If you stay in Madeira, you should definitely hike to Pico Ruivo in good weather, the views are gigantic! For more alpine tours, the hike from Encumeada Pass to Pico Ruivo is ideal, we hiked it in February 2017, absolutely fantastic!

However, depending on the season, you should pay attention to the temperature differences in the altitude, it can happen that in Funchal people splash around in the sea, while in the mountains there are icy temperatures (at least at night). We found puddles still frozen over in the morning.

The Pico Ruivo is with 1862 meters the highest mountain of the island. You should be sure-footed. The path from Achada do Teixeira is steep and tiring for recreational hikers. But it's worth it. The view is sensational.

Good condition required, since many stairs have to be mastered. Pack enough to drink, there is no possibility for shopping on the route.