Madeira Hiking Permits: Live Slot Availability
Hiking Permit Time Slots Availability and Stats for Madeira Island
Many of Madeira's most spectacular hiking trails require an official permit from IFCN (Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation). madeira.fun tracks live permit time-slot availability and booking stats across every protected trail so you can plan around the busiest days and book the slot that works for you on the official Simplifica portal.
How It Works
- Browse every protected trail and check real-time time-slot availability by date
- Compare slot density, booking pressure, and the next earliest open times
- Pick a date and time slot that fits your plan - see how many tourist, local, and guide permits are left
- Book on the official IFCN Simplifica portal in one tap - we hand off with your chosen date and slot in mind
Popular Protected Trails
- Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo (PR1)
- Madeira's most iconic peak-to-peak trail at 1,800m+ elevation. Stunning views above the clouds. Moderate to difficult, ~5 hours.
- Caldeirão Verde (PR9)
- Levada walk through ancient Laurisilva forest to a dramatic waterfall. Moderate difficulty, ~5 hours round trip.
- Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8)
- Dramatic eastern peninsula with volcanic landscapes and ocean views. Easy to moderate, ~3 hours.
- Vereda dos Balcões (PR11)
- Short levada walk to a stunning viewpoint over central valleys. Easy, ~1.5 hours.
- Levada das 25 Fontes (PR6)
- Walk to the famous 25 springs waterfall in the Rabaçal area. Moderate, ~4 hours.
Permit Details
- Protected trails across Madeira (PR1, PR1.2, PR6, PR8, PR9, PR10, PR11, PR13, and more)
- Live time-slot availability - popular trails refresh every 5 minutes, all other trails every 30 minutes, plus a daily sweep over sold-out dates
- Three permit categories: tourists (non-residents), Madeira locals (fee-exempt), and guides (tour operators) - each with their own quota per slot
- Pricing: Most trails 4.50 EUR; PR1 Vereda do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo (one way) 10.50 EUR; multi-trail day passes available
- Advance booking recommended for popular trails, especially in peak season (April-October)
Trail Difficulty Levels
- Easy - Flat levada walks, suitable for all fitness levels
- Moderate - Some elevation change, 3-5 hours, reasonable fitness required
- Difficult - Steep terrain, exposed sections, 5+ hours, good fitness needed
- Expert - Technical sections, vertigo risk, experienced hikers only
New to the permit system? Read our plain-English guide to Madeira hiking permits and the Simplifica booking process. Or see the full Hiking Permits FAQ for pricing, cancellation policy, trail list, and IFCN contact details.
Madeira hiking trails that need a permit
- PR1 2 Pico Ruivo hiking permit
- PR13 Fanal hiking permit
- PR1 Stairway hiking permit
- PR1 One Way hiking permit
- PR6 25 Fontes hiking permit
- PR8 Sao Lourenco hiking permit
- PR10 Furado hiking permit
- PR1 1 Ilha hiking permit
- PR11 Balcoes hiking permit
- PR12 Encumeada hiking permit
- PR13 1 Palha Carga hiking permit
- PR14 Cedros hiking permit
- PR15 Ribeira Janela hiking permit
- PR16 Faja Rodrigues hiking permit
- PR17 Pinaculo Folhadal hiking permit
- PR18 Rei hiking permit
- PR19 Paul Do Mar hiking permit
- PR21 Caminho Do Norte hiking permit
- PR22 Chao Louros hiking permit
- PR2 Urzal hiking permit
- PR5 Funduras hiking permit
- PR6 1 Risco hiking permit
- PR6 2 Alecrim hiking permit
- PR6 3 Lagoa Vento hiking permit
- PR6 4 Rabacal hiking permit
- PR6 5 Pico Fernandes hiking permit
- PR6 6 Tunel Cavalo hiking permit
- PR6 7 Camara Carga hiking permit
- PR6 8 Paul Ii hiking permit
- PR9 1 Caldeirao Verde Acc hiking permit
- PR9 Caldeirao Verde hiking permit
- Ps PR1 Pico Branco hiking permit
- Ps PR2 Pico Castelo hiking permit