Madeira is introducing a new reservation system for PR walking trails, with mandatory registration, paid access and time-slot bookings. There is no cash payment on-site — all bookings are made online via the official SIMplifica platform. After creating your SIMplifica account, the process is simple: choose your trail, select a slot and confirm payment. This guide explains each step clearly — plus a 60-second video walkthrough to help you understand everything quickly.
- All visitors must book online via SIMplifica (Madeira residents exempt from payment and booking)
- Fee: €4.50 per person (€10.50 for PR1 after April 2026)
- Same-day booking possible if slots are available
- No cash payment on-site — digital confirmation required
- Guided tours: Certified operators with IFCN protocol handle reservations and may have reduced rates (you don’t book separately)
- Multi-day passes available — but only save money if you hike 5+ trails (most tourists pay less with individual tickets)
Why You Now Need a Reservation for Madeira’s Trails
Starting in 2026, all official PR walking trails in Madeira require:
- Online payment (€4.50 per person)
- Mandatory time-slot reservations in 30-minute blocks
- Registration on the SIMplifica platform for every visitor (including children)
These rules apply to all visitors, including those on guided hikes. Madeira residents are exempt from both payment and booking requirements.
You can still book on the same day (if slots are available) — but popular trails may sell out, especially during peak hours and weekends.
If you book a guided hike with a certified operator (RNAVT/RNAAT with IFCN protocol), they handle all reservations and pay reduced rates through their protocol agreements. You don’t need to book separately.
Example: PR1 (after reopening) — €7 with protocol vs €10.50 general public.
Browse certified guided hikes →
How to Pay the Hiking Fee (Step-by-Step)
All trail payments and reservations are made through the official SIMplifica portal . Before choosing a trail, you must create your SIMplifica account — this is required for all visitors, including children.
- Create your account on the SIMplifica portal and log in
- Select the PR walking trail you want to hike
- Choose the date of your visit
- Select an available 30-minute time slot
- Enter the details of all visitors (mandatory for all ages)
- Pay the access fee online (€4.50 per person)
- Receive your digital confirmation and QR code via email
Your confirmation may be requested by Nature Wardens at the trail entrance, especially on PR1 and other high-demand routes.
- Take a screenshot of your confirmation in case of weak signal at the trailhead
- Add the QR code to your phone’s home screen for quick access
- If hiking with a certified guide, they normally handle the reservation process
If your time slot starts at 8:00 AM or later: No special authorization needed — standard booking applies.
If you plan to finish hiking before 8:00 AM: Special authorization may be required. Always confirm the latest guidance on
SIMplifica
or contact IFCN before planning early starts.
Use our complete guide to choose the right trails, check weather, and prepare safely: Madeira Levada Walks Guide →
What Changes in 2026?
The Regional Government and the IFCN confirmed several updates:
- Standard fee increases to €4.50 for all visitors (general public)
- PR1 Pico do Areeiro → Pico Ruivo will have a higher price (€10.50) after reopening in April 2026
- Reservations become mandatory for every PR trail
- Slots are limited and allocated in 30-minute time windows to regulate daily hiking capacity
- Multi-day passes (1-day, 3-day and 7-day options) are now available — but individual tickets are cheaper for most tourists
These changes aim to protect sensitive areas, improve trail safety and reduce overcrowding during peak hours.
Understanding Multi-Day Passes (And When They Actually Save Money)
SIMplifica offers multi-day passes for visitors planning multiple hikes — but they don’t always save you money. For most tourists doing 2–4 trails, buying individual tickets (€4.50 each) is cheaper.
Multi-day passes only save money if you hike many trails. For most tourists (2–4 hikes), individual tickets are cheaper. Calculate carefully before buying a pass.
Does a Pass Save You Money? (Real Math)
Here’s the real cost comparison to help you decide:
- 2 trails in 1 day: €9.00 (pass) vs €9.00 (individual) = No savings
- 3 trails in 1 day: €9.00 (pass) vs €13.50 (individual) = Save €4.50 ✅
- Best for: Doing 2 short trails in one day (e.g., PR11 + PR18)
- 2 trails in 3 days: €22.50 (pass) vs €9.00 (individual) = Lose €13.50 ❌
- 3 trails in 3 days: €22.50 (pass) vs €13.50 (individual) = Lose €9.00 ❌
- 4 trails in 3 days: €22.50 (pass) vs €18.00 (individual) = Lose €4.50 ❌
- 5 trails in 3 days: €22.50 (pass) vs €22.50 (individual) = Breakeven (no savings)
- 6 trails in 3 days: €22.50 (pass) vs €27.00 (individual) = Save €4.50 ✅
- 7+ trails in 3 days: Savings increase (€9.00+ saved)
- Best for: Hardcore hikers doing 6+ trails in 3 days
- 5 trails in 7 days: €52.50 (pass) vs €22.50 (individual) = Lose €30.00 ❌
- 8 trails in 7 days: €52.50 (pass) vs €36.00 (individual) = Lose €16.50 ❌
- 10 trails in 7 days: €52.50 (pass) vs €45.00 (individual) = Lose €7.50 ❌
- 12 trails in 7 days: €52.50 (pass) vs €54.00 (individual) = Save €1.50 ✅
- 15+ trails in 7 days: Savings increase (€15.00+ saved)
- Best for: Extreme hikers doing 12+ trails in one week
For most tourists (2–4 trails): Buy individual tickets (€4.50 each) — it’s cheaper and more flexible.
Consider a pass only if: You’re planning 6+ trails in 3 days, or 12+ trails in 7 days (hardcore hiking schedules).
Pass Restrictions You Should Know
- PR1 (Pico do Areeiro → Pico Ruivo) is excluded from all multi-day passes — you must book it separately (€10.50 after April 2026)
- Consecutive days only: 3-day pass = 3 days in a row (not 3 random days across 2 weeks)
- Minimum 2 trails required: Passes are only valid for 2+ trails (you can’t use a pass for 1 trail)
- Time slots still required: Even with a pass, you must book specific time slots for each trail
Check current availability and detailed terms on SIMplifica.
Certified guides handle all reservations and ensure safety during your walk.
See guided hikes in Madeira →
Where to Book Your Trail Slot
All reservations must be made through the official SIMplifica portal — the only valid system used by the IFCN to manage entries, fees and time slots.
This platform is updated with real-time capacity, available time slots and official trail alerts.
Use our interactive map to explore routes, viewpoints and starting points:
Madeira Interactive Map →
Which Trails Require Reservation & Payment?
The new 2026 system applies to all official PR (Percursos Recomendados) walking trails managed by IFCN. Below is the complete list of trails requiring online booking and payment through SIMplifica.
These trails sell out fastest, especially on weekends and peak season:
• PR1 (Pico do Areeiro → Pico Ruivo) — €10.50 after April 2026
• PR6 (Levada das 25 Fontes) — Most famous levada walk
• PR8 (Ponta de São Lourenço) — Iconic coastal trail
• PR9 (Levada do Caldeirão Verde) — Stunning waterfall hike
• PR11 (Vereda dos Balcões) — Easy, family-friendly viewpoint
Complete List of PR Trails Requiring Reservation
- PR1 | Vereda do Areeiro (até Pedra Rija)
- PR1.1 | Vereda da Ilha
- PR1.2 | Vereda do Pico Ruivo
- PR2 | Vereda do Urzal
- PR5 | Vereda das Funduras
- PR6 | Levada das 25 Fontes
- PR6.1 | Levada do Risco
- PR6.2 | Levada do Alecrim
- PR6.3 | Vereda da Lagoa do Vento
- PR6.4 | Levada Velha do Rabaçal
- PR6.5 | Vereda do Pico Fernandes
- PR6.6 | Vereda do Túnel do Cavalo
- PR6.7 | V. Câmara de carga do Rabaçal
- PR6.8 | Levada do Paul II
- PR8 | Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço
- PR9 | Levada do Caldeirão Verde
- PR9.1 | Caldeirão Verde (acessível)
- PR11 | Vereda dos Balcões
- PR12 | Caminho Real da Encumeada
- PR13 | Vereda do Fanal
- PR13.1 | Vereda da Palha Carga
- PR14 | Levada dos Cedros
- PR15 | Vereda da Ribeira da Janela
- PR17 | Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal
- PR18 | Levada do Rei
- PR19 | Caminho Real do Paul do Mar
- PR21 | Caminho do Norte
- PR22 | Vereda do Chão dos Louros
- PR1 (Porto Santo) | Vereda do Pico Branco e Terra Chã
- PR2 (Porto Santo) | Vereda do Pico do Castelo
Unofficial levada walks and non-PR trails (without official IFCN signage) do not require reservation or payment — but may lack maintenance, safety measures, or clear signage. Always prioritize official PR trails for the safest experience.
Not sure which trail to choose? Explore our interactive map with trail details, difficulty ratings, and starting points: Madeira Interactive Map →
FAQ — Quick Answers
Can I pay on-site at the trail entrance?
No. There is no cash payment on-site. All payments are handled online via the official SIMplifica platform (digital confirmation required).
Can I book on the same day (last minute)?
Yes — you can book for the same day or even the next day if time slots are still available. For very popular trails (like PR1, PR6 25 Fontes) and peak hours, slots can sell out, so booking 1–3 days ahead is recommended for peace of mind.
How far in advance should I book?
If you want flexibility, booking 1–3 days ahead often works for many trails. For high-demand routes (especially PR1) and weekend slots, booking earlier is safer.
Do I need a booking for every person (including children)?
Yes — every visitor must be registered, regardless of age. Children under 12 are free of charge but must still be included in the booking.
Do guided tours still need a reservation?
Certified guides and tour operators (RNAVT/RNAAT with IFCN protocol) handle all reservations for their groups and pay reduced rates through protocol agreements — you don’t need to book separately.
See guided hikes in Madeira →
What if I don’t have mobile signal at the trailhead?
Take a screenshot of your confirmation (or download the QR code PDF) before you go — that’s usually enough if asked by Nature Wardens at the entrance.
Can I change my time slot or get a refund?
Refunds or rescheduling are guaranteed only when IFCN officially closes or restricts a trail (due to weather, safety, or maintenance). In these cases, you can reschedule (if slots are available) or request a full refund.
For personal changes of plans: Cancellation and refund policies may vary — always check the terms on your booking confirmation or contact SIMplifica directly for clarification.
Should I buy a multi-day pass or individual tickets?
For most tourists (2–4 trails): Buy individual tickets (€4.50 each) — it’s cheaper and more flexible.
Multi-day passes only save money if you hike MANY trails:
• 1-day pass (€9): Saves money with 3+ trails in 1 day
• 3-day pass (€22.50): Saves money with 6+ trails in 3 days
• 7-day pass (€52.50): Saves money with 12+ trails in 7 days
Remember: PR1 (Pico do Areeiro) is excluded from all passes and must be booked separately (€10.50 after April 2026).
Which trails are most likely to sell out?
Typically the most iconic ones — especially PR1 (Pico do Areeiro → Pico Ruivo), PR6 (25 Fontes), and peak-hour slots (morning and early afternoon). If you want sunrise or weekend hikes, booking earlier is strongly recommended.
Are Madeira residents exempt from payment and booking?
Yes — residents of the Autonomous Region of Madeira (RAM) can access PR trails free of charge and do not need to book or register through SIMplifica.
Updated for 2026 · Based on official information released by IFCN (Institute for Forests and Nature Conservation).
