2. Important Updates 2025

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 Trail Fee for Official PR Routes

As of January 2025, a €3 fee is required to access Madeira’s official hiking trails, known as PR (Percursos Recomendados) routes. This applies to all PR-marked trails, for example, Vereda do Areeiro (PR1), Levada das 25 Fontes (PR6), and Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8).

Why Is There a Fee?

The fee was introduced to support trail maintenance, improve safety

measures, and ensure environmental conservation in Madeira’s natural areas.

The revenue helps fund repairs, infrastructure upgrades, and the preservation

of protected hiking zones.

Who Needs to Pay?

💰 The fee applies per person, per trail, and is mandatory for non-resident

visitors.

❌ Exemptions:

• Madeira residents with a Portuguese Citizen Card (Cartão de Cidadão) or Cartão de Residente na RAM.

• Children under 12 years old.

  How to Buy Tickets?

• On-site via QR code – Found at trail entrances for quick and easy payment.

• Online in advance – Via the official Madeira government platform:
  Simplifica Madeira.

📌 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 (€1.95 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

7. Tourist Crowds Are Back – Here’s How to Outsmart Them

With the high season in full swing, Madeira’s most iconic spots are once again filling up fast — especially during peak hours. If you're planning to visit popular hikes like Levada das 25 Fontes, Vereda dos Balcões, or Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço, timing is everything.

⏰ Our best advice? Go early or go late.

For example:
If you plan to hike 25 Fontes and arrive at the parking area by 7:30 AM, you’ll likely enjoy a peaceful trail, clear photos, and nature at its best. But if you show up around 10–11 AM, expect serious parking issues and a slower hike as you weave through crowds.

🌄 Pico do Areeiro Tips:
While sunrise is a popular option, we honestly recommend going for sunset instead. There are usually fewer people, the lighting is magical, and you can check conditions in advance via the Pico do Areeiro webcam. It’s often even more stunning than the morning.

But if you're set on sunrise — fair enough! Just bring a headlamp and start your hike to Pico Ruivo in the dark. Reaching the summit just as the sun rises? Now that’s a memory worth getting up for.

💡 Little adjustments in timing can make a big difference in your experience. Madeira rewards those who go slightly off-peak.