In a nutshell
- Pico Ruivo is the highest peak in Madeira and can be reached via a breathtaking hike from Pico do Arieiro, the island’s third-highest mountain.
- The views from both summits – and all along the trail – are simply spectacular, making the Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hike one of Madeira’s absolute highlights.
- In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know to enjoy the Pico do Arieiro hike in Madeira to the fullest.
The Most Important Information at a Glance
Important note: The hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo is currently closed. For the latest trail updates, check VisitMadeira here and here.
The hiking trail from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo is one of the most beautiful hikes in Madeira. You don’t need to be an expert hiker, but you should be sure-footed and motivated. Just don’t be afraid of heights.
Pico Ruivo rises to 1,862 meters, while Pico do Arieiro stands at 1,818 meters. Both peaks are located in central Madeira. The trailhead is just over a 30-minute drive from Funchal.
Is the Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hike worth it?
Definitely – for the breathtaking views. It’s one of Madeira’s must-see highlights. But be prepared: the trail can get busy, so the hiking experience may feel crowded.
The 3 Routes for the Pico Ruivo Hike
Here are the 3 route options for the Pico Ruivo hike:
- From Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo and back (10.6 km)
- From Achada do Teixeira to Pico Ruivo, continuing to Pico do Arieiro (8.1 km)
- From Achada do Teixeira to Pico Ruivo and back (5.6 km)
Note: None of these trails form a loop.
The Pico Ruivo hiking routes on a map
Option 1: Pico do Arieiro – Pico Ruivo – Pico do Arieiro
- Distance: 10.6 kilometers (round trip)
- Elevation gain: About 1,000 meters
- Difficulty: Medium
- Duration: 5–8 hours
This is the perfect route if you have a rental car and want a full day of hiking. This is the route we took.
Note: This trail is very popular and often crowded. Expect to hike behind other groups most of the time.
Option 2: Achada do Teixeira – Pico Ruivo – Pico do Arieiro
- Length: 8.1 kilometers
- Elevation gain: Approx. 750 meters
- Difficulty: Medium
- Duration: 4–7 hours
This route is the most varied because you don’t hike the same way there and back. The only downside is that you can’t arrive by rental car, as the start and finish points are different.
It’s best to book a transfer from Funchal or join a guided tour.
Transfer to Pico do Arieiro (return from Achada do Teixeira)
Extra tip: You can also drive to Achada do Teixeira and book a transfer back from Pico do Arieiro: Transfer from Pico do Arieiro to Achada do Teixeira
Option 3: Achada do Teixeira – Pico Ruivo – Achada do Teixeira
- Length: 5.6 kilometers (round trip)
- Elevation gain: Approx. 500 meters
- Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: 3–5 hours
We only recommend this route if you’re less experienced or want an easier hike. However, you’ll miss the highlight of Pico do Arieiro.
How to Get to the Hike
You have several options to get there:
- Rental car (our recommendation)
- Guided tour
- Group transfer from Funchal
- Taxi
- Bus, hitchhiking, or walking
Travel by rental car
Most visitors arrive by car. There are parking lots at both Pico do Arieiro and Achada do Teixeira.
If the lots are full, you can park along the roadside behind other cars. The earlier you arrive, the better!
Note: From the main parking lot at Pico do Arieiro, it’s about a 600-meter uphill walk to the trailhead. Parking lower down means a longer walk.
Book a guided tour
Guided tours usually include transportation. Most start in Funchal and begin at Pico do Arieiro, ending at Achada do Teixeira, or vice versa.
Guided hiking tour from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo
Guided sunrise hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo
Group transfer from Funchal
If you prefer hiking independently but don’t want to drive, book a group transfer to Pico do Arieiro and back.
Transfer to Pico do Arieiro (return from Achada do Teixeira)
Taxi
Taking a taxi is the most flexible, but also the priciest option. Ideal if you decide to hike spontaneously. You can order a taxi at your hotel or from agencies in Funchal.
Bus, hitchhiking, or walking
There is a bus (number 56) from Funchal to Poiso, shown on Google Maps.
Note: This bus runs very infrequently.
From Poiso, it’s just under 7 kilometers to the Pico do Arieiro viewpoint.
You can hitchhike or walk from Poiso to Pico do Arieiro. We tried hitchhiking and were picked up within five minutes.
The return journey is the same. Alternatively, you can hitchhike from Achada do Teixeira to Santana and then get back to Funchal.
All Tips on Weather and Clothing
Make sure to do the Pico Ruivo hike on a clear, sunny day.
Otherwise, both peaks may be covered in fog, and the views will be obscured. Hiking in rain is unpleasant and can be dangerous.
Also watch the wind conditions, as strong winds make the hike risky.
Since Madeira’s weather is very changeable, we recommend deciding spontaneously when to hike, picking the day with the best weather.
The downside is that guided tours and transfers often get fully booked.
Regarding clothing, bring layers. It’s usually quite cold and windy at the peaks, but hiking uphill in sunshine can make you sweat.
Hiking boots or shoes with good grip are essential.
Our Experience Hiking from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo
We hiked the spectacular route from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo and back again. We set off from the summit of Pico do Arieiro at around 9 a.m. on a bright and sunny morning in April.
Although it was already a bit busy at that hour, we still found a parking spot relatively high up without much trouble.
The hike begins with a stretch that’s mostly downhill, consisting of stone paths and numerous stairs. The views are incredible from the very beginning – we could see both the north and south coasts of Madeira.
The trail then flattens out and continues along the slope. This section includes several tunnels and is relatively easy due to the lack of significant elevation change.
Note: Don’t forget a flashlight or use your phone light – it’s pitch dark inside the tunnels.
After the tunnels, the hike becomes much more challenging. The rest of the route is mostly uphill, including some very steep staircases that really test your stamina.
Eventually, we reached a kind of pass with breathtaking views on both sides – an ideal place for a quick rest.
From the pass, the trail descends slightly before climbing again – this next section is the most demanding of the entire hike.
Shortly before reaching the summit, you’ll pass a mountain hut where you can use the restroom and refill your water bottle.
From the hut, it’s just a final 500 meters with about 100 meters of elevation gain to reach Pico Ruivo. The panoramic views at the summit are absolutely worth the effort. It took us approximately 2.5 hours to get there.
As it was quite windy and very crowded at the top, we didn’t stay too long. We descended back to the mountain hut and arrived there around 12 noon for a short break.
The return journey took roughly the same amount of time, but felt more strenuous – especially the final stretch, which is uphill again.
However, the effort pays off: the view at the end, as you climb the last set of stairs back to Pico do Arieiro, is truly breathtaking – this part really deserves its name: stairway to heaven.
FAQ about the Pico do Arieiro Hike
What do you need to pack for the hike?
You should have this with you in your backpack:
- Sufficient water
- Snacks
- Sun cream
- Hiking poles if necessary
- Rain gear
How difficult is the Pico Ruivo hike?
We find the hike moderately difficult. The trail is sure-footed and well developed. There are rope handrails almost everywhere that you can hold on to. It is also almost impossible to get lost.
The hike is doable for anyone who is reasonably fit. We have seen people of all ages hiking up the mountain.
However, there is a lot of steep uphill and downhill. This makes the hike strenuous and hard on the knees. But the breathtaking view is definitely worth it.
Can I do the hike with a fear of heights?
If you have a slight fear of heights or simply respect heights, yes.
I’m not completely free from vertigo myself. But as I was able to hold on with my hands the whole time, it was totally okay.
However, you walk along steep slopes. If you have a severe fear of heights, it’s better not to do the hike.
When is the Pico Ruivo hike closed?
The Pico Ruivo hike is actually always open. However, it can happen that it has to be closed due to fallen rocks, etc.
You shouldn’t do the hike in strong winds and rain anyway, as it is then dangerous.
These were our tips and experiences on the Pico Ruivo hike
Did you also hike from Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo during your Madeira vacation? Or do you have any questions? Feel free to write to us in the comments.