New Madeira Hiking Rules from 2026

Planning to go hiking in Madeira? You may have already heard that from 1 January 2026, new rules apply to the island's popular PR hiking trails. This means you'll need to take time slots, online reservations and, in some cases, entrance fees into account.

In this guide, we explain exactly what you need to know, which hiking trails are affected, and how to reserve your spot. That way, you'll be fully prepared and can enjoy your hike without any surprises.

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🥾 What's changing?

Madeira is introducing these changes because some hiking trails receive thousands of visitors every day. The new regulations are designed to protect nature, spread visitor numbers throughout the day and ensure everyone can enjoy the trails safely.

From 2026, the following changes will apply:

• You must reserve a time slot in advance.
• Many popular trails require a paid entrance ticket.
• All reservations must be made through the official SIMplifica platform.
• The rules apply to all official PR hiking trails in Madeira.

If you mainly hike outside the official PR trails, you'll still find plenty of beautiful walks that remain free to access.

Our tip: Reserve popular hikes as soon as you've planned your trip. During holidays and peak season, the best time slots fill up quickly.

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🗺️ Which hiking trails require payment?

Many hiking trails remain free, but a large number of the most popular PR routes now require an entrance fee. These fees help fund trail maintenance, visitor safety and the protection of Madeira's unique natural environment.

The new rules apply to popular hikes including:

Children up to and including 12 years old are generally exempt from the entrance fee, although some trails still require a reservation.

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⏰ Important: the 48-hour payment rule

Have you reserved a hike? Make sure you complete your payment on time.

👉 If you don't pay in time, your reservation will be cancelled automatically.

👉 This happens 48 hours before your scheduled hike.

Reserve your hike first, complete the payment immediately and keep your confirmation safe. Otherwise, your reservation will expire and you'll have to book again, provided there's still availability.

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📲 How do you reserve a time slot?

All reservations are made through SIMplifica, the official reservation platform of the Madeira Regional Government. There you can easily choose your preferred hiking trail, date and time slot.

Here's how it works:

1. Visit the official SIMplifica-portal .
2. Log in or create a free account.
3. Select the hiking trail you'd like to do.
4. Choose your preferred date and available time slot.
5. Pay the entrance fee if required.
6. You'll receive a digital confirmation to show during your hike.

For popular routes such as Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo, it's advisable to book as early as possible. Reservations usually open 30 days before your hiking date.

Our tip: Always take a screenshot of your reservation. Mobile reception isn't available everywhere in the mountains, so you'll always have your ticket with you.

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💶 How much do the hiking trails cost from 2026?

From 1 January 2026, new entrance fees apply to many official PR hiking trails in Madeira.

• General visitors: from €4.50 per person.
• PR1 – Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo: €10.50 for visitors without an IFCN protocol.
• Children up to and including 12 years old are generally exempt from payment, although some trails still require a reservation. Residents of Madeira are exempt from both payment and reservations.

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💡 Helpful tips for hiking in Madeira

With the new rules, planning ahead is more important than ever. Fortunately, these simple tips will help you avoid stress and make the most of Madeira's incredible hiking trails.

📅 Book early: Reserve your hikes as soon as bookings open. Popular trails such as PR1 and PR8 can sell out quickly during peak season.

📱 Save a screenshot: Mobile reception is limited in many mountain areas. Keep a screenshot of your reservation so you can access it offline.

🌄 Start early: Begin your hike in the morning to enjoy cooler temperatures, quieter trails and the best views.

🌿 Respect nature: Stay on marked trails and never leave rubbish behind. These new rules were introduced to help preserve Madeira's unique landscapes.

🥾 Prefer a guided hike? Many local guides also arrange the reservation for you, allowing you to simply enjoy the experience.

Our tip: Staying at Calheta Suites? We'd be happy to recommend the best hiking trails based on your experience level and help plan your hiking holiday in Madeira.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to reserve every hike in Madeira?

No. The new rules mainly apply to official PR hiking trails. Many other walks around Madeira remain freely accessible.

When can I reserve a hiking trail?

Most hiking trails can be booked approximately 30 days before your chosen hiking date.

What happens if I don't pay on time?

If payment isn't completed at least 48 hours before your hike, your reservation will be cancelled automatically.

Are children free?

Children up to and including 12 years old are exempt from payment on many hiking trails. However, some routes still require a reservation.

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Ready for your Madeira adventure?

Our comprehensive Madeira travel guides include the island's best hikes, attractions, restaurants, practical travel tips and complete itineraries. Everything you need to make the most of your holiday in Madeira.

View our Madeira Travel Guides

Last updated: January 2026. We regularly review this information, but for the latest rules and prices we recommend checking the official SIMplifica platform.