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How to make Madeira trail reservations (step-by-step guide)
Planning a hike in Madeira this year? Don’t get caught off guard! A new reservation system and trail fees just launched in 2026. Yep, Madeira’s trail system just got an upgrade.
I recently went through the new booking system myself while planning a hike, and here’s exactly how it works. I’ll explain what’s changed and walk you step-by-step through how to reserve your favourite hikes.
Whether you’re a Portuguese resident, visiting Madeira for the first time or returning to a favourite trail, here’s what you need to know about the new Madeira hike reservation system. You’ll learn which hikes now require bookings, how much they cost, and how to reserve in under 5 minutes, even if you don’t speak Portuguese.
Why is there a new system for Madeira hiking trails?
We first came to Madeira in March 2023, and to be honest, we didn’t hit that many busy trails (we were up early!). But the island has seen a massive influx in tourism in recent years, including some bad behaviours.
People were leaving rubbish on the trails (mostly toilet paper and faeces) and some trails had hundreds of people lining up, which isn’t sustainable. People also parked their cars wherever possible, and damaging nature. Overall, the hiker experience changed to a negative one, and Madeira is introducing new rules.
The system aims to protect nature and provide you with a better experience without congestion. By booking your time slot, you can ensure the trails have fewer bottlenecks at peak hours, and this also enhances the security on the paths.
Since January 1, 2025, the regional government set a fee for official hiking trails, and starting January 1, 2026, there are also a mandatory trail reservations. These are distributed across 30-minute slots between sunrise and sunset to prevent overcrowding.
Not sure what all of that means? I’ve outlined it all below, and explain step-by-step what you need to do.
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Who needs to book a hiking slot?
Everyone must book a hiking slot in advance for trails that require a reservation. This applies to tourists, residents, adults, and children. The hiking fee applies to most visitors, regardless of age.
Payment is not required for:
- Residents of the Autonomous Region of Madeira (RAM). You may be asked to show proof of residency.
- Children under 12 have free access, but they still need to be registered.
- People with a disability rating of 60% or higher. If they are accompanied by a guardian, the guardian is also free, as long as valid documentation is shown.
Even when the hike is free, a reservation is still mandatory for everyone.
Which trails require a reservation?
At the moment, all popular PR hiking trails in Madeira require a timed reservation before entry. This relates to the classified hikes, which have PR numbers.
This mainly affects the island’s most visited levadas, mountain trails, and nature routes through the laurissilva forest, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The exact list can change, so it’s always important to double-check the official booking platform before you go. You can see the full and most up-to-date list here.
Some of the most popular trails that currently require a reservation include
Mountain and ridge hikes:
- PR1 Vereda do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo (Pico do Arieiro area, currently restricted)
- PR8 Ponta de São Lourenço
Levada walks and waterfalls:
Forest and scenic routes:
- PR13 Vereda do Fanal
- PR16 Levada Fajã do Rodrigues
Porto Santo:
- PR1 Vereda do Pico Branco e Terra Chã
- PR2 Pico do Castelo Trail
Important: This list reflects the current reservation requirements, but trails may be added, removed, or temporarily closed due to weather or conservation measures. Always check the official IFCN site before hiking.
How much do I pay for the classified hiking trails?
Madeira hiking fees are subject to change, but currently the price is €4.50 per person per trail. When the PR1 Pico Ruivo reopens in April 2026, it is believed to cost €10.50. Below is the current price list.
Can I just show up and pay a fee at the trail?
In some cases, there is a QR code at the trailhead, or even a staff member that can help you process the payment. This is however not a guarantee and especially for the most popular hikes, a reservation upfront is needed for crowd-control reasons.
Do tourists need an account to book hiking experiences in Madeira?
No, the login page is just for Madeira residents. There is no need to create an account!
Step-by-step: how to book your hiking slot via the SIMplifica portal
You might now wonder, how do I get and pay a time slot online? First, it’s recommended to book your online reservation 3 to 5 days ahead of time. In that timeframe, you can also check for the latest weather forecast. Our go to weather app and website is IPMA.
1. Open the official SIMplifica page
Go to the official website and select English or Portuguese if applicable. Here is the link to the English site.
2. Choose the hiking route and the booking period
Scroll all the way to the bottom of the page and select which trail you want to add to your itinerary. You can add multiple trails in the next steps if needed.
Then select the “booking period” (an image with available dates and time slots will appear), choose a date and time, click confirm, and request.
3. Fill in your details
The next page will ask you for your details. You will need:
- An email address
- Tick the box underneath the email to agree
- Select NO at “Request Tax Identification Number (NIF) for invoicing”, UNLESS you are a resident
- Fill in the number of people joining the hike at either the “non-residents” or “residents” section
- Once done, click on “following”
4. Check the summary
You will now be shown a summary. Check if everything is correct, and if so, click on “following”.
5. Add hikes if needed
Are you planning for more hikes? You can now add them! Simply select yes, and click on “following”. You can then repeat the above steps and add more hikes.
Are you hiking only one trail, or do you prefer paying and reserving your hiking slots one by one? Select no and click on “following”.
6. Complete payment
The next screen will show you the total cost of all the hikes. I would love to see a summary of the hikes, dates, times, number of people and the fees on this page, but this is what it currently looks like…
Click on “summary” to see what you are trying to book, or click on “pay” to complete the payment.
Select “Cartão de crédito/débito” to pay by card, and press the blue button with the word “Seguinte”. All other payment options are available only if you have a Portuguese bank account.
Select Visa or Mastercard, fill in your card details and click “Pagar” to complete the payment.
7. Save your appointment details
Is the payment completed? Hurrah! Your time slot is set! You will receive a confirmation email with all the details.
Save this proof and ensure you can access it when on the trail. Phone reception isn’t always good in nature, so take a screenshot on your phone or print out the paper. You might be asked for this document at the trailhead, or during (and even after) your hike.
What happens if a trail closes or the weather changes?
The weather in Madeira can change in a heartbeat, so it’s always important to check the weather forecast. When trails become impassible, they will also be closed. You can check the current status of all trails online.
Refunds are only available if the closure is decided by IFCN, for example due to safety or environmental risks. In these cases, you can reschedule your visit via the SIMplifica platform, subject to availability, or request a full refund through IFCN. If you have any questions, you can reach out by phone (+351) 291 145 590, or email ifcn@madeira.gov.pt.
Tips to avoid problems on hiking day
- Leave ample time to arrive for your designated slot. Please note that the windy roads in Madeira can take longer than you anticipated. In this case, it’s better to wait a little beforehand than miss your appointment. Traffic, parking, and shuttle services can all take longer than expected, especially in peak season.
- Have your confirmation ready on your phone or downloaded offline in case of poor signal. Bring your residency permit or disability documentation, if applicable.
- Choose less busy time slots. Early mornings and later afternoons are usually quieter than mid-morning, especially on popular walks.
- Conditions in the mountains can be very different from the coast. Dress in layers and be prepared for wind or fog.
- Bring enough water and snacks. Some trails have cafés and restaurants nearby, but not all.
- Also bring a rubbish bag to dispose of any trash. Most trails don’t have bins. And yes, this includes toilet paper!
- Wear proper hiking shoes. Some trails may look easy but can be slippery, especially after rain. We saw so many people in runners that lost grip.
- Make sure you have travel insurance. Hiking always comes with some risk, especially on Madeira’s mountain and levada trails. We use HeyMondo, and our readers get a 5% discount.
- Respect closures and guidance. If a trail is closed or staff advise against hiking, don’t try to bypass the system. Closures are there for safety reasons!
Not sure where to go in Portugal?
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FAQ
What are the Madeira trail reservations?
The hiking reservations are a system that requires hikers to book a time-slot before hiking selected PR hiking trails. The goal is to manage visitor numbers, protect nature, and reduce overcrowding on popular levadas and mountain routes in Madeira.
Do all Madeira trails require a reservation?
No. Only selected hiking trails (the most popular PR ones) currently require a reservation. The list can change, so it’s important to always check the official platform before hiking.
Do residents also need to book the Madeira trails?
Yes. Madeira residents also need to reserve a time slot for trails that fall under the mandatory reservation system. The difference is that residents select a resident ticket, while all non-residents book a tourist ticket.
Do tour guides make a reservation for me?
Often, yes, but check this! If you join a guided hike or tour, the tour operator normally handles the trail reservation for you, as they arrange it for the whole group. Always double-check this with your guide before the hike to be sure.
What happens if I miss the time slot?
If you arrive late, you may have to wait until the next available time slot, if capacity allows. Access is not guaranteed once your appointment time has passed, especially on busy days.
Where can I find more information about the system?
The most reliable and up-to-date information is available via the official platforms SIMplifica and IFCN. They provide additional information regarding trail status, closures, and safety conditions. Always check official sources shortly before your hike, as rules and availability can change. Discover Portugal also aims to have the most up-to-date information online.
Are you planning your hike soon?
Many things change in tourism land in Portugal. And although it might be inconvenient to make bookings upfront, it will provide visitors an enjoyable experience.
The fees will improve trail safety and security, and new systems that set us up to enjoy these experiences in the future. Madeira is an amazing island, and it’s no surprise many people want to visit, but keeping nature beautiful should be a main priority at the same time. Having a select number of hikers to reduce congestion will be good for everyone.
So, when you finish your Portugal itinerary, be sure to check the weather, check the trails you are keen to explore and make the mandatory trail reservations. Not sure which trails you want to hike? Check the posts below before you decide.
Other things to do in Madeira, Portugal:
- 30 best things to do in Madeira Island Portugal
- 30 Amazing things to do in Funchal Portugal
- Discover the beautiful Monte Palace Madeira gardens
- Ride the toboggan in Madeira, one of the coolest commutes in the world
- Visit Santana in Madeira and discover beautiful Santana Madeira houses
- How to make Madeira trail reservations (step-by-step guide)
- Beautiful Vereda do Pico Ruivo hike to Madeira’s highest peak
- Enjoy beautiful views at PR11 Levada dos Balcões in Madeira
- Beautiful PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde: A Madeira must-do
- The stunning PR6 Levada Das 25 Fontes and Risco Waterfall
- Beautiful Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço Hike in Madeira
- Discover Walks Madeira – hike some fabulous trails
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