Achada do Teixeira, located in the municipality of Santana, is one of the most important high-altitude plateau areas in Madeira. Sitting at 1,592 meters, it serves as the gateway to Pico Ruivo, the island's highest point.

How to Get to Achada do Teixeira by Bus

There is no direct public bus service that goes all the way up to Achada do Teixeira. To reach it, you must first take a bus to Santana and then use the local Santana shuttle or a taxi for the final 10km mountain ascent.

Funchal ↔ Santana (via mountains)

The fastest way to reach Santana center from Funchal. From Santana, catch a taxi to the trailhead.

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Funchal ↔ Santana

Regional route passing through Ribeiro Frio. Allows for a scenic approach to the northern mountains.

Main Attractions

Pico Ruivo Trail (PR1.2): The most popular hike from here is the PR1.2. It's an accessible 2.8km walk (about 1.5 hours) that takes you to the summit of Pico Ruivo (1,862m) for breathtaking 360-degree views above the clouds.

Homem em Pé: Near the parking area, look for the unique rock formation called "Homem em Pé" (Standing Man), a natural basalt column shaped by centuries of erosion.

Mountain Hut: There is a mountain hut near the summit of Pico Ruivo where hikers can rest and refill water (check current status locally).