Casa de Abrigo do Pico Ruivo
An essential mountain hut near Pico Ruivo's summit, offering basic stays for hikers seeking incredible sunrise & sunset views. Embrace the adventure!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Casa de Abrigo do Pico Ruivo
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An essential mountain hut near Pico Ruivo's summit, offering basic stays for hikers seeking incredible sunrise & sunset views. Embrace the adventure!
"Best place to stay to see the amazing sunrise and sunset from Pico Ruivo!"
Book Ahead
Rooms are limited (4-5), so booking in advance is essential.
Bring Your Own Food
Only sandwiches are available at high prices; consider bringing your own.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Bar
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunrise & Sunset Views
Witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets from the peak of Madeira Island.
Unique Mountain Hut Stay
Experience an isolated mountain hut stay at Madeira's highest peak, Pico Ruivo.
Essential Hiking Stop
A crucial refueling spot for hikers on challenging mountain trails, offering basic refreshments.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead
Rooms are limited (4-5), so booking in advance is essential.
Bring Your Own Food
Only sandwiches are available at high prices; consider bringing your own.
Pack Warm Layers
It gets cold at night, especially in winter; extra blankets are recommended.
Embrace Basic Amenities
Expect simple facilities like cold showers and limited electricity.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead
Rooms are limited (4-5), so booking in advance is essential.
Bring Your Own Food
Only sandwiches are available at high prices; consider bringing your own.
Pack Warm Layers
It gets cold at night, especially in winter; extra blankets are recommended.
Embrace Basic Amenities
Expect simple facilities like cold showers and limited electricity.
Cash or Revolut
Payment is accepted via cash or Revolut; check availability.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
This mountain refuge offers unparalleled views and a unique isolated experience, making it a highlight for hikers tackling Madeira's highest peak. While the location is praised, some guests find the amenities basic for the price, with cold showers and dated furnishings being common points of critique. However, many feel the stunning sunrises, sunsets, and the adventurous nature of the stay outweigh the drawbacks, especially when managed expectations are set for a remote mountain hut.
"This is a perfect place for hikers. It is right on the Pico Ruivo trail, so you can see amazing sunrises and sunsets.
The rooms are simple but clean and comfortable. We really liked how the staff took care of us – they were friendly and helpful.
If you want to stay in the mountains and enjoy nature, this is a great choice!"
Baiba Abelniece
"I have to say I was very disappointed in the accommodations at this hut. I’ll just camp in a tent next time and save my €30. The showers were cold, every room had a horrid smell of mold as you can see it clearly on the walls in all the rooms which I don’t believe to be safe to breathe in those mold spores. 🥴.
The water was shut off at 9:00PM 🤯 and the lights. The bed was from the early 1900’s along with the mattresses. I have stayed in Refugios all over the world in very remote places where helicopters bring in supplies and this was one of the worst especially for the amount they charge. I would not recommend this place to anyone and I am fairly modifiable. Hopefully all the money they make off the few that do stay in these awful conditions, they will update the rooms and mattresses."
Jill Smith
"Small mountain refuge, 0.5 km before Pico Ruivo. A bar and a paid wc(1 Euro) are on site. No camping allowed."
Alin Zaharia
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Bookings are essential due to limited rooms. Contact them via email or their website for advance reservations.
Expect basic amenities including clean beds, cold showers, and limited electricity. It's a remote mountain hut, so facilities are simple.
Yes, they offer drinks, snacks, and sandwiches, though some guests find them pricey. Bringing your own food is recommended.
The refuge is perfectly located for witnessing stunning sunrises and sunsets directly from Pico Ruivo peak, just a short walk away.
It can get very cold at night during winter. Bringing extra blankets is highly advised.
They accept cash or Revolut. It's advisable to confirm payment methods upon booking.
Mentioned in
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The Top 10 Best Walks In Madeira For Hiking
Madeira is known for its views, and to get the best, you need to go high. That’s exactly where this walk takes you, as it begins with a short ascent to the tallest summit on the island, Pico Ruivo. From here, you’re descending pretty much all the way to the village of Ilha – around five miles away.
Pico Ruivo Mountain, Madeira – PR1.2 hike guide
The PR1.2 starts from the car park at Achada do Teixeira (GPS: 32.764993, -16.920925), this car park is large and free, but is a long mountainous drive up to it. The road to Achada do Teixeira (the ER218) begins in Santana, and it is a 9km (16min) drive from the town.
PR1 Vereda do Areeiro Hiking Trail in Madeira Island
Near the Pico Ruivo shelter near Pico Ruivo Viewpoint (1861 m), you will find footpath PR 1.2, which leads to Achada do Teixeira.
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