Vereda do Pico Ruivo (Achada do Teixeira)
Shortest route to Madeira's highest summit (1862 m) starting from Achada do Teixeira — paved path, accessible to most fit walkers.
About Vereda do Pico Ruivo (Achada do Teixeira)
Vereda do Pico Ruivo (Achada do Teixeira) sits in the lush, north-facing slopes around Santana and is an accessible walk suitable for most fitness levels. Over its 5.6 km point-to-point route, Vereda do Pico Ruivo (Achada do Teixeira) climbs around 290 m of cumulative gain. Most walkers take between 3 and 4 hours, depending on pace and how often they stop for photos.
It packs a lot of variety into a relatively short distance, which is why it stays busy through the season. The route is part of Madeira's signed network of official PR ("Pequena Rota") trails, listed as PR1.2. The PR network is the safe default for self-guided hiking on Madeira — anything outside it is your own risk assessment.
What to know before you go
- Waterproof boots help here — the levada wall stays damp even in summer and the path turns greasy in patches.
- Carry at least 1.5 L of water per person and a windproof layer; the summit ridge can be 10 °C colder than the coast.
- A small head torch is useful in case the route enters any tunnel section.
- Mid-morning is fine, but earlier starts mean clearer views and emptier paths.
- Check the official 'Estado dos Trilhos' status before you go — trails close after storms or rockfalls.
Best time to visit
May, June, September and early October combine long daylight, stable weather and lower trail traffic. Winter is fine for the lower levadas but unreliable on the high ridges.
Location
Santana, Madeira · Open in OpenStreetMap · Google Maps
32.76526, -16.91999
GPX track
Download a GPX file for Vereda do Pico Ruivo (Achada do Teixeira) to load into your watch, phone or GPS device. Always carry an offline map and follow the painted PR waymarks on the ground — GPX is a guide, not a substitute for navigation.
Download vereda-do-pico-ruivo.gpxLoading route preview…
Preview only. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Conditions log
Dated, first-person notes from people who recently walked Vereda do Pico Ruivo (Achada do Teixeira). Machine-readable feed: /api/public/trail-conditions/vereda-do-pico-ruivo.
No verified reports yet for this trail. We only publish entries we can stand behind — dated, first-person, and signed. If you've walked it in the last few weeks, use the form above and we'll add it here with credit.
Frequently asked
How long does Pico Ruivo take from Achada do Teixeira?+
About 1h15 each way at a steady pace, 2.5–3 hours round trip with breaks.
Is Pico Ruivo trail open in winter?+
Usually yes, but snow, ice and high winds can close it. Check IFCN updates before going.
How long does the Vereda do Pico Ruivo (Achada do Teixeira) hike take?+
Most hikers complete Vereda do Pico Ruivo (Achada do Teixeira) in around 3 hours, though slower paces or photo stops can push it to 5 hours. The route is 5.6 km long with about 290 m of elevation gain.
Is Vereda do Pico Ruivo (Achada do Teixeira) suitable for beginners?+
Yes. Vereda do Pico Ruivo (Achada do Teixeira) is rated easy and is suitable for most fitness levels, including families with older children. Sturdy shoes are still recommended.
Do I need a guide for Vereda do Pico Ruivo (Achada do Teixeira)?+
No, Vereda do Pico Ruivo (Achada do Teixeira) is a signed official trail and most fit hikers walk it independently. Local guides are widely available if you prefer transport, route certainty, or commentary on the landscape.
Nearby on Madeira
Other places within easy reach of Vereda do Pico Ruivo (Achada do Teixeira).