Book Madeira Hiking Permits: Trail Calendar and Reservations

Book a Madeira Hiking Permit

Many of Madeira's most spectacular hiking trails require an official permit from IFCN (Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation). This page is the booking interface: pick a trail, choose an open time slot, and reserve. Compare current permit availability and booking pressure by trail before you book.

How To Book

Choose the trail you want and open its calendar
Select an open 30-minute time slot on your preferred date
Reserve through madeira.fun (we can handle the official Simplifica reservation for you)
Complete the permit payment to the Madeira government. The fee is paid to IFCN, not to madeira.fun

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)
Availability monitoring - popular trails updated about every 5 minutes, other trails about every 30 minutes, plus a daily sweep over sold-out dates. Figures are estimates based on the reported availability percentage, not exact spot counts
Three permit categories: non-resident visitors (pay the fee), Madeira residents (reservation required, exempt from the fee), and guides (tour operators) - each with their own quota per slot
Pricing: Most trails 4.50 EUR per non-resident visitor; PR1 Vereda do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo (one way) 10.50 EUR; multi-trail day passes available. Residents and other eligible groups are exempt from the fee
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

Check live Madeira hiking permit availability for the earliest open dates, time slots, and current booking pressure by trail. 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

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