Overview
The Madeira Archipelago is situated between latitude 32º22’20" and 33º7’50" with its longitude between 16º16’30W and 17º16’38"W. The island of Madeira has a surface area of 459 square miles (741 km2), (35 miles long and 13 miles wide). The island is 310 miles from the African coast and 620 miles from the European continent, which is the equivalent of a 1 hour 30 minute flight from Lisbon. The archipelago, discovered by the Portuguese in 1418, is made up of the islands of Madeira, Porto Santo and the uninhabited islands of Selvagens and Desertas.
The Summit of Pico das Torres is rugged with lots of needles and spires. There is no hiking trail up to the summit. You need to climb and you should climb it with someone who climbed it before, since there are no professional guides in the island. I climbed this mountain 2 times.
Getting There
Madeira can be reached from any of the major European airports. There are some charter flights that flight directly to the island. Or you can flight to Lisbon first and after 1 hour 30 minute flight you will land in Madeira International Airport.
To climb Pico das Torres you should go by car to Pico do Areeiro, Madeira's third highest mountain. Here you will find a parking lot, a bar and souvenir shops. It serves as base for a very nice hiking trail to Pico Ruivo (the highest mountain of Madeira). From now on, forget the car! You will only see it again after 6 hours!
Red Tape
No permits or parking fees needed
When To Climb
You can climb this mountain all the year. Gloves recommended, warm clothing and wind protection are essential in winter
Camping
You are not aloud to camp in the area. Camping only with a special permission from Ecological Park of Funchal. But there’s no need for camping.
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