Hike Pico Ruivo for panoramic mountain views
Madeira, Portugal • 
Popular
PopularMadeira, Portugal
Popular
Best months to visit
Jun, Jul, Aug
19°C – 27°C, warm and dry conditions; excellent for hiking, high crowds, peak season
19°C – 27°C, warm and dry conditions; excellent for hiking, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
No
Walking may be required
Walking may be required
Value for money
Medium
Fees and effort balanced with stunning views.
Fees and effort balanced with stunning views.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Breathtaking Views
Couples raved about the panoramic views, perfect for romantic moments and photos.
Romantic Hike
Travelers found the hike ideal for couples, offering stunning scenery and intimacy.
Unforgettable Moments
Visitors felt it was a must-do, creating lasting memories for couples exploring Madeira.
Challenging Hike
Some couples found the hike strenuous, especially the steep sections near the summit.
Trail Closures
Travelers were disappointed by the PR1 trail closure; limited route options available.
Weather Concerns
Couples noted the unpredictable weather; conditions could quickly change at the top.
Hours of operation
Monday
open - open
Tuesday
open - open
Wednesday
open - open
Thursday
open - open
Friday
open - open
Saturday
open - open
Sunday
open - open
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Join a traveler as he embarks on a hike to Pico Ruivo.
Experience a virtual hike to Pico Ruivo summit.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
April
MEDIUM
12-19°C
Pleasant temperatures with a lower chance of precipitation; spring in full bloom.
Pleasant temperatures with a lower chance of precipitation; spring in full bloom.
Open
Popular trails may require reservations; check local regulations.
Popular trails may require reservations; check local regulations.
Recommended
April offers pleasant temperatures and a lower chance of precipitation, with spring in full bloom. Tourist numbers are moderate, as many visitors take advantage of the favorable weather. Popular trails may require reservations; it's advisable to check local regulations before planning your hike.
April offers pleasant temperatures and a lower chance of precipitation, with spring in full bloom. Tourist numbers are moderate, as many visitors take advantage of the favorable weather. Popular trails may require reservations; it's advisable to check local regulations before planning your hike.
May
MEDIUM
15-24°C
Mild temperatures with occasional light rain; ideal for hiking.
Mild temperatures with occasional light rain; ideal for hiking.
Open
No significant restrictions; trails are open.
No significant restrictions; trails are open.
Recommended
May offers pleasant weather conditions for hiking Pico Ruivo, with mild temperatures and a moderate chance of light rain. The trails are moderately busy, providing a balanced experience between solitude and social interaction. It's advisable to check weather forecasts and trail conditions before setting out.
May offers pleasant weather conditions for hiking Pico Ruivo, with mild temperatures and a moderate chance of light rain. The trails are moderately busy, providing a balanced experience between solitude and social interaction. It's advisable to check weather forecasts and trail conditions before setting out.
June
HIGH
19-27°C
Warm and dry conditions; excellent for hiking.
Warm and dry conditions; excellent for hiking.
Open
Advance reservations required for hiking trails; fees apply.
Advance reservations required for hiking trails; fees apply.
Recommended
June marks the beginning of the peak tourist season, bringing warm and dry weather ideal for hiking. However, trails are busier, and new regulations require advance reservations and fees for access. Planning ahead is essential to secure desired time slots and ensure a smooth hiking experience.
June marks the beginning of the peak tourist season, bringing warm and dry weather ideal for hiking. However, trails are busier, and new regulations require advance reservations and fees for access. Planning ahead is essential to secure desired time slots and ensure a smooth hiking experience.
July
HIGH
21-29°C
Hot and dry; minimal chance of rain.
Hot and dry; minimal chance of rain.
Open
Advance reservations required; limited slots due to high demand.
Advance reservations required; limited slots due to high demand.
Recommended
July offers hot and dry conditions, perfect for hiking but also coincides with the peak tourist season. Trails are very busy, and the reservation system is in full effect, with limited slots available. Early booking is crucial to secure access, and starting hikes early in the day is recommended to avoid the heat and crowds.
July offers hot and dry conditions, perfect for hiking but also coincides with the peak tourist season. Trails are very busy, and the reservation system is in full effect, with limited slots available. Early booking is crucial to secure access, and starting hikes early in the day is recommended to avoid the heat and crowds.
How to get there
Car
Recommended
Driving is the most direct method, with parking available at Achada do Teixeira. From Funchal, take the VR1 highway towards Santana, then follow signs to Achada do Teixeira.
Shuttle
Recommended
Shuttle and transfer services are available from companies like GetYourGuide, Viator, and Pico Transfers, offering transport from Funchal and Caniço to Pico do Arieiro or Achada do Teixeira.
Taxi
Recommended
Taxis are available from Funchal and Santana to Achada do Teixeira. Several local taxi companies, including Rádio Táxis Madeira, MadeirabyTaxi 24/7, and Daniel Madeira Taxi, provide this service.
Bus
Public buses operated by Horários do Funchal, SAM, and Rodoeste reach Santana. From Santana, a taxi is needed to reach the Achada do Teixeira trailhead.
Walking
Reaching the summit requires hiking. The PR1.2 trail starts from Achada do Teixeira, and the PR1 trail starts from Pico do Arieiro.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Pregnancy
Not suitable for pregnancy
Not allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required
