
Travel guide to the top of Achada do Teixeira
Portugal, europe
9.6 km
1,593 m
moderate
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk about Achada do Teixeira, a seriously cool plateau way up in the Madeira mountains! We're talking 1,593 meters (that's 5,226 feet!) above sea level.
So, how do you get to this incredible spot? Head to Santana, on the north central side of the island. From there, it's about 9.6 kilometers (or nearly 6 miles) uphill on a fully paved road. Easy peasy, right? Well…
Hold on to your hats, because this climb is STEEP. We're talking gradients hitting a whopping 21% in places! You'll gain 1,083 meters in elevation over those 9.6 kilometers, making for an average gradient of around 11%. Prepare for a workout for your car (and maybe your nerves!).
The drive itself should take between 20 and 30 minutes, give or take. But trust me, you'll want to factor in extra time. There are viewpoints galore along the way, offering absolutely stunning scenery. Once you reach the top, you'll find refuge huts and a parking area. And the best part? Achada do Teixeira is the starting point for the hike up to Pico Ruivo, the island's highest peak at 1,862 meters. So, pack your hiking boots and get ready for some unforgettable views!
Where is it?
Travel guide to the top of Achada do Teixeira is located in Portugal (europe). Coordinates: 39.4821, -8.8394
Road Details
- Country
- Portugal
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 9.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,593 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 39.4821, -8.8394
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