PICO RUIVO
-
to Santana or Faial, then
taxi to Achada do Teixeira, then walk.
Madeira’s highest mountain at 1,861 m (6,105 ft), Pico Ruivo is only accessible
on foot. The easiest way to scale its heights is via a well signposted footpath
which begins at the village of Achada do Teixeira and leads visitors on a
45-minute walk to the top.
Alternatively, follow the walk from the top of Pico do Arieiro along one of the
island’s most spectacular footpaths. Awe-inspiring mountain scenery and glorious
views can be enjoyed all along the 10-km (6-mile) walk. This takes two to three
hours and is really only suitable for experienced, well-equipped walkers.
Vertigo sufferers should not attempt the path, as it involves negotiating narrow
ridges with sheer drops on either side.
Panoramic view of the mountains from the Pico Ruivo summit
Madeira possesses a unique irrigation system that enables the plentiful
rainfall of the north of the island to be distributed to the drier, sunny
south. Rainfall is stored in reservoirs and lakes, or channelled from
natural springs, and fed into the network of levadas that
ring the island. These narrow channels carry water long distances to banana
groves, vineyards and market gardens. Altogether there are 2,150 km (1,335
miles) of canals, some dating back to the 1500s. Maintenance paths run
alongside the levadas, providing a network of footpaths
reaching into remote parts of the island inaccessible by road.
