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OpenToday: good to goCentral mountains

PR 1.2

Vereda do Pico Ruivo

Achada do Teixeira - Pico Ruivo. Highlights: Madeira's highest point, Homem em pe, views above the clouds.

mountains and viewpointsshort trail
Distance
2,8 km / 5,6 km return trip
Time
about 55 min
Difficulty
Moderate
Fee
from 4,50 EUR

Decision for today

Good to go

Status and basic weather do not show an obvious blocker. Still check IFCN/SIMplifica before starting.

  • Official status: open.
  • Pogoda: Pogoda dobra.

Access and parking

Achada do Teixeira

guidance

Quick access check

Parking pointTaxi / transfer likelySimpler return
Parking / start

The shortest classic start for Pico Ruivo. The car park can be busy at peak times.

Bus / transfer

Public transport usually means checking connections to Santana plus an onward transfer.

Search in SIGA: Funchal/Santana/Achada do Teixeira.

Logistics

linear trail. Start: Achada do Teixeira. End: Pico Ruivo.

Access plan

By car

Achada do Teixeira. Set the start point in maps and check whether parking is available in the morning and afternoon.

Without a car

Search in SIGA: Funchal/Santana/Achada do Teixeira.

Return

The return is simpler because the trail is a loop or usually returns the same way.

Transport information is planning guidance. Confirm schedules, parking and access in official sources before you go.
Parking in Google Maps SIGA schedules

Treat this as a logistics hint, not a guarantee of a service right to the parking lot.

Trail map

Start point and area

Porto MonizSão VicenteSantanaMachicoFunchalPonta do Sol
PR 1.2

Orientation point

Achada do Teixeira / Pico Ruivo · start

This is an orientation point, not a full GPS trail.

Parking / access

Achada do Teixeira

The shortest classic start for Pico Ruivo. The car park can be busy at peak times.

Hike plan

Day plan for this trail

Hike

2,8 km / 5,6 km return trip · about 55 min · Moderate

Conditions

Good to go. Status and basic weather do not show an obvious blocker. Still check IFCN/SIMplifica before starting.

Checklists and timing

Before you go

  • Check the current IFCN notice for this trail.
  • Save the start point and route offline.
  • Book and check the fee in SIMplifica.
  • Compare weather with IPMA/ProCiv before starting.
  • Verify wind and visibility before starting.

Gear

Offline map / saved start

Signal in mountains and valleys can be unstable.

Water and snacks

Even shorter trails can take longer due to weather and stops.

Windproof layer

On ridges, cliffs and in gusts, wind chills quickly.

Daylight

Estimated time: about 55 min. Latest reasonable start: 19:21 (60 min buffer before dark).

Data confidence

What is reliable and what to check

Trail status

IFCN live

Last read: 16/07/2026, 21:14.

Difficulty

official

Shown as official or consistent with the source label.

Map point

start

This is an orientation point, not a full GPS trail.

Access

guidance

Checked: 14/05/2026, 01:00. Confirm schedules in SIGA.

Weather now

Open-Meteo

Updated: 16/07/2026, 21:14. Refresh about every 1h.

Trail FAQ

Common questions before you go

Is the trail currently available?

Open. Trail status and weather can change quickly. Before you go, check IFCN, SIMplifica, IPMA/ProCiv and local signage.

How long does the hike take?

Roughly 55 min at a calm pace without longer breaks. Add time for photos and rest.

How much does entry cost?

Entry costs 4,50 € for visitors over 12. Pay online in SIMplifica and keep the confirmation for checks.

Do I need to book or pay?

This trail requires booking or entry verification in SIMplifica before you start.

Where do I park and how do I get there?

Achada do Teixeira. Public transport usually means checking connections to Santana plus an onward transfer.

Is this a good trail with a dog?

check dog rules. May be possible with a dog, but check current rules, weather and passages.

Trail profile

Who it suits and what to watch

Best for

Scenic mountain trail, good in stable weather.

shortscenicexposure

With dog

check dog rules

May be possible with a dog, but check current rules, weather and passages.

Risks

  • Avoid in strong wind, low visibility or icy ridge conditions.