Conquering the Madeira Trails

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Conquering the Madeira Trails

Every year, I find myself returning to the enchanting island of Madeira, eager to explore its stunning landscapes, from the lush laurel forests to the endless levada paths. To protect this fragile nature and reduce overcrowding, Madeira has implemented new walking fees and regulations: now, you need to reserve your spot in advance for the PR trails.

How to Reserve Your PR Trail Spot

You’ll need to book a time slot of up to 30 minutes through the SIMplifica portal. The fee for the trails has increased from 3 EUR to 4.50 EUR. Notably, the most famous trail, Pico do Arieiro, will have an even higher fee.

Essential Information for Hikers

One important thing to keep in mind is that you now need to reserve your spot in advance for any official PR trails in Madeira, including PR6 25 Fontes, Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8), and the renowned PR1 trail connecting Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo. You can select your preferred arrival time via the SIMplifica portal.

Walking Fees in Madeira

So, what are the walking fees? The new fee structure is quite straightforward, although there are some exceptions based on age and trail type. Here’s the breakdown:

• Regular PR trails: 4.50 EUR per person, per trail.
• PR1 Pico do Arieiro – Pico Ruivo: Due to its popularity and maintenance efforts, this iconic trail charges 10.50 EUR per person for individual hikers.
• Guided tours: If you join a licensed tour operator, the fee drops to 3 EUR for regular trails and 7 EUR for PR1. They will also arrange the tickets for you.
• Free: Local residents and children under 12 are exempt from fees, but still need to reserve in advance to access the trail.

Multi-Day Passes

If you plan to hike daily, the SIMplifica Madeira portal also offers multi-day passes. Here’s the pricing:

• Single trail ticket: 4.50 EUR
• 1-day pass: 9 EUR (ideal if you want to hike multiple PR trails in a single day).
• 3-day pass: 22.50 EUR
• 7-day pass: 52.50 EUR

Note: Multi-day passes do not include the PR1 trail! If you don’t intend to hike multiple PR trails each day, I recommend just paying 4.50 EUR for each individual ticket.

How to Book Hiking Tickets in Madeira

Here’s a step-by-step guide to booking your hiking tickets:

1. Visit the portal: Reservations are made online through the SIMplifica Madeira platform.
2. Select the PR trail you want to book, then choose the date and time.
3. Fill in your personal information: email and number of participants.
4. You’ll have the option to add a reservation for another trail—very convenient if you already know your plans for that day.
5. Pay the fee using a credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or MB Way.
6. Receive your QR code/e-ticket via email.

Helpful Tips for Hiking

Make sure to save your QR code. Mobile signals in the mountainous areas of Madeira can be unreliable. Don’t expect the portal to work smoothly once you’re at the trail, so save your code to your phone before leaving your hotel. I often use Google Maps offline for this reason.

If you’re keen on catching the sunrise, keep in mind that the timing may not align perfectly with the exact minute the sun rises. I usually book the earliest morning ticket to ensure I can enjoy this beautiful sight!

If booking seems too complicated, consider joining a guided tour. Official tours will assist with reservations, offer you discounted rates, and ensure you have a spot without the hassle. Remember, it’s all for a good cause.

While the added administrative steps can be a bit of a hassle, this system ensures that the trails are well-maintained and monitored. The fees from your ticket contribute directly to trail maintenance, safety measures, and environmental protection staff.

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