Some of Portugal’s highest peaks can be found on the island of Madeira! The summits are known as “Pico Ruivo,” “Pico do Areeiro,” and “Pico das Torres” all have breathtaking panoramas and are considered to be among Madeira Island’s most notable peaks.
 Pico Ruivo
The “Pico Ruivo” is Madeira’s highest peak, standing at an altitude of 1862 meters and making it the third-highest peak in Portugal overall. Only the “Serra da Estrela” at an altitude of 1993 meters in Portugal itself and “Ponta do Pico” at an altitude of 2351 meters in the Azores, are higher. As you might expect, the views are unique, and the feeling of floating above the clouds is hard to explain. Due to the area’s conservation status, cows, goats, and sheep are currently prohibited in the Santana parish.
Don’t forget to bring your binoculars and other gear if you’re coming on a bird-watching vacation. Bird species such as the “Freira da Madeira” (Zino’s Petrel), the “Tentilho da Madeira” (Madeira Chaffinch), the “Bis Bis,” the “Melro Preto” (Blackbird), the “Perdiz Comum” (Common Partridge), and the “Pintarroxo Comum” can be found on Pico Ruivo (Common Linnet). In terms of its plant life, this rocky terrain is characterized by its abundance of heather and mosses.
Pico do Arieiro
The “Pico do Areeiro” is Madeira’s third tallest peak, rising at an elevation of 1818 meters above sea level. It is only slightly lower than that of the Pico Ruivo. This is the mountain that you ought to ascend even if you don’t normally go hiking. It is located near Funchal and is the most easily accessible by car. The view from the peak is breathtaking, and you can see other areas of the island from there as well, such as the Curral das Freiras and the Ponta de Sao Lourenco, as well as Porto Santo Island if the weather is good.
In addition to the unique perspective of this summit, the presence of a viewpoint, a coffee shop, and a gift shop increase the attractiveness of your visit. In addition to it, the Zino’s Petrel Centre may be found at this location (Centro da Freira da Madeira). Due to its elevation, the Pico is blanketed in snow during Madeira’s colder-than-usual winters. As Madeira’s climate is often moderate, it is a rare event, and it has become something of a ritual for islanders to visit the Pico do Areeiro when it does occur.
Pico das Torres
Pico das Torres is renowned for being Madeira’s second-highest mountain at 1851 meters in elevation. It is located between “Pico Ruivo” and “Pico do Arieiro” and is only accessible by the trail that connects the two mountains. As the trail to Pico Ruivo is carved into the rock, it is a must-see for those who enjoy rock climbing.
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