Major Changes on the Ridge Trail: PR1 is Now One-Way and Open Only on Weekends
The island’s most famous and dramatic hike, the traverse between Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo, is undergoing a major transformation. Due to extensive construction work, new, strict rules are in place that change planning logistics.
Who is affected?
All hikers planning to take the PR1 – Vereda do Areeiro trail.
What does this mean in practice?
- Limited Access: The trail is open to the public ONLY from Friday to Sunday. It is completely closed from Monday to Thursday for construction work.
- One-Way Direction: The hike is now permitted only in one direction, from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo. Returning the same way is not possible.
- Transport Required: You must arrange for transportation from the end of the trail, most commonly from the Achada do Teixeira car park, which is the descent point from Pico Ruivo.
What we recommend:
Plan your hike exclusively for the weekend (Friday, Saturday, or Sunday). Arrange for a taxi, a transfer service, or ask friends to pick you up at Achada do Teixeira. Without pre-arranged transport, you will not be able to get back to your car at Pico do Areeiro from the trail’s end.
Levada “Tickets”: New Fee and Booking System
Madeira has introduced a fee system for selected hiking trails (PRs). Payment is made online and must be completed in advance.
Who is affected?
All visitors planning to hike on officially marked trails (PRs). Children under 12 and island residents are exempt.
What does this mean in practice?
Before each hike on a fee-based trail, you must purchase an online “ticket” through the government’s Simplifica portal. If you are planning multiple hikes, the system will automatically offer you a more economical multi-day rate.
What we recommend:
Don’t leave your purchase until the last minute. Plan your routes the evening before your hike and buy the permit online. Add all planned hikes to your cart at once – the system will automatically calculate the best price (e.g., a 3-day or 7-day pass).
Trail Status Overview: What’s Open and What to Avoid
The Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN) regularly updates the status of hiking trails. Here is today’s overview of the most important changes.
Good News: Reopened and Improved
- PR 16 – Levada Fajã do Rodrigues: This beautiful and less crowded levada is once again fully operational.
- PR 6 – Levada das 25 Fontes: Thanks to a new “bypass,” the trail is now a one-way loop. You walk along the levada on the way out and return via the bypass, significantly reducing the previous congestion in narrow sections.
Warning: Still Closed
Several very popular trails remain out of service due to maintenance or dangerous conditions. These include:
- PR 9 – Levada do Caldeirão Verde
- PR 1.3 – Vereda da Encumeada
- PR 10 – Levada do Furado
- PR 3 – Vereda do Pico do Castelo (Porto Santo)
What we recommend:
Before every hike, check the current status on the official IFCN website. As an alternative to the closed PR 9 (Caldeirão Verde), try the newly reopened PR 16 (Fajã do Rodrigues).