Vereda do Pico Ruivo (PR1.2), Santana (Madeira)

Hike in Santana (Madeira)

Vereda do Areeiro at Pico do Cidrao Madeira
Vereda do Areeiro at Pico do Cidrao Madeira
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Ximonic (Simo Räsänen)

Vereda do Pico Ruivo (PR1.2) is Madeira's most straightforward “big summit” hike: a short, well-made mountain path that starts high at Achada do Teixeira and climbs to Pico Ruivo, the island's highest point. Because the trailhead sits around the 1,600 m mark, you get that above-the-clouds feeling quickly, and the 2.8 km one-way distance keeps it achievable for many travellers who want a proper mountain experience without an all-day trek.

It's one of the top sights in Madeira for turning a single morning into a headline moment, especially if you time it for crisp air and shifting light. After a walking tour of Funchal, this hike is the perfect contrast: less city, more sky, with the kind of panorama that makes you forget how short the climb actually is.

History and Significance of the Vereda do Pico Ruivo (PR1.2)

PR1.2 is one of Madeira’s officially classified walking routes, part of the island’s wider network of maintained PR trails that help protect fragile mountain landscapes by concentrating foot traffic on designated paths. The route’s significance is practical as much as scenic: it provides the cleanest access to Pico Ruivo without committing to the longer ridge traverses that can be more demanding and more sensitive to weather disruptions.

Pico Ruivo itself is a defining landmark for Madeira, not just because it's the highest summit, but because the central massif shapes the island's climate, vegetation zones, and the dramatic “sea of clouds” effect that visitors chase. PR1.2 lets you experience that central-mountain character quickly, and the presence of shelters on and near the route reflects just how changeable conditions can be at altitude.

In recent years, the trail has also become part of Madeira’s sustainability story, with access fees directed toward cleaning and waste management on the most heavily used routes. In practice, it means PR1.2 is treated as a high-value, high-impact corridor-one that’s kept open and maintained whenever conditions allow.

Things to See and Do in the Vereda do Pico Ruivo (PR1.2)

The first reward comes almost immediately: Achada do Teixeira is not just a car park and trailhead, it’s a viewpoint zone in its own right, often sitting above lower cloud layers. Even before you start walking, you can get that “roof of the island” sensation, which is why this trail works so well for travellers with limited time.

On the way up, the path is clearly defined and designed to be walked rather than scrambled, with a steady climb that becomes most noticeable in the final approach. What makes the route memorable isn’t technical difficulty, but how quickly the landscape opens out: deep valleys, jagged ridgelines, and distant Atlantic glimpses when visibility is good.

At the top, Pico Ruivo delivers the classic summit moment-wide horizons and a sense of standing at the island’s apex. Many hikers linger near the shelter area to wait for clouds to shift and reveal different angles of the massif, because the view can change several times in a single visit.

How to Get to the Vereda do Pico Ruivo (PR1.2)

Fly into Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport (FNC), then travel onward by road toward Santana and Achada do Teixeira. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Santana (Madeira) on Booking.com.

By bus, the most workable approach is reaching Santana (or Machico) from Funchal, then using a taxi or organised transfer up to Achada do Teixeira, since the trailhead sits high in the mountains and is not typically served by frequent public transport. If you are visiting in peak season, tours and shared transfers can be a practical alternative when you want to avoid arranging a return taxi.

By car, drive up to the Achada do Teixeira parking area and start the trail directly from there, which is the simplest way to manage sunrise timing and weather windows. If you are looking to rent a car in Portugal I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Vereda do Pico Ruivo (PR1.2)

  • Entrance fee: €3.00 per person (non-residents aged 12+); free for residents and children aged 12 and under.
  • Opening hours: 24 Hours
  • Official website: https://visitmadeira.com/en/what-to-do/nature-seekers/activities/hiking/pr-12-vereda-do-pico-ruivo/
  • Best time to visit: Aim for early morning for the clearest skies and the best chance of a sea of clouds; if the summit is socked in, wait 10-15 minutes because conditions often shift quickly at altitude.
  • How long to spend: Allow 2-3 hours for a relaxed out-and-back with photo stops, plus extra time if you want to wait at the top for visibility to improve.
  • Accessibility: The path is well-defined but includes gradients and steps in places; it’s manageable for many steady walkers, but it still feels like a mountain hike because of the altitude and exposure.
  • Facilities: Bring water and a light layer even on warm days, and treat any on-site café options at the trailhead as a bonus rather than something to rely on for timing.

Where to Stay Close to the Vereda do Pico Ruivo (PR1.2)

For a culture-heavy itinerary, base yourself in Funchal to stay close to museums, restaurants, and evening atmosphere; for a trip focused on hiking and early starts in the mountains, staying in the Santana area makes this route far easier to do at the right time of day.

If you want a straightforward base in Santana with easy road access toward Achada do Teixeira, Hotel O Colmo is a practical choice for a north-coast hub. For a quieter stay that feels more rural and nature-led (and works well if you’re building a week around walks), Pestana Quinta do Arco Nature & Rose Garden Hotel gives you a calmer base with a real “Madeira countryside” mood. If you like bungalow-style stays and want to stay close to trails and forested north-coast scenery, Cabanas de São Jorge Village is well placed for mixing hikes with easy downtime.

Is the Vereda do Pico Ruivo (PR1.2) Worth Visiting?

Yes-if you want the maximum “Madeira mountain” payoff for the minimum time commitment, this is the route that delivers. The trail is short enough to fit around other plans, yet the summit experience feels genuinely high-alpine when clouds part and the massif stretches out around you.

It's also one of the best-value hikes for mixed itineraries, because you can do it as a focused morning mission and still have the rest of the day for north-coast villages, viewpoints, or a slower afternoon back in Funchal.

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

This trail can work for active families because it’s relatively short and the path is clear, so you can turn back easily if wind or fog makes it uncomfortable. The key is pacing: make it a “small steps, frequent stops” hike and keep a warm layer handy because kids feel the altitude chill faster than adults.

If you’re travelling with children who are not confident walkers, treat the summit as optional and focus on the experience of being in the high mountains rather than “must reach the top.” On days with strong gusts or low visibility, a shorter walk from the trailhead can still feel like a win.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, PR1.2 is ideal because it’s dramatic without being exhausting, and it leaves plenty of time for a long lunch or a coastal drive afterward. Sunrise or early-morning cloud inversions can make the whole experience feel surprisingly cinematic for such a short hike.

If you want a memorable moment together, bring a hot drink and take a few extra minutes at the top to let the view change around you. The shifting light and cloud movement often become the highlight, not just the summit itself.

Budget Travelers

PR1.2 is budget-friendly in the sense that it’s a big experience without needing guides or gear, but transport is the deciding factor because the trailhead is high and remote. Sharing a rental car day or joining a shared transfer can be the most cost-efficient way to make it work smoothly.

Pack your own snacks and water and keep the plan simple: park, hike, return, then pair it with another free viewpoint stop nearby. It's an easy way to have a “premium” Madeira day without stacking paid attractions.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.8 (5,130)

PR 1.2 Vereda do Pico Ruivo in Achada do Teixeira is a short, rewarding hike to Madeira's highest peak with varied scenery and beautiful views; the trail is relatively easy but can require some effort and an extra layer because it gets chilly at the top, where a café sells warm clothing. Parking can be limited in the morning so many recommend arriving later in the afternoon or early evening to find spaces and avoid crowds, and weather changes quickly—clouds can obscure views but may clear within an hour.

Majed Alashari
a week ago
"One of the best hike in the island. It is around 3 hours go & back. You will see different scenery during the hike. Parking is little difficult sotry to come late afternoon and you find plenty of slots...."
Ronja Wieggers
3 weeks ago
"Pretty nice for a hiker. There were many clouds when we arrived, and they stayed until 1 hour later, so we could enjoy all kinds of views here.Beautiful but also some physical effort. Free parking and free hiking. I would not like it this much if it weren’t free...."
Hung Tran
2 months ago
"This is the parking and starting area of Pico Ruivo taken around 18h30 end of september 2025. When we arrived around 14h30 the cars were parked alongthe road as far as you can see. In the morning it is even more crazy from what I have heard. If you arrive in the evening at 18h00 there is so much parking, you can even park at the start. Walk up to the top in an hour. Take your time along the way up and around 20h00 enjoy the sunset. Not many crowds. Not sure why people prefer sunrise. instead of sunset. If you want to avoid the crowds, just come in the afternoon. The later you go the less people. We arrived at 14h30 and we could easily park at the entrance of the trail. The crowd from the morning was already leaving little by little...."

FAQs for Visiting the Vereda do Pico Ruivo (PR1.2)

Getting There

It starts at Achada do Teixeira and leads to Pico Ruivo before returning the same way. Most hikers treat it as an out-and-back because that’s the simplest logistics.
For most visitors, yes, because the trailhead is already high and the route is short and clearly defined. It still feels like a mountain hike, but it avoids the longer ridge traverses.
Yes, but you’ll usually need a taxi, transfer, or tour to reach Achada do Teixeira reliably. Public transport in the mountains is limited, so plan the return before you start walking.

Tickets & Entry

Yes, PR1.2 is one of the routes that uses Madeira’s classified walking-route fee system for non-resident visitors aged 12+. Payment is typically handled online via the official portal.
You do not usually need a guided booking, but paying the fee in advance is the smoothest approach on busy days. Keeping digital proof on your phone is useful in case checks are in place.

Visiting Experience

It is generally considered moderate rather than technical, with most effort concentrated near the end. The main challenge is the altitude and exposure to wind rather than tricky terrain.
Often yes, because cloud conditions can shift quickly and you may get sudden clear windows near the summit. If visibility stays poor, the experience can feel flat, so treat it as a flexible plan.

Safety & Timing

It can be, but aim to finish in daylight because mountain weather and visibility can change fast. If clouds roll in, the path can feel more exposed and navigation becomes less comfortable.
Closures do happen during extreme weather or maintenance periods, especially in the central massif. Check the official route status on the day you plan to go.

Photography

Early morning tends to give the cleanest light and the best chance of cloud inversions. If the summit is foggy, wait patiently-your best photos may come from a brief clearing rather than constant visibility.

Nearby Attractions to the Vereda do Pico Ruivo (PR1.2)

  • Pico do Arieiro: Madeira’s third-highest peak with dramatic viewpoints and a famous ridge environment when open.
  • Santana Traditional Houses: The island's iconic thatched houses area, an easy cultural stop to pair with a hike day.
  • Queimadas Forest Park: A laurel-forest gateway for levada walks and cooler, greener scenery at lower altitude.
  • Miradouro do Guindaste: A cliffside viewpoint with glass platforms and sweeping north-coast ocean views.
  • Porto da Cruz: A dramatic fishing village with surf energy, coastal scenery, and a strong local feel.

The PR1.2 Vereda do Pico Ruivo Hiking Trail begins and end in Achada do Teixeira has a length of 2.8 km (2.8 Km + return) with a duration of 1 hour 30 (one way and return), which allows access to the summit of the highest point of the island of Madeira, Pico Ruivo.

  • Distance: 2,8 Km (+ 2,8 Km return)
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Time: 1.5 hours
  • Start/Finish: Achada do Teixeira / Achada do Teixeira
  • Highest point/Lowest point: 1862 m / 1535 m
  • Warning tips: The Climate is very variable, take warm clothing.

Commencing from Achadas Teixeira, this trail guides hikers on an upward journey to Pico Ruivo, the loftiest point on Madeira Island, soaring to an impressive 1861 meters in altitude. Along the path, you'll encounter several shelters, providing opportunities to pause for rest, enjoy a snack, or seek refuge from the frequent enveloping fog that blankets the area. As you progress, you'll be treated to awe-inspiring vistas, featuring the island's grand mountains and prominent peaks like Pico das Torres and Pico do Areeiro. Amidst this landscape of mountains, sea, and scattered settlements, you'll still be able to distinguish the distinct rock formation of Penha d'Águia and the tip of São Lourenço. Near the Pico Ruivo house, you'll discover the entrances to three trails leading to various parts of the island: PR1 - Pico do Areeiro trail, PR13 - Encumeada trail, and PR1.1 - Ilha trail. Upon reaching Pico Ruivo's summit, hikers can bask in the splendid scenery surrounding them, appreciating the sheer magnitude of the peaks, the quaint villages nestled in their agricultural patches, the vast expanse of sea, and the ever-shifting sea of clouds. Here, you can truly savour the sense of grandeur that this place bestows!

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Tips for the Vereda do Pico Ruivo Hike

  • Weather: The weather can change rapidly, so be prepared with appropriate clothing and gear.
  • Safety: Always inform someone of your hiking plan, especially if you choose the longer routes.
  • Supplies: Bring enough water, some food, and a first-aid kit.
  • Guided Tours: If you prefer a structured experience or are unfamiliar with the trails, consider booking a guided hiking tour. This can provide added safety and enrich your understanding of the area’s natural history. If you are considering hiking to Pico Areeiro then you will probably want to arrange transport back to your vehicle. I suggest looking at From Achada do Teixeira: One-Way Transfer to Pico do Arieiro by Levadas In and Out.

Hiking to Pico Ruivo is a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty of Madeira, with each route offering its own unique challenges and rewards.

The Vereda do Pico Ruivo (PR1.2) appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Santana (Madeira)!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

24 Hours

Price:

€3.00 per person (non-residents aged 12+); free for residents and children aged 12 and under.

Santana (Madeira): 6 km
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