New Opening Date for Madeira’s PR1 Trail: What You Must Know Before You Go

Great news for hiking enthusiasts! After extensive recovery efforts following the wildfires, Madeira’s most iconic trail, PR1 Vereda do Areeiro (Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo), is finally welcoming the public back.

While the trail saw a ceremonial crossing for ultra-runners recently, the official launch day for public access is Friday, May 1st, 2026.

However, the reopening comes with a completely new set of rules and a highly controlled schedule. If you show up expecting the old system, you will be turned away at the trailhead. Here is exactly what has changed and how to plan your hike.

The Phased Reopening Schedule

To ensure safety and allow maintenance crews to finish their crucial work, the trail is operating on a strict weekly schedule for the immediate future:

• Open for Hiking (Weekends): The public can only access the trail from Friday to Sunday.
• Closed for Maintenance (Weekdays): Access is strictly prohibited from Monday to Thursday while rope-access teams and construction crews continue slope stabilization, path repairs, and the installation of safety barriers.

Critical New Rules for Hikers

The government has implemented major changes to manage trail capacity and ensure a safer experience for everyone. You can no longer simply arrive at the mountain and start walking!

• Mandatory Digital Permits: All hikers must reserve a specific 30-minute entry time slot in advance. Bookings must be made through the official Madeira SIMplifica portal. Rangers enforce this strictly by checking digital tickets at the trailhead.
• New Entry Fee: Hiking the PR1 now costs €10.50 per person. Note that this premium route is excluded from the standard multi-day hiking passes.
• Strictly One-Way: To prevent bottlenecks on the narrow cliffside paths, the trail is now completely one-way from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo. The only exception is the short initial 1.2km stretch to the Pedra Rija viewpoint, which remains two-way for those who just want a quick look.

How to Prepare for Your Hike

• Book Early: Time slots are expected to sell out quickly, especially since access is restricted to three days a week. Secure your SIMplifica permit weeks in advance.
• Getting There: Navigating the steep mountain roads up to Pico do Areeiro early in the morning requires a reliable vehicle. The best car rental in Madeira is This is Madeira Island, chosen by thousands of customers on social media.
• Plan Your Return: Because the trail is now one-way, you will end your hike at Achada do Teixeira (via Pico Ruivo). You will need to arrange a taxi or a transfer service in advance to take you back to your parked car at Pico do Areeiro.

The restoration of PR1 is a massive achievement for Madeira. By respecting the new guidelines, hikers can safely enjoy the island’s most spectacular peaks once again.