How to Book Madeira Hiking Trails via SIMplifica (2026)

Since 1 January 2026, hiking Madeira's classified PR trails is no longer a show-up-and-walk affair. You need to book a time slot online in advance and pay a fee per person. This is a genuine rule change — rangers check QR codes at trailheads and along the route.

The good news: the booking system is straightforward, the fees are modest and the change has genuinely improved the hiking experience on the most popular trails (fewer crowds, better maintained paths).

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Quick Answer: The 2026 Rules in Brief

• All classified PR trails in Madeira require a SIMplifica booking before you start.

• Fee: €4.50 per person for most trails. PR1 costs €10.50 per person (from April 2026).

• Children under 12: free, but must be included in your booking.

• Madeira residents: free, but booking is mandatory.

• Booking method: simplifica.madeira.gov.pt — choose trail, date and 30-minute entry slot.

• Cancellations: refund or reschedule only if IFCN closes the trail. No refunds for personal reasons.

• Rangers verify QR codes at trailheads. No ticket = no entry.

• Guided groups with IFCN-protocol operators: €3 per person, booking handled by the operator.

Which Trails Require Booking?

Trail	Full Name	Fee (2026)
PR1	Vereda do Areeiro (Pico do Arieiro → Pico Ruivo)	€10.50
PR1.1	Vereda do Pico Ruivo (from Achada do Teixeira)	€4.50
PR1.2	Vereda do Pico Ruivo (short summit route)	€4.50
PR2	Vereda do Urzal	€4.50
PR3	Vereda do Burro	€4.50
PR4	Levada do Barreiro	€4.50
PR5	Vereda das Funduras	€4.50
PR6	Levada das 25 Fontes	€4.50
PR6.1	Levada do Risco	€4.50
PR7	Levada do Moinho	€4.50
PR8	Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço	€4.50
PR9	Levada do Caldeirão Verde	€4.50
PR10	Levada do Furado	€4.50
PR11	Vereda dos Balcões	Free
PR12	Caminho Real da Encumeada	€4.50
PR13	Vereda do Fanal	Free
PR14	Levada dos Cedros	€4.50
PR15	Vereda da Ribeira da Janela	€4.50
PR16	Levada Fajã do Rodrigues	€4.50
PR17	Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal	€4.50
PR18	Levada do Rei	€4.50
PR19	Caminho Real do Paúl do Mar (Prazeres–Paúl do Mar)	€4.50
PR20	Vereda do Jardim do Mar	€4.50
PR21	Caminho do Norte	€4.50
PR22	Vereda dos Chão dos Louros	€4.50
PR23	Levada da Azenha	Free
PR24	Levada da Fajã do Penedo	€4.50
PR25	Levada das Rabaças	€4.50
PR26	Levada do Glória	Free
PR27	Vereda da Ribeira da Janela	€4.50
PR28	Vereda da Ilha	€4.50
PR29	Levada dos Tornos (Camacha)	€4.50
PR30	Vereda da Ponta do Sol	Free

Fees shown are the standard rate. If you hike with a tourism operator that holds an IFCN protocol, most trails drop to €3 per person and PR1 to €7. Residents of Madeira are exempt but must still reserve. Children under 12 are free but must be included in the booking.

How to Book: Step-by-Step

1. Go to simplifica.madeira.gov.pt and click “Registar” (Register).

2. Create an account — name, email, password. Activate via confirmation email.

3. Log in and search for “Payment of Fees for Classified Pedestrian Routes — General.”

4. Select your trail (e.g. PR1 Vereda do Areeiro, PR6 Levada das 25 Fontes).

5. Choose your date and available 30-minute entry slot.

6. Enter the number of people in your group. Children under 12 are free — still include them.

7. Pay by card. Save or screenshot your QR code — rangers will scan it.

8. Show up within your 30-minute window to start the trail.

The site has an English-language toggle — if it defaults to Portuguese, check top right for the language option.

You can also book with a local service provider. They organise transfers to and from trails, and the SIMplifica booking. We recommend Hiking Madeira.

How Far Ahead Should You Book?

PR1 (July–August): Book 2–3 weeks ahead. Slots genuinely sell out. This is not a precaution — it's a hard fact.

PR6 and PR9 (July–August): Book at least 1 week ahead to guarantee your preferred slot.

Any trail (April–June, September–October): A few days ahead is usually sufficient.

Any trail (November–March): Same-day or next-day booking is generally available.

Our recommendation: as soon as your flight dates are confirmed, open SIMplifica and book your hiking days. It takes 10 minutes and costs you nothing extra to book early.

What If the Trail Is Closed?

If IFCN closes a trail due to weather or safety, you'll receive notification and can either reschedule or request a refund. If the trail stays open but you decide not to go for personal reasons, the fee is forfeited.

Hiking With a Guide vs. Independently

You do not need a guide — independent booking through SIMplifica is straightforward. However, booking a guided day through an operator has real advantages:

• The operator handles the SIMplifica booking (protocol operators pay €3 instead of €4.50).

• They provide transport to and from trailheads — which otherwise requires a hire car for most routes.

• Local guides add knowledge about the forest, geology and local culture that a trail sign won't give you.

We recommend Hiking Madeira for guided hikes, particularly useful if you're without a car.

FAQ: SIMplifica & Madeira Hiking

• Do I really need to book levada walks in advance in Madeira?

  Yes. From 1 January 2026, all classified PR trails require a SIMplifica booking and fee. Rangers check QR codes at trailheads and along the trail.

• How much does it cost to hike in Madeira in 2026?

  €4.50 per person for most PR trails. PR1 (Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo) costs €10.50 per person. Children under 12 are free. Madeira residents are exempt from payment but still need to book.

• Can I book on the day of the hike?

  Yes, if slots are available. In peak season (July–August), popular trails can be fully booked. For the off-season, same-day booking is usually possible.

• Is there a 1-day or multi-day pass for Madeira hiking?

  Yes — 1-day, 3-day and 7-day passes are available through SIMplifica, covering multiple trails within the pass period. Useful if you're planning several hikes in one trip.

• What happens if I arrive late for my time slot?

  The 30-minute window is your entry window. Arriving slightly late is generally fine; arriving much later may result in being turned away if the trail is at capacity. Aim to arrive on time or slightly early.

• Is the SIMplifica website in English?

  Yes — there is a language toggle. The system is usable in English throughout.

• Are there any free trails in Madeira?

  A handful, including PR11 (Vereda dos Balcões) and PR23 (Levada da Azenha). The headline hikes most visitors come for are now all ticketed.