Planning Hikes in Madeira: What You Need to Know Today
Today’s overview focuses exclusively on official data from the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN) regarding trail management, fees, and safety. Careful planning in Madeira is now more important than ever.
New €3 Fee for Accessing PR Trails
Since the beginning of 2026, a new fee system applies to all official hiking trails (designated as PR). It’s important to factor this into your budget and planning.
- Who does this affect? All non-resident tourists. Children under 12 and individuals with a disability rating of 60% or more, along with their companions, are exempt.
- What does this mean in practice? Before starting any PR trail (e.g., Levada das 25 Fontes, Vereda do Areeiro, etc.), you must pay a fee of €3.00 per person. This means spontaneous hikes now require some administrative preparation.
- What do we recommend? Pay the fee in advance online via the Simplifica portal. This will help you avoid unnecessary complications and potential refusal of entry to the trail. Save the proof of payment on your phone.
Current Status of the Most Popular Trails
Before every hike, check the current status of the trail. The following restrictions are in effect today:
PR 1 Vereda do Areeiro (Pico do Areeiro ↔ Pico Ruivo) – Partially Closed
Madeira’s most famous ridgeline trail between its two highest peaks is significantly restricted for safety reasons.
- Who does this affect? Anyone planning to hike between Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo.
- What does this mean in practice? A full traverse of the trail is NOT POSSIBLE. The eastern section via Pico das Torres is completely closed. From Pico do Areeiro, you can only go as far as the Miradouro da Pedra Rija viewpoint (approx. 1.2 km) and then you must turn back.
- What do we recommend? If you want to summit Madeira’s highest peak, Pico Ruivo (1862 m), choose the easier and fully open PR 1.2 Vereda do Pico Ruivo trail from the Achada do Teixeira car park. The connecting PR 1.1 Vereda da Ilha trail is also open.
Other Closed Trails
The IFCN reports the complete closure of two other trails on Madeira and Porto Santo.
- PR 5 Vereda das Funduras (Portela – Maroços section): This trail is temporarily closed due to a dangerous landslide. Do not risk entering; this is for your own safety.
- PR 3 Levada do Pico do Castelo (Porto Santo island): This trail is completely inaccessible due to extensive renovation work.
Alternative Tip: For a great and currently safe alternative, we recommend trails in the Rabaçal area (e.g., PR 6 and PR 6.1), where no restrictions are currently reported.