PR1.2 Vereda do Pico Ruivo (from Achada do Teixeira)

The PR1.2 Vereda do Pico Ruivo is the shortest route to the summit of Pico Ruivo, at 1,862 m the highest point on Madeira, Portugal. The trailhead is the Achada do Teixeira car park on the ER218 road in Santana municipality, about 38 km from Funchal. There is no regular bus to the start, so visitors arrive by hire car or taxi, which takes about an hour from Funchal. A SIMplifica reservation is required, at €4.50 per person. The route is about 3 km one-way, or 6 km return, and takes 2 to 3 hours. It climbs around 250 m on stone steps and paved path, which makes it a moderate walk because of the sustained stairs rather than distance or technical difficulty. The surface is generally good, with handrails on exposed sections, and the path passes through heath and scrub with little shade. Landmarks include views of the Penha d'Águia rock formation and the Faial coast on the way up, followed by the Casa de Abrigo do Pico Ruivo, a refuge with basic refreshments near the summit. From there, a short final climb leads to the summit viewpoint, which looks over the central massif and, on clear days, across the island to both coasts. The natural turn-around point is the summit. The refuge is the only shelter and place for refreshments, so water should be carried. Weather changes quickly at this height: clouds often cover the summit by midday, and winds and cold can be strong even when the coast is warm. This route also connects with the longer PR1 ridge walk from Pico do Arieiro, which makes it a convenient entry point for those joining that route.