Madeira.Vacations

Achada do Teixeira

The gentle back door to Pico Ruivo, above Santana at 1,590 m.

Paved mountain path leading from Achada do Teixeira towards Pico Ruivo
Photo: anagh · CC BY-SA 3.0

A road-end car park on the northern side of the massif, with a paved 2.8 km path to the island's summit and a rock formation known as Homem em Pé beside it.

The easiest route to the roof of Madeira

Allow 45–60 minutes up and a little less down. The path is paved, steady and railed in the exposed parts. A mountain shelter near the top sells drinks and simple food most days.

Behind the car park, a five-minute path leads to the Homem em Pé basalt columns and a view over the north coast.

Local tips

  • — The drive up from Santana is narrow and steep but paved the whole way.

Guided trips here

Bookable tours that include or focus on this spot.

  • Hikers on a Madeiran mountain ridge above a sea of clouds at sunrise
    7.5 hours Pico do Arieiro

    Pico do Arieiro Sunrise Hike

    Pre-dawn pickup for the ridge walk from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, above a sea of cloud. Demanding, unforgettable, with transport arranged both ways.

    from €50

    Check availability
  • PR1 - Pico Arieiro - Pico Ruivo - Achadas do Teixeira in Madeira
    6.5 hours Pico Ruivo 4.8(103)

    PR1 - Pico Arieiro - Pico Ruivo - Achadas do Teixeira

    The fantastic walk to the hifghest peak you will definitely not want to miss before going back home. On a clear day, or when walking above the clouds, you can take in all the superb views of the highest mountain.

    from €45

    Check availability
  • Real Life, Mountains & Sea Cliffs + Lunch + Levada walk - 6 hours in Madeira
    6 hours Madeira 5.0(72)

    Real Life, Mountains & Sea Cliffs + Lunch + Levada walk - 6 hours

    My full-day tour around the center of the island was designed for people who would like to feel the “Island daily life” and see the REAL Madeira while immersing in the local culture.

    from €385

    Check availability
  • Porto Moniz - Private Full-Day - Safari 4x4 Tour - NorthWest in Madeira
    8 hours Porto Moniz 5.0(61)

    Porto Moniz - Private Full-Day - Safari 4x4 Tour - NorthWest

    The West tour takes you to the lush northwest, full of cliffs, valleys, forests, mountains, waterfalls and cows! Always far from the beaten track. So many experiences, in just one day.

    from €436

    Check availability
  • Private Full-Day - Comfort 4x4 Tour - NorthWest in Madeira
    8 hours Madeira 5.0(30)

    Private Full-Day - Comfort 4x4 Tour - NorthWest

    The West tour takes you to the lush northwest, full of cliffs, valleys, forests, mountains, waterfalls and cows! So many experiences, in just one day: Ancient roads, Levada or walk at Fanal Forest, Swimming and Incredible landscap…

    from €425

    Check availability
  • Madeira PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde Self Guided Santana in Madeira
    8 hours Santana 5.0(26)

    Madeira PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde Self Guided Santana

    Step into a world of misty mountains, moss-covered paths, and ancient greenery on the unforgettable Caldeirão Verde Levada Walk.

    from €28

    Check availability

Stay nearby

Where to base yourself for this part of the island.

Nearby

Within a short drive, so they combine into one day.

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Green cliffs and Atlantic ocean on Madeira's north coast

Itineraries

7 Days in Madeira

A full week, split between a south-coast base and a few nights in the north.

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