A Quiet Day on the Island, Focus on the Trails
It’s a calm day in Madeira, with no major incidents reported that would disrupt your travel plans. The main focus is on new tourism regulations and the current status of the most popular mountain trails.
New Reservation and Fee System for PR Trails
The most important news for all hiking enthusiasts is the introduction of a new system for accessing the official recommended trails (PR). The goal is to protect the natural environment from overuse and enhance visitor safety.
Who is affected?
All tourists planning to hike any of the official “Percursos Pedestres Classificados” (PR) trails.
What does this mean in practice?
- Mandatory Reservation: Before starting your hike, you must book a specific time slot through the government’s SIMplifica portal. Spontaneous trips on these trails are no longer possible.
- Entrance Fee: There is a fee for entry. The only exceptions are for children under 12 and island residents (though they must still make a free reservation).
What we recommend:
Plan your hikes in advance. Make your reservation on the SIMplifica portal at least one day beforehand, and even earlier for the most popular trails. You can find the link to the reservation portal on the official website of the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN).
Current Trail Status: Warning for PR 1 Vereda do Areeiro
Madeira’s most famous ridge walk between its two highest peaks is only partially accessible today. Check your plans before you set out.
Who is affected?
Anyone planning to hike between Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo.
What does this mean in practice?
The PR 1 Vereda do Areeiro trail is partially closed. From the summit of Pico do Areeiro, you can only go as far as the Miradouro da Pedra Rija viewpoint, which is approximately 1.2 km away. The section across Pico das Torres towards Pico Ruivo is impassable. A full traverse from Areeiro to Ruivo is not possible today.
What we recommend:
If you want to summit Madeira’s highest mountain, Pico Ruivo, choose an alternative route. The PR 1.2 Vereda do Pico Ruivo trail, which starts from the Achada do Teixeira car park, is fully open and easily accessible. This is a significantly easier and shorter ascent. The PR 1.1 Vereda da Ilha access trail is also open.