• about the Achada do Teixera from Santana

this is the easiest and fastest way to reach the summit. From Santana you follow the ER 218 over the Pico das Pedras to the parking lot at the Achada do Teixera (Approach approx. 10 km, partly also signposted with Pico Ruivo) at an altitude of 1592 m. From here, the 270 meters in altitude to the summit are on a comfortable paved path in less than an hour (easy) to manage something. Past the vantage point of the striking stone formation Homem em Pé, the descent to Santana via Queimadas can also be undertaken on foot within 3 hours.

• on the Pico do Arieiro

Via Madeira's first high-altitude hiking trail, which was laid out in the 1960s, the summit can be reached from the large parking lot at Pico do Arieiro in about 2½ hours (Outward) to reach. This path over the three highest peaks of Madeira is certainly one of the most spectacular mountain routes in Madeira and leads through tunnels (Flashlight!) and over clearly exposed areas, which are, however, secured. However, it requires a head for heights and a significantly better level of fitness, because in the course about 700 meters of altitude have to be mastered. Approximately in the middle, the path below the Pico das Torres (1755 m) divides into a steep eastern and Tunnel way called western variant, which can make the way there and back differently.

This path certainly combines almost all the special features of a hiking experience on Madeira. On the other hand, its generally good condition as well as its level of awareness lead to caravans of hikers, especially in the high season. Advantage: You can't get lost.

• from Encumeada Pass

Over a path of about 4 hours and overcoming an altitude of 1400 meters (easy) can the Pico Ruivo also from Encumeada Pass about the Boca das Torrinhas can be achieved. This path allows alternating excellent views of both the north and south coast, but should only be reserved for hikers who are really fit.

• from the southwest Curral das Freiras

The Boca das Torrinhas and subsequently the Pico Ruivo in about the same time (4-5 hours one way) from Curral das Freiras reach out. If you want to save yourself the steep ascent from the valley basin, you can also come from the south coast via Estreito de Camara de Lobos to Boca da Corrida drive and from there hike along the upper edge of the basin towards Pico Ruivo.

All travel routes can of course be combined with each other for outward and return journeys. The first two variants, however, are the most common and tailored to tourism basics. The latter require at least mountain experience and fitness. It applies to all routes that appropriate equipment is essential, not only in view of the very fluctuating weather conditions.

The trails are on the Open street map drawn. Apart from the link offered, this can also be reached via the geo-information in the head.

kitchen

• Shortly below the summit you can find yourself in a managed mountain hut (Casa de Abrigo) replenish with drinks or eat a piece of cake.
• At the parking lot of the Pico do Arieiro there is a restaurant with a shop, which is of course tailored to the needs of larger tourist flows.

accommodation

The closest accommodations are in Santana, there especially the Quinta do Furao. The starting points of a hike to Pico Ruivo can be reached from anywhere on the island via the coastal motorway.

literature

Web links

1. Official Website of Santana County. An illustrated brochure (Roteiro Turistico, 72 pages, pdf, pt) is also available for download there.
2. Official Madeira Tourism Website
3. Hiking report for the route from Pico do Areiro with photos and height profile; English
4. Report with pictures about the Route from Achada do Teixeira to Pico Ruivo (German)