Madeira Peaks
One of the highest peaks in Portugal is right here in Madeira! “Pico Ruivo”, “Pico do Areeiro” and “Pico das Torres” offer you unforgettable views and are part of the emblematic peaks in the majestic Madeira Island landscape.
Pico Ruivo
The “Pico Ruivo” is the highest peak in Madeira with 1862 meters of altitude and it’s the 3rd highest in Portugal. It is only surpassed by the “Serra da Estrela” and “Ponta do Pico” (this one in Azores). As you can imagine, the landscape is unique and the feeling of being above the clouds is indescribable.
Is located in the parish of Santana, and because it’s an area of nature conservation, cows, goats and sheeps are prohibited at this time.
For those who are into scientific holidays, don’t forget your equipment to go bird watching. Birds such as the “Freira da Madeira” (Zino's Petrel), the “Tentilhão da Madeira” (Madeira Chaffinch), the Bis Bis, the “Melro Preto” (Blackbird), the “Perdiz Comum” (Common Partridge) and the “Pintarroxo Comum” (Common Linnet) have their habitat at Pico Ruivo. As for Flora, heather and mosses are the dominant species in this rocky region.
Pico do Areeiro
The “Pico do Areeiro” is the 3rd highest peak in Madeira, with 1818 meters altitude, right behind the “Pico Ruivo” with 1862 and Pico das Torres with 1851 meters altitude.
If you are not into hiking, then this is the right peak for you. It belongs to Funchal and is the easiest to reach because you can get there by car. From the top, the view is amazing and you can see other parts of the island, such as the Curral das Freiras, the Ponta de São Lourenço and if weather allows, Porto Santo Island.
Besides enjoying a unique view of this peak, the fact that there is a viewpoint, a coffee shop and a gift shop, make your visit even more special. This is also where is located the Zino's Petrel Centre (Centro da Freira da Madeira).
Due to its high altitude, when the winter is colder than usual in Madeira, the Pico is covered by snow. It’s a rare phenomenon, because the climate is normally warm in Madeira, so it’s kind a tradition for the locals to visit the Pico do Areeiro when that happens.
Pico das Torres
Pico das Torres is known for being the second highest peak in Madeira, with 1851 meters of altitude. It lies between “Pico Ruivo” and “Pico do Arieiro” and is only accessible by a trail that connects the Pico Ruivo to Pico Areeiro.
It is a reference place if you are into climbing because the trail towards Pico Ruivo is challenging due to its trail carved into the rock.
Discovering Madeira
