Pico Ruivo

At 1,862 metres, Pico Ruivo is the highest point on Madeira – and on a clear day, the views from the summit are pretty incredible. From the platform at the top, you can look across Madeira’s central mountain massif, towards the deep valleys and green northern slopes, and sometimes all the way to the Atlantic. One of the most impressive experiences here is when the clouds sit below the peaks, leaving the mountains rising above a sea of white. But conditions can change quickly, and a clear view is never guaranteed. Even when it feels warm and sunny down by the coast, it can be cold, windy or completely covered in cloud up here, so always bring a warm or windproof layer. Pico Ruivo is reached by several hiking routes, including the shorter PR1.2 from Achada do Teixeira. That also means you’re unlikely to have the summit to yourself, especially on days with good weather. If the clouds cooperate, take your time once you reach the top. After the climb, this is definitely not a place you need to rush away from.