2. Important Updates 2026

1. PR1 Vereda do Areeiro – Partial Closure & Important Updates

The PR1 Vereda do Areeiro trail, one of Madeira’s most famous hikes, remains partially closed due to ongoing safety concerns following last year’s wildfires.

What’s Closed?

The section between Miradouro da Pedra Rija and Pico Ruivo is still closed, and there is no official reopening date at this time.

What’s Open & Why You Should Go Anyway!

The first section of the trail (Pico do Areeiro to Miradouro da Pedra Rija – 1.2 km) is fully open and offers some of the most breathtaking views in Madeira. Though the full trail remains closed, this shorter section is absolutely worth it—you’ll still experience the unreal scenery that makes PR1 famous, including the iconic Stairway to Heaven.

Entrance Fee: Since January 2025, a €3 entry fee applies to this trail, payable via Simplifica Madeira.

Alternative Route to Pico Ruivo

If reaching Pico Ruivo (1,862m) is your goal, you can still hike there via PR1.2 from Achada do Teixeira. This is a shorter and easier trail, making it a great alternative. However, we highly recommend also visiting Pico do Areeiro, as it’s one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in Madeira.

📌 Stay updated on trail conditions: IFCN Madeira

2. New Hiking Rules in Madeira from January 2026

From 1 January 2026, Madeira is introducing a new system for accessing its

official hiking trails. All visitors planning to walk any of the island’s classified

routes – from levadas to high mountain paths – will need to book their visit in

advance and pay a hiking access fee.

✅ What’s New?

Mandatory registration for all official walking routes (PR routes).

Advance booking of a 30-minute time slot is required before entering a trail.

A small access fee is charged for most trails.

💶 How Much Does It Cost?

4.5 € per person for individual visitors or tour operators without an agreement

with local authorities.

€3 € per person when visiting with a certified guide or operator registered with

IFCN (the regional nature conservation body).

Free access applies to:

Residents of Madeira,

Children under 12,

People with a recognised disability (over 60%).

Special pricing applies to the PR1 trail (Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo) once it

reopens fully in April 2026:

10.5 € per person (standard rate),

€7 € per person (with approved guide).

🕒 Booking Process

All reservations are made through the official SIMplifica platform, available online.

To book:

1. Create an account on the SIMplifica website.

2. Select your preferred trail and date.

3. Choose a 30-minute time slot for starting your walk.

4. Confirm and pay online.

5. Save the digital ticket (printed or on your phone) for trail access.

Each visitor must register, including children and residents. Local residents are exempt from payment but still need to book a time slot.

📋 Important Notes

• Time slots are strictly enforced – you should start your walk within the selected 30-minute window.

• Group bookings are possible through authorised tour companies.

• Trail access may be denied without a valid booking or proof of payment.

• Refunds or date changes are only possible if the trail is officially closed by the authorities.

🌿 Why These Changes?

The system was introduced to:

• Limit overcrowding on sensitive trails,

• Improve visitor flow and safety,

• Support long-term maintenance and conservation of the island’s hiking infrastructure.

Trail capacity is now managed through fixed visitor limits per time slot, helping to reduce environmental impact and improve the overall experience for hikers.

📌 For the latest updates and a full list of affected trails, visit IFCN Madeira.

3. Paid Helicopter Rescue on Closed or Unofficial Trails

As of January 9, 2025, a new policy introduces charges for helicopter rescues when hikers require assistance on closed trails or unofficial routes. This measure aims to discourage unsafe hiking and ensure that emergency services are used responsibly.

Who Will Be Charged?

Hikers requiring helicopter rescue on:

• Non-classified trails (routes not officially recognized by IFCN). 

• Temporarily or permanently closed trails.

Rescue Costs:

• Helicopter daily rate: €753.25

• Rescuer activation: €105 (or €210 if two rescuers are needed).

• Flight time: €7.50 per minute.

• Exemption: Residents of Madeira are not required to pay these fees.

How to Avoid Unexpected Costs?

• Stick to official PR trails classified by the Institute of Forest andNature Conservation (IFCN).

• Always check the IFCN website before heading out for trail closures and safety updates:

🔗 IFCN Madeira

📌 Final Tip: Ignoring trail closures can now be a costly mistake—both financially and for you

💡 Insurance Insight: Most travel insurance policies will cover rescue or medical costs even on unofficial trails. But — and this is important — if you hike on an officially closed trail, your insurance likely won’t cover the expenses. If it’s on the list and marked closed, that means don’t risk it.

4. Bus Card System Changes – Important Update

Madeira's public transport system is currently transitioning to the new SIGA system, meaning two different types of bus cards are in use during this adjustment period.

🚨 What’s Changed?

Previously, passengers could purchase a prepaid GIRO card from ticket machines for discounted fares on Horários do Funchal (yellow city buses in Funchal) instead of paying full price to the driver.

However, due to the system transition:

• Ticket machines are currently out of service, so new cards cannot be

purchased this way.

• Passengers can still recharge discounted tickets at newsstands (traficas), but only if they already have a non-transferable card with a chip.

• Getting a new non-transferable card takes about a month, and it is available to residents, workers, and students (including Erasmus students) who can provide proof of residence, employment, or study in Madeira.

🚀 What’s Next?

SIGA has announced plans to introduce a new portable card that will allow tourists and visitors to access discounted fares again—hopefully soon! Until then, if you're visiting Madeira, the easiest option is to buy tickets directly from the driver (€2 per ride). Keep in mind that cash is required for on- board purchases.

5. Landing Challenges in Madeira – What You Need to Know

Madeira’s airport is known for strong winds and sudden turbulence, as it sits between steep mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. The runway’s unique design, partly built on pillars over the sea, adds to the complexity of landings. Despite these challenges, Madeira has an excellent safety record. Pilots receive specialized training, and flights are diverted if landing conditions are unsafe.

What Happens If Your Flight Gets Diverted?

If strong winds prevent landing, planes are usually redirected to:

• Porto Santo (PXO) – Madeira’s neighboring island, where airlines may provide ferry tickets to reach Madeira.

• The Canary Islands (Tenerife or Gran Canaria) – If bad weather is expected to last longer.

• Mainland Portugal Airports – In certain situations, flights may divert to airports on the mainland, such as Faro (FAO) or Lisbon (LIS).

Once diverted, the airline will:

• Wait for better weather before attempting another landing.

• If an overnight stay is needed – Provide a hotel or reimburse your accommodation if you book it yourself. (Keep your receipts for reimbursement, including any expenses for transportation such as bus or taxi fares.)

• Reimburse food and water expenses—keep your receipts.

• Provide a replacement flight if needed.

💡 If your flight is diverted, stay patient—safety always comes first!

6. Get to Hikes Resumes Pico do Areeiro + Pico Ruivo Transfers

For travelers without a rental car or those who want to avoid the stress of parking at Pico do Areeiro, Get to Hikes is a fantastic option. After last year’s wildfires, Get to Hikes temporarily offered only the first 1.2 km of PR1, from Pico do Areeiro to Miradouro da Pedra Rija, before continuing to an alternative hike. Now, they’ve expanded their offering with an even better route:

🚌 How It Works:

1. Pickup from Funchal or Caniço before sunrise.

2. Sunrise at Pico do Areeiro, followed by a hike to Miradouro da Pedra Rija (1.2 km, PR1 open section).

3. Return to Pico do Areeiro, then transfer to Achada do Teixeira.

4. Hike PR1.2 to Pico Ruivo (Madeira’s highest peak) and

back.

1. Transfer back to the original pickup point in Funchal or

Caniço.

This itinerary allows you to experience both of Madeira’s most iconic peaks without having to worry about logistics, parking, or finding alternative trails.

💡 Exclusive Offer:

Use the code AROUNDMADEIRA when purchasing your ticket

to get 10% off—just with us! 🚶‍♂️⛰️

https://gettohikes.com/en