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Madeira Wander
PR 1.2 Open · checked 28 Oct 2026 Achada do Teixeira · Santana · Mountains

Open (IFCN list updated 2 Oct 2026); IFCN notes that the section between the Pico Ruivo shelter and the summit is fully passable. Official IFCN list →

Vereda do Pico Ruivo

The shortest way to Madeira's highest summit — 2.8 km each way from Achada do Teixeira — suited to most reasonably fit walkers; the one thing to know is that it still needs a SIMplifica booking.

Vereda do Pico Ruivo
Distance
2.8 km
Time
1 h 30 min
Difficulty
Moderate
Route
Out and back

Map and elevation

The GPX track and elevation profile will appear here once we have walked and recorded it.

Directions to the start

PR 1.2 Vereda do Pico Ruivo is the short route to Pico Ruivo (1,862 m), the highest point on Madeira. It climbs 2.8 km from Achada do Teixeira, above Santana, to the summit; you return the same way, so the walk totals 5.6 km. The official IFCN panel gives 1 h 30 for the 2.8 km, a low point of 1,592 m and a high point of 1,862 m, and Visit Madeira rates it moderate.

Why choose PR 1.2 over PR 1?

It reaches the same summit as PR 1 Vereda do Areeiro with far less effort and logistics. Since May 2026 PR 1 is one-way beyond Pedra Rija, so walkers who start at Pico do Areeiro must descend by another trail — and PR 1.2 is one of the two official exits. In practice that means PR 1.2 carries walkers in both directions: day hikers going up, and PR 1 hikers coming down.

The two trails can also be combined on one ticket. The full PR 1 ticket (€10.50 in 2026) includes PR 1.2. Walked on its own, PR 1.2 costs €4.50 for visitors over 12.

How do I book and what does it cost?

Every walker, including exempt residents and children aged 12 or under, must book an entry slot on the SIMplifica portal; bookings are not made at IFCN offices. In 2026 a single trail costs €4.50. If you walk two or more classified trails in one day (excluding PR 1), the system applies the €9.00 one-day rate automatically. Details: trail booking and fees.

What is the path like?

The panel describes several shelters along the climb, because conditions at this height change suddenly and the area is often covered in cloud. Near the top is the Casa de Abrigo do Pico Ruivo, a shelter renovated in 2019 with running water, toilets and food service according to Wikipedia. From the shelter a final stretch leads to the summit, which IFCN currently reports as fully passable.

At the start, past the Achada do Teixeira shelter, look for the Homem em Pé ("Standing Man"), a basalt formation in the slope described on the IFCN panel.

What can I see from the top?

On clear days the panel lists views over Curral das Freiras, Ponta de São Lourenço, the Desertas Islands and Porto Santo. The surrounding high-altitude heath is home to birds such as the Madeira firecrest, chaffinch and linnet.

Where do the other trails go from the shelter?

  • PR 1 to Pico do Areeiro (6.1 km) — currently one-way towards Pico Ruivo past Pedra Rija, so you cannot walk it from this end.
  • PR 1.1 Vereda da Ilha down to the village of Ilha (8.2 km).
  • PR 1.3 Vereda da Encumeada west towards Encumeada (11.2 km); IFCN reports it open only as far as Boca das Torrinhas, where PR 2 continues to Curral das Freiras or Boaventura.

What people misjudge

  • Cloud and cold. The IFCN panel's only warning is that the weather changes often — bring a warm layer even in summer.
  • The final metres. The steepest climbing is at the end, between the shelter and the summit (see the official altitude profile).
  • Light. IFCN asks walkers to confirm they can finish before dark.

Nearby

Down in Santana, the thatched houses are an easy add-on. More routes in the mountains region.

The route, step by step

  1. 1 Achada do Teixeira car parkStart at the end of the road above Santana (ER 218 on the IFCN map), where the official panel stands.
  2. 2 Homem em PéJust past the Achada do Teixeira shelter, the basalt 'Standing Man' formation is visible in the slope.
  3. 3 Shelters on the climbSeveral small shelters line the path — useful when cloud or rain moves in.
  4. 4 Casa de Abrigo do Pico RuivoThe shelter near the top; junction with PR 1, PR 1.1 and PR 1.3.
  5. 5 Pico Ruivo summit (1,862 m)The final steep section leads to the summit; return the same way to Achada do Teixeira.

Before you go

Getting thereAchada do Teixeira is reached by road from Santana (ER 218 on the IFCN map) and has parking at the trailhead. The IFCN panel lists Santana taxis: +351 291 572 540.
BookingBook an entry slot on SIMplifica (€4.50 in 2026, free for residents and under-13s but booking still required). If you hold a full PR 1 ticket, PR 1.2 is included.
What to bringWarm clothing and suitable footwear, water and a charged phone; the panel's one caution is frequent weather changes.
SafetyStay on the path, do not walk alone, and turn back in heavy rain or strong wind as the IFCN code advises. Emergency: 112; Civil Protection: +351 291 700 112.
Sharing the pathPR 1 walkers descend this way, so expect two-way traffic on the narrower stretches and give way safely.

Make a day of it

Within 11 km of the trailhead.

Pico do Arieiro Viewpoint Viewpoint Pico do Arieiro Viewpoint 3.3 km away Santana Traditional Houses Village Santana Traditional Houses 5.8 km away Eira do Serrado Viewpoint Viewpoint Eira do Serrado Viewpoint 7.3 km away Monte Toboggan (Carreiros do Monte) Activity Monte Toboggan (Carreiros do Monte) 10.1 km away

Sources and fact-checking

Facts checked against the sources below on 28 October 2026. How we work

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Photos: Asurnipal (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Asurnipal (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Gerda Arendt (CC BY-SA 4.0)