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.
Getting there and back
Which route
Where to board
Boarding reference: Funchal. Select a journey that names Santana; check the route page for the correct direction and any branch notes. The town name alone does not identify a boarding bay.
From the stop
Santana → Achada do Teixeira — PR1.2. The bus reaches the named town only. Arrange a taxi or tour transfer to the destination and a pickup back to the bus stop; do not treat the remaining road as a verified walking connection.
The way back
Agree the pickup location and return transport before starting. Leave room for the road transfer before your chosen bus; a through ticket or guaranteed connection is not established. Choose the last usable return on the route page before leaving. Use its dated timetable where available, otherwise its linked SIGA sheet. Match the day, direction and stop; a departure from the terminus is not a departure from your stop.
Good to know
- Agree the pickup location and return transport before starting. Leave room for the road transfer before your chosen bus; a through ticket or guaranteed connection is not established.
- The bus sources name stops, but do not establish a step-free walking route or the entrance location. Check the final approach and the return boarding point before leaving the bus.
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 (1,861m) 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).
