The highest peak in Madeira is Pico Ruivo, at 1,862 metres above sea level, followed by Pico das Torres (1,851 metres) and Pico do Areeiro (1,818 metres). These three summits form the dramatic backbone of Madeira’s central mountain range and are the essential names to know for mountain scenery and high-altitude hiking. In this updated guide: the complete ranking of Madeira’s principal high peaks, the realistic ways to reach them, and how the famous PR1 ridge hike links Areeiro with Pico Ruivo.
Madeira’s highest mountains, ranked
Madeira’s tallest terrain rises in the eastern part of the Central Mountain Massif, a protected high-altitude landscape of rugged volcanic rock, heathland, deep valleys and frequently shifting cloud. The following ranking covers the island’s principal named high points. Not every peak is a visitor-accessible summit: several are crossed, skirted or viewed from official paths rather than reached by a signed route.
1. Pico Ruivo — 1,862 metres. Madeira’s highest peak sits in the municipality of Santana and is also the third-highest point in Portugal. Its summit viewpoint is the mountain objective most visitors can realistically reach, with wide views towards Curral das Freiras, the north-coast valleys, the Desertas and, on exceptionally clear days, Porto Santo.
2. Pico das Torres — 1,851 metres. The island’s second-highest summit stands on the jagged ridge between Areeiro and Ruivo. It is a defining landmark of the PR1 route, but it should not be treated as a separate, easy summit walk. The official path passes through this high mountain landscape rather than providing a simple independent ascent to the top.
3. Pico do Areeiro — 1,818 metres. Madeira’s most accessible major summit is reached by road, which makes it the usual starting point for sunrise visitors and for the PR1 ridge hike. The signed viewpoint is close to the car park, so you can enjoy a dramatic high-mountain panorama without committing to a long walk.
4. Pico do Cidrão — 1,802 metres. This is one of the prominent, less-publicised peaks of the eastern massif. It is best appreciated from the high trails and viewpoints around the Areeiro–Ruivo ridge rather than targeted as a standalone hike.
5. Pico do Galo — 1,780 metres. Another high point in the same rugged central chain, Pico do Galo is part of the wider mountain skyline seen from the official routes around Pico Ruivo and Pico do Areeiro.
6. Pico do Cedro — 1,759 metres. Pico do Cedro lies on the southern side of the high massif. It is not one of Madeira’s standard signed summit objectives, so independent walkers should stay on recognised, open routes rather than following informal tracks.
7. Pico Casado — 1,725 metres. Also written as Pico do Casado, this peak belongs to the central uplands above Curral das Freiras. It contributes to the impressive serrated horizon visible from several mountain paths.
8. Pico do Gato — 1,700 metres. Pico do Gato completes this group of major high points in Madeira’s eastern mountains. As with the other lesser-known peaks, the responsible approach is to admire it from official trails unless you are with a suitably qualified local mountain guide on an authorised route.
Pico Ruivo: the best choice for reaching Madeira’s summit
For most visitors, the practical answer to “how do I reach the highest peak in Madeira?” is PR1.2, Vereda do Pico Ruivo. This official route begins at Achada do Teixeira, above Santana, and follows a well-defined mountain path to Pico Ruivo. The walk is 2.8 kilometres each way, making a 5.6-kilometre return hike.
Allow roughly 45 minutes each way at a steady pace, plus time at the summit. Although it is the shortest standard route to Pico Ruivo, it is still a mountain walk: there are uneven stone sections, steps, exposure to wind and rapidly changing conditions. It is generally suitable for walkers with reasonable mobility and appropriate footwear, but it is not a pushchair or wheelchair route.
Arriving by rental car is the simplest option. There is a car park at Achada do Teixeira, then the route starts directly from the trailhead. If you do not have a car, book transport that specifically includes both drop-off and collection; Pico Ruivo is not a place to rely on finding a taxi after you finish.
| Practical fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Highest peak in Madeira | Pico Ruivo — 1,862 metres |
| Second and third highest | Pico das Torres — 1,851 metres; Pico do Areeiro — 1,818 metres |
| Shortest summit route | PR1.2 Vereda do Pico Ruivo, Achada do Teixeira to Pico Ruivo |
| PR1.2 distance | 2.8 km each way; 5.6 km return |
| PR1.2 walking time | About 45 minutes each way |
| PR1 ridge route | Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo — 6.1 km, around 3 hours |
| 2026 PR1 full-route access fee | €10.50 per visitor aged over 12 |
| 2026 standard PR trail fee | €4.50 per visitor aged over 12, including PR1.2 when used separately |
PR1 Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo: Madeira’s classic ridge hike
PR1, Vereda do Areeiro, is the famous high-level route connecting Pico do Areeiro with Pico Ruivo. It is much more demanding than the short Achada do Teixeira approach. The official full route is 6.1 kilometres and takes about three hours, but that estimate does not include time for photographs, queues at narrow sections or the onward walk needed to reach your pre-arranged transport.
This is a spectacular route of stairways, ridges, tunnels and steep volcanic slopes. It begins at Pico do Areeiro, passes through the landscape of Pico das Torres and finishes at Pico Ruivo. The route is classified as moderate, but strong fitness, a head for heights and confidence on sustained ascents and descents are important.
There is one crucial logistical point for 2026: the section from Pico do Areeiro to Miradouro da Pedra Rija is two-way, but beyond Pedra Rija the route operates one way towards Pico Ruivo. In other words, do not plan to hike from Areeiro to Ruivo and return by the same ridge. Arrange a pick-up at Achada do Teixeira, or combine the ridge route with the descent towards Ilha only if you are prepared for a much longer day.
All classified PR walks require advance booking through the regional SIMplifica platform. Check the official trail status shortly before leaving, since wind, fog, maintenance and safety works can change access conditions at short notice. For a fuller explanation of reservations, fees and closures, read our guide to Madeira hiking trail closures and fees.
What to expect at Pico do Areeiro
Pico do Areeiro is the easiest of Madeira’s three highest peaks to visit because the mountain road reaches close to the summit facilities. It is therefore an excellent option for travellers who want the high-altitude experience but do not wish to complete a serious hike. From the car park, a short walk leads to the viewpoints and the beginning of PR1.
Sunrise is the headline experience, especially when a cloud inversion fills the valleys below. However, sunrise is never guaranteed. The summit can be completely clear while Pico Ruivo is cloudy, or vice versa; fog and strong wind are common at this altitude. Visit for the landscape, not for a promised sea of clouds.
Parking at Pico do Areeiro is charged at €4 per hour. Arrive early for sunrise, but do not stop in restricted roadside areas when the main car park is busy. If conditions are poor, the nearby mountain scenery may not reveal itself immediately; give the weather time to change before abandoning the visit.
Insider tips for Madeira’s high peaks
- Choose Pico Ruivo from Achada do Teixeira for the summit: it is the most direct and manageable way to stand on Madeira’s highest point.
- Book PR access before travelling to the trailhead: mobile signal can be weak in the mountains, so do not depend on arranging it at the last minute.
- Bring a warm outer layer even in summer: temperatures and wind exposure at 1,800 metres can feel markedly different from Funchal or the coast.
- Carry a torch for PR1: the Areeiro–Ruivo route includes tunnels, and a phone light is a poor substitute if the battery is low.
- Plan transport as a one-way hike: for the full PR1, arrange collection near Achada do Teixeira rather than assuming you can return to Areeiro on foot.
- Do not chase unofficial summits: the lesser peaks are part of a sensitive, rugged protected landscape; stay on signed, open routes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest peak in Madeira?
Pico Ruivo is the highest peak in Madeira, at 1,862 metres above sea level. It is reached on foot, most easily by PR1.2 from Achada do Teixeira.
Is Pico do Areeiro higher than Pico Ruivo?
No. Pico do Areeiro is 1,818 metres high, making it Madeira’s third-highest peak. Pico das Torres, at 1,851 metres, is second, while Pico Ruivo is first at 1,862 metres.
Can beginners hike from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo?
Only confident, well-prepared beginners with good fitness should consider the full PR1 route. It involves steep climbs, descents, exposure and tunnels. For an easier alternative, hike PR1.2 from Achada do Teixeira to Pico Ruivo and return the same way.
Do I need to pay to hike Pico Ruivo?
Yes, the official PR routes require advance reservation. In 2026, PR1.2 is covered by the standard €4.50 trail fee for visitors aged over 12, while the full PR1 Areeiro-to-Ruivo route costs €10.50.
Facts and prices verified in September 2026. Before setting out, always confirm the current official trail status and booking requirements, particularly after poor weather. For route-specific planning, see our detailed Pico Ruivo from Achada do Teixeira guide, browse more Madeira hiking and levada guides, and use our advice for hiking in Madeira in autumn when planning a high-mountain day.
