When most people think of Madeira, they conjure up images of levada walks and unique hikes through stunning landscapes. But there's a dimension of Madeira that takes exploration to an entirely new level: climbing and mountaineering. I've had the privilege of scaling peaks like Pico das Torres and Pico do Cidrão, and let me tell you, it's a whole other world from the hiking trails of Madeira.
While trekking lets you walk through nature, climbing these peaks allows you to become a part of it, to challenge it, to bond with it. Scaling Pico das Torres and Pico do Cidrão offered me not just panoramic views, but a deeper sense of adventure, pushing me beyond my limits and enveloping me in Madeira's wild embrace. It's a pursuit for those who seek more than just trails, for those who want to push their limits with a new form of adventure in Madeira.
Venturing beyond regular trails and diving into mountaineering is no trivial choice. This discipline demands notable stamina, resilience, and physical strength. A comprehensive list of equipment, including helmets, harnesses, ropes, carabiners, and gloves, is essential for the journey. Above all, teaming up with a seasoned mountaineering guide is crucial. They'll navigate the routes, impart essential techniques, and ensure your safety throughout the climb.
I had the incredible opportunity to team up with the renowned local expert, Goncalo Silva. Though Goncalo hails from Madeira, his mountaineering journey has taken him across the globe, including extensive climbs in the Alps from his base in Chamonix. Yet, it's his deep-rooted passion for Madeira that truly stands out. He guided me on multiple expeditions into the off-beat paths of the island's central massif, showcasing his love for his homeland.
Pico das Torres
The first adventure we tackled was the formidable Pico das Torres, at an elevation of more than 1,800 meters above sea level. On this particular journey, rather than sticking to familiar trails, I ventured along the less-charted paths of Madeira, led by Gonçalo. He introduced me to many ancient trails, which were once frequented by cattle herders.
The ascent was deceptive. At first glance, the trails appeared perilously steep, but as we progressed, they seemed less intimidating. Our journey led us to a small waterfall, against which stood a rock wall, a relic from the past used by herders. Climbing further, the difficulty increased as we scrambled over a big rock wall . The weather added to the atmosphere with clouds setting a dramatic backdrop, enhancing the thrill of our climb.
After climbing up through the wall, we were greeted by uniquely red rock formations. The rich, earthy tones of the rocks stood in stark contrast to the invasive grasses around. The culmination of our climb was the ascent to Pico das Torres through narrow chasms and giant rock archways.
After several hours of mountaineering and scrambling, we had made it to the summit of Pico das Torres. The scenes from the summit were unparalleled, offering panoramic views of Madeira Island. Standing there, it felt surreal knowing that few have stood atop this mighty peak, making our journey incredibly special.
Pico do Cidrão
Pico do Cidrão, often referred to as ‘Table-top Peak’ is located west of Pico do Areeiro. The ascent to Pico do Cidrão is steep and exposed, albeit not overly difficult. The climb involves navigating rough steps carved into the mountain's soft rock. Due to its hidden starting point, few adventurers attempt this climb, despite the peak's prominence on the island. Viewed from Pico do Areeiro, Pico do Cidrão resembles a tabletop mountain with impressive facades.
To reach Pico do Cidrão, we started at Pico do Areeiro, Madeira's third-highest summit. We took the regular ‘Pico to Pico’ path towards Pico Ruivo until arriving at the base of Pico do Cidrão. At this point, the trail is comprised of rugged stairs carved from soft rock, and it transforms into a narrow pathway. We climbed our way up the wall and then tackled a short chimney climb, followed by stairs leading to a ledge and the summit ridge. The final stretch involves a brief yet challenging 4m scramble, classified as UIAA II+, to reach the summit plateau. The entire journey from Pico do Areeiro to Pico do Cidrão is achievable in under an hour.
At the summit of Pico do Cidrão, you are treated to an incredible sight. Not only do you feel on top of the entire island, but you can see all of the tiny hikers below. Interestingly, none of the hikers even think to look up that high to spot you. If any of them do catch a glimpse of you, they are bewildered as to how you reached such a point.
I loved sitting atop Pico do Cidrão, taking in the views across Madeira’s Central Massif. We had a beautifully clear day, which exposed all of the peaks, trails, and valleys in the region. One of the best parts of the Pico do Cidrão expedition was the journey down from the summit. Instead of retracing our steps, we decided to go for a more adventurous route down from the peak. Goncalo showed his mountaineering prowess by setting up a series of abseils down the steep walls of the mountain.
It was an adrenaline-raising experience to lean back over the edge and put all your trust into the ropes. We slowly abseiled and lowered ourselves down section by section before navigating an old shepherd's path back to the regular ‘Pico to Pico’ trail.
Climbing in the central massif of Madeira is one of the best ways to have an adrenaline-filled day on the island. By teaming up with an experienced local like Goncalo, you will hear stories and learn invaluable lessons about both climbing and the history of Madeira. I love hiking on Madeira, but these two climbing experiences took my adventures on this beautiful island to a whole new level.
I loved sitting atop Pico do Cidrão, taking in the views across Madeira’s Central Massif. We had a beautifully clear day, which exposed all of the peaks, trails, and valleys in the region. One of the best parts of the Pico do Cidrão expedition was the journey down from the summit. Instead of retracing our steps, we decided to go for a more adventurous route down from the peak. Goncalo showed his mountaineering prowess by setting up a series of abseils down the steep walls of the mountain.
It was an adrenaline-raising experience to lean back over the edge and put all your trust into the ropes. We slowly abseiled and lowered ourselves down section by section before navigating an old shepherd's path back to the regular ‘Pico to Pico’ trail.
Climbing in the central massif of Madeira is one of the best ways to have an adrenaline-filled day on the island. By teaming up with an experienced local like Goncalo, you will hear stories and learn invaluable lessons about both climbing and the history of Madeira. I love hiking on Madeira, but these two climbing experiences took my adventures on this beautiful island to a whole new level.
Jackson Groves
Recommendation:
Recommendation:
To guarantee a safe and rewarding climbing experience, it is highly recommended that you use the services of a tour operator specialising in climbing. These companies have experienced and trained guides who know the specific challenges of each location, the appropriate techniques and the equipment needed to guarantee the safety of the participants.
