From 1 January, exploring some of Madeira’s most iconic walking trails will come with a small but meaningful change: visitors will need to reserve a time slot before entering the island’s most popular natural routes, including areas of the Laurissilva Forest.

The announcement was made by Eduardo Jesus, Regional Secretary for Tourism, Environment and Culture, during a forum marking the 25th anniversary of the Laurissilva as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Held at the Madeira Botanical Garden, the event highlighted the growing need to balance tourism, preservation and quality of experience on the island.

This new reservation system is not about restricting access. It is about organising it — so that the forest paths, levadas and viewpoints that so many people love can continue to feel calm, safe and truly special for everyone who visits.

Why Madeira Is Introducing a Trail Reservation System

The number of visitors enjoying Madeira’s trails continues to rise year after year. Although studies developed in collaboration with the University of Madeira show that the maximum daily carrying capacity has never been exceeded, another issue has become clear: too many people arriving at the same time of day.

Morning surges, traffic bottlenecks, pressure on parking areas and crowded viewpoints all contribute to a less enjoyable — and less sustainable — experience, especially on famous routes such as the island’s most popular levadas and mountain trails.

According to Eduardo Jesus, it’s a “collective responsibility” to protect these spaces. The new system is therefore designed to smooth out visitor numbers, minimise congestion and ensure trails remain safe, peaceful and well-preserved.

Practically speaking, levada walkers and hikers will select an entry time before heading to the trail. Each time slot will have a limited capacity, and once it’s full, visitors will be asked to choose a different time — earlier or later in the day — helping distribute foot traffic more evenly.

What Changes for Visitors, Locals and Tour Operators

The new system will apply both to organised tours and to independent travellers. Residents will maintain free access to the mountains, but they will still be encouraged to follow the time-slot organisation to help keep the trails comfortable for everyone.

Here is what walkers and tour operators can expect once the system is live:

• Mandatory reservations: All visitors — locals and tourists — will be expected to select a time slot before entering selected tourist routes.
• Limited capacity per slot: Each time block will allow only a specific number of visitors, preventing overcrowding along the levadas and viewpoints.
• Centralised booking via SIMplifica: Reservations will be managed through the SIMplifica platform, where you can see available times and confirm your slot.
• Alternative times if full: If a chosen slot is full, walkers will simply need to select another time, either earlier or later.
• New IFCN app and renewed website: The IFCN (Instituto das Florestas e Conservação da Natureza) will provide an app and updated website to show real-time availability and manage flows.
• On-the-ground guidance: Operators and entrance points will help inform visitors about the system and how to book.

This model reflects a growing global trend in protected natural areas worldwide, where time-slot systems are used to preserve sensitive environments while maintaining a high-quality visitor experience.

Practical Information for Your Madeira Levada Walk

If you’re planning to enjoy levada walks or mountain trails in Madeira after 1 January, here are some practical details to keep in mind so your experience remains smooth and stress-free:

• Start date: The reservation system is expected to become mandatory from 1 January.
• Where it applies: Selected tourist routes, especially in high-pressure areas, including parts of the Laurissilva Forest and other emblematic natural sites.
• How to book: Through the SIMplifica platform and the future IFCN app, where you’ll be able to choose a trail, a date and an available time slot.
• For organised tours: Tour operators will usually take care of reservations for their guests, so you won’t need to manage the process yourself.
• For independent walkers: You’ll need to reserve your slot before heading to the trail. Doing it the day before (or earlier in high season) will give you more options.
• At trail entrances: Information boards and staff will help direct visitors who are unfamiliar with the system.

In the end, the goal is simple: fewer crowds at the same time, more room for nature, and a better overall experience on the levada walks and trails that make Madeira such a unique destination.

Source: JM Madeira

How Beyond Madeira Can Help You Plan Your Walks

At Beyond Madeira, we help travellers every day to make the most of their time on the island — especially when it comes to levada walks and outdoor experiences. As this new trail reservation system is implemented, we’ll be here to walk you through it and help you adapt your plans.

You can use our dedicated Levada Walks Guide to discover the most beautiful routes, difficulty levels and suggested combinations for your days on the island. If you’re driving, our interactive map helps you match trailheads with viewpoints, villages and restaurants nearby.

To check weather and conditions in real time — especially important for mountain areas — you can also follow our live webcams across Madeira. And if you’re still at the early stages of planning, the Beyond Madeira Travel Guide brings together practical tips, local insights and ideas to structure your whole itinerary.

Whether you need a rental car to reach the trailhead, curated experiences through our tours & activities, or simply a bit of friendly advice, think of us as your local friend on the island — ready to help you enjoy Madeira’s nature in a relaxed, informed way.

FAQ

Do all trails in Madeira require a reservation?

No. Only selected tourist routes with high visitor numbers will be included in the time-slot system. The official list will be provided by the regional authorities and updated over time.

Do I need to pay to book a time slot?

No. Slot reservations are not expected to have an additional fee. Residents will continue to enjoy free access to the mountains; the system is mainly about organising flows, not charging entry.

Will my guided tour handle the reservation for me?

Yes, in most cases. If you book a guided levada walk or a tour, the operator will usually manage the necessary reservations on your behalf. It’s always a good idea to confirm this when booking.

What happens if I arrive outside my reserved time?

Depending on capacity, you may be asked to wait until the next available slot or to adjust your booking. To avoid stress, try to arrive a little earlier, especially if you’re driving and need time to park.

Where can I find updated information on the new system?

The IFCN app and renewed website will provide official information, as will regional tourism channels. Beyond Madeira will also share clear, updated guidance through our travel guide, levada walks guide and planning tools.