Explained of New Hiking Rules in 2026
From 2026, visiting Madeira’s classified walking routes requires advance online registration and timed booking.
The Instituto das Florestas e Conservação da Natureza (IFCN), in partnership with the Universidade da Madeira, has introduced a new visitor management system for all Classified Pedestrian Routes (PR trails) under its authority. The aim is to improve conservation, reduce overcrowding and enhance safety across Madeira’s most popular natural attractions.
This is not simply a price update — it is a structural change in how access to PR walking routes is managed.
What Exactly Is Changing in 2026?
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Visitor capacity is limited per trail
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Entry is divided into 30-minute time slots from sunrise to sunset
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Mandatory pre-registration applies to all visitors, regardless of age
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Booking and payment must be completed online via the official SIMplifica portal
These rules apply only to Classified PR trails managed or regulated by IFCN. They do not apply to informal or non-classified levadas outside the PR network.
The objective is clear: protect Madeira’s fragile ecosystems, prevent congestion and manage visitor flow more effectively.
Step-by-Step: How to Register, Book and Pay
Here is a clear guide for travellers’ convenience:
Step 1: Check if Your Trail Is a Classified PR Route
Visit the official IFCN website (ifcn.madeira.gov.pt) and confirm whether your chosen walk is part of the Classified PR network.
Step 2: Access the SIMplifica Portal
All reservations are processed via the official “SIMplifica” platform.
Step 3: Register All Visitors
Every visitor must be registered individually – including children and Madeira residents.
Step 4: Select Your Trail and Time Slot
Choose your preferred PR route and select one of the available 30-minute entry slots.
Step 5: Pay the Access Fee
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Standard PR trails: €4.50 per person
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PR1 – Vereda do Areeiro (after full reopening in April 2026): €10.50 per person
Payment is made at the time of booking.
Step 6: Keep Confirmation
Carry your digital confirmation when visiting the trail.
Simple – but essential. Without registration, access may be refused.
Important Note: PR1 – Vereda do Areeiro
PR1 – Vereda do Areeiro remains partially closed due to safety works, with full reopening scheduled for April 2026.
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Until reopening: the section to Miradouro da Pedra Rija costs €4.50
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After reopening: access will increase to €10.50
Given its popularity for sunrise hikes above the clouds, early booking will be advisable.
What About Madeira Residents?
Residents of the Autonomous Region of Madeira benefit from free access, but registration and time-slot booking remain mandatory for capacity control and safety management.
Rebooking & Refund Policy
Rebooking or full refunds apply only if access restrictions are imposed by IFCN.
In such cases:
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Visitors must request rescheduling or refund
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The request must be submitted within 10 working days of the original booking date
For clarification, visitors can contact IFCN directly via:
SIMplifica support:
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+351 926 155 465 (WhatsApp)
Why This Matters for Travellers Planning Scenic Drives
Madeira’s hiking network spans mountainous terrain, often far from major bus routes. Many visitors combine scenic drives with PR trail walks — especially around Pico do Areeiro, Santana and the north coast.
This raises a practical question: what happens if you arrive at a trailhead without a confirmed time slot?
Planning ahead is now essential. If you don’t have digital confirmation of your reservation, you may not be allowed on the route.
For travellers collecting car hire at Madeira airport, having independent mobility makes it easier to align driving routes with your booked hiking time slots. The best choice for Madeira’s mountain roads are cars with automatic transmission, particularly when accessing elevated trailheads.
As a local provider, Girassol.Rent supports visitors exploring PR routes with:
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Convenient airport pickup
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Flexible rental durations for hiking-focused itineraries
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A best car selection suitable for mountain access roads
The role is not to oversell – but to ensure visitors can combine responsible hiking with efficient island travel.
Practical Tips for 2026 Visitors
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Book popular trails several days in advance during high season
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Align your driving time with your allocated 30-minute entry slot
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Save digital confirmations offline in case of poor signal in mountain areas
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Check weather forecasts before finalising your booking
With Madeira continuing to position itself as a sustainable tourism destination, this new system represents a shift toward better-managed natural tourism rather than a simple fee adjustment.
