Pico Ruivo

Pico Ruivo is the highest peak on Madeira Island and the third highest in Portugal, standing at 1,861 metres. It offers panoramic views of the island, from the green mountains surrounding Curral das Freiras to the Ribeira Grande and São Jorge valleys. On days with clear visibility, Pico Ruivo also offers sweeping views of Porto Santo Island and the Desertas Islands. The area is primarily surrounded by high-altitude heath and monumental rock formations, which often rise above the clouds, dominating the landscape. The region is home to several bird species, including the Madeira firecrest, the chaffinch, and the linnet. Visitors can access the peak via several hiking trails, including the Vereda do Pico Ruivo, which takes about 1.5 hours to complete, and the Vereda do Areeiro, which connects three of Madeira's highest peaks