Ticket Sales for Madeira’s Most Famous Trail Open SOON (Don’t Miss Out!)

Madeira’s legendary Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo trail (PR1 – Vereda do Areeiro) is officially making its highly anticipated return after being closed for a year and a half. Following the devastating August 2024 wildfires, hikers have been eagerly waiting to find out exactly when they can secure their spot.

The wait is over: reservations to buy your tickets for the official May 1st reopening begin tomorrow on the Simplifica portal!

Before you rush to buy your tickets, there are several massive changes to how the trail operates. Here is exactly what you need to know.

🚨 The New Rules of the Trail

• Mandatory Reservations & Fees: Access is no longer free or spontaneous. You must buy your ticket in advance online and pay a fee of €10.50.
• One-Way Traffic Only: You can no longer hike this route as a round trip. The full trail is now strictly one direction, running from Areeiro to Ruivo.
• Weekend Access Only (For Now): Because an extensive €602,000 improvement project is still actively underway throughout the month of May, the full trail will only be open to ticket holders on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

📍 Route Logistics & The Transport Dilemma

• The Checkpoint: Authorities will be strictly enforcing the new rules with a control point located at Pedra Rija. If you are looking for a shorter hike, the trail does remain two-way up until this specific checkpoint.
• Getting Back is Your Problem: Since you can only hike one way, returning to your starting point at Pico do Areeiro is currently a major logistical hurdle. Road connections are limited, and the Regional Secretary of Tourism is urging private tour operators and local businesses to step up and provide return shuttles. If you plan to tackle the trail independently, you will need to map out your return transport well in advance!