Huge Update on the PR1 Vereda do Areeiro Trail: What You Need to Know!

If you are planning to hike one of Madeira’s most iconic routes, we have some important news for you. The Institute for Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN) has just announced major updates regarding the operation, scheduling, and safety measures for the PR1 – Vereda do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo trail.

Here is everything you need to know before you lace up your hiking boots!

📅 New Operating Schedule

Big changes are coming to the trail’s availability. While recent recovery works have limited access, the trail is preparing to expand its opening days.

• Current Schedule: For the time being, the trail remains open only on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. This limited access allows crews to safely complete the most critical recovery and maintenance work along the path.
• Full Week Access: Soon, the trail will transition to being open every single day of the week, giving you much more flexibility for your hiking plans.

🚧 Upcoming Temporary Closures

To further improve the safety and quality of the trail, a new boardwalk is being installed. Due to the operational logistics of this installation, the PR1 will be temporarily closed on the following days:

• September 14, 15, 16, and 17
• September 21 and 22

🥾 Trail Rules & Registration

Safety and crowd management remain a top priority for this world-famous hike.

• One-Way Only: The mandatory unidirectional rule remains strictly in place. You must hike in the direction of Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo.
• Mandatory Pre-Registration: You cannot simply show up to hike. Access to the PR1 continues to require mandatory prior registration through the SIMplifica Platform. The good news is that new booking slots become available starting June 1st.

🚗 How to Get There

Because this trail is point-to-point and starts high up in the mountains, having a car is absolutely essential to reach Pico do Areeiro and experience this hike on your own schedule.

For the ultimate island experience, we highly recommend renting your vehicle with us at This is Madeira Island—the best car rental in Madeira, chosen by thousands of customers on social media. We pride ourselves on offering an unparalleled, stress-free experience so you can focus entirely on your adventure.

When you book with us, you enjoy incredible perks:

• 🛡️ Premium Full Insurance: Drive with total peace of mind knowing you are fully covered against any unforeseen circumstances on the mountain roads.
• 💳 No Excess: You won’t have to worry about out-of-pocket expenses or hidden fees in the event of an accident.
• 💰 No Security Deposit: Keep your vacation money in your pocket where it belongs; we will never freeze your funds on a credit card.
• ♾️ Unlimited Mileage: Explore every single corner of Madeira, from the highest peaks to the coastal villages, without ever tracking your distance.
• 🆘 24/7 Roadside Assistance: Whether you have an early morning start or a late-night drive, our dedicated team is always ready to help you anywhere on the island.
• 🌟 VIP Delivery: We eliminate the hassle of waiting in lines by bringing the car directly to you with top-tier, personalized service, making your arrival smooth and effortless.

Ready to hit the trails? Secure your vehicle today and make the most out of your Madeira trip: Rent your car with us here!