1400m – 1862m
Summit Zone (Above the Clouds)
Above 1,400m. The high peaks of Madeira punch through the cloud deck into clear, dry air. Cold, windy, and exposed. Sunrise here is unforgettable.
Trails
10
In this elevation band
Temperature
2°C – 12°C
Typical range
Wind
25–70 km/h
Gusts possible
Fog Risk
Low
Cloud immersion
Current conditions in this zone
3 hikeable7 caution
What defines this altitude band
- Often in clear sunshine while everything below is in fog
- Wind gusts above 65 km/h are common, especially winter months
- Temperature can drop to 2°C at Pico do Areeiro even in summer mornings
- Sunrise arrives about 6 minutes earlier here than at sea level in Funchal
- Exposed ridge traverses with steep drops on both sides
Vegetation: Alpine heath, grass, exposed rock, lichens
Trails at 1400–1862m
PR1
Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo
1862m·7 km·4.5h
RESTRICTEDPR1.1
Pico Ruivo to Ilha
1862m·8.2 km·3.5h
OPENPR1.2
Achada do Teixeira to Pico Ruivo
1862m·5.6 km·2h
OPENPR1.3
Pico Ruivo to Encumeada Pass
1862m·11.2 km·6h
RESTRICTEDPR3
Pico do Areeiro to Ribeira das Cales
1818m·6.7 km·2.5h
OPENPR4
Poço da Neve to Barreiro
1600m·6.7 km·2.5h
OPENPR13
Paul da Serra to Ancient Fanal Forest
1420m·10.8 km·4h
OPENPR17
Lombo do Mouro to Encumeada
1440m·15 km·6.5h
OPENPR6.5
Paul da Serra to 25 Fontes
1420m·3.8 km·2h
OPENPR27
Bica da Cana to ER 105
1560m·4.6 km·2.5h
OPENLive webcams in this zone
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Data source and methodology
Temperature and wind values are based on the standard environmental lapse rate (-6.5°C per 1,000m altitude change). Cloud deck height is derived from local weather stations and live webcam views. Official access status is synchronized with official notices.