Is Pico Ruivo open today?

Book it. PR1.2 on SIMplifica

This is the short route to the summit, and a sunrise favourite, so slots go fast.

1. Book your €4.50 slot on SIMplifica in advance, in a 30-minute window. Under-12s are free but must be on the booking.
2. Sunrise slots go first. If you want the summit at dawn, book early and expect company; mid-morning is quieter.
3. Coming off PR1? If you cross from Pico do Areeiro on PR1, you finish above here — see getting back from PR1.

Getting there. Achada do Teixeira

The walk starts at the Achada do Teixeira car park, high above Santana on the north side — about an hour's drive from Funchal.

• Drive to the Achada do Teixeira car park (this is also where PR1 finishes). There's a shelter and a viewpoint; parking is limited at sunrise.
• From the car park, a built stone path climbs steadily to the Pico Ruivo mountain shelter (Casa de Abrigo), then a short final push to the 1,862 m summit — Madeira's highest point.
• It's the easiest way to the top: no exposed ridge, just a steady paved climb of roughly 200 m of ascent.

Closed or full? Your options

If IFCN closes PR1.2 (weather, works) or you can't get a slot:

• Reschedule via the SIMplifica call centre before your date — date/time freely, another trail only if yours was officially closed.
• Open alternatives: check the live board — Caldeirão Verde (PR9) and Balcões (PR11) are usually available.

Three things people find out too late

• Summit weather ≠ Funchal weather. At 1,862 m it can be cold, windy and in cloud while the coast is sunny — you may be above a sea of clouds, or in one. Bring a warm layer and check the live status.
• It's a climb, not a stroll. The stone path gains height steadily to the shelter; easy underfoot but a proper uphill, especially at altitude.
• Nothing's open up there. The shelter is basic — no shop or reliable signal. Carry water, snacks and a headtorch for a dark start.