Portugal's third highest point is located on the island of Madeira. It is, of course, an iconic place whose views enjoy unparalleled amplitude. Situated at an altitude of 1862 metres, Pico Ruivo is, therefore, a place to visit foreseeing some time for contemplation.
Located in the municipality of Santana, it is possible to reach the summit via the Vereda do Pico Ruivo, a hiking trail which takes an hour and a half. The viewpoint that can be found on this peak allows you to see a multitude of different places. It thus makes it possible, for example, to observe the picturesque parish of Curral das Freiras, surrounded by green mountains, the municipality of Câmara de Lobos, the various 'achadas' of Santana or the impressive depth of the Ribeira Grande and São Jorge valleys. On days with good visibility, it may even be possible to see the island of Porto Santo and the group of Desertas Islands.
Being the highest point of the archipelago, the flora of Pico Ruivo is mainly composed of high-altitude heath. It is, however, the rock formations of monumental proportions that dominate the landscape (and recurrently rise above the clouds).
In addition, birds such as the firecrest (Regulus ignicapus madeirensis), the chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) or the linnet (Linaria cannabina), for example, can often be found here.
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At an altitude of 1862 metres, Pico Ruivo is the highest point of the archipelago of Madeira and the third highest in Portugal. The amplitude of its view is therefore unparalleled.
