Pico Ruivo

Pico Ruivo is the highest peak on Madeira Island and the third highest in Portugal, standing at 1,861 metres (6,106 ft) in the Santana municipality. Accessible only by foot, it can be reached from either Pico do Areeiro or via a shorter, easier trail from Achada do Teixeira. The summit provides panoramic views of the island, from the green mountains surrounding Curral das Freiras to the Ribeira Grande and São Jorge valleys. On days with clear visibility, Pico Ruivo also offers sweeping views of Porto Santo Island and the Desertas Islands. North of the peak, a shelter, renovated in 2019, offers essential amenities such as running water, restrooms, and meal services for hikers. As the highest point in the archipelago, Pico Ruivo is primarily surrounded by high-altitude heath. The area is also marked by monumental rock formations, which often rise above the clouds, dominating the landscape. The region is home to several bird species, including the Madeira firecrest, the chaffinch, and the linnet.