Viewpoints · 1862 m above the sea
Pico Ruivo
The summit — 1862 m, and no road to it
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The place
The highest point on Madeira, and the only one of the big three you have to walk to. The short approach from Achada do Teixeira takes under an hour and is a fraction of the effort of the ridge route from Arieiro.
When to come
Early morning for the cloud inversion. Late afternoon light is better for photographs but the walk back is on tired legs.
Worth knowing
- Easiest approach is from Achada do Teixeira, not from Arieiro
- Mountain hut just below the summit for shelter
- Weather changes fast at this altitude even on a clear coastal day