Madeira Hiking Permits FAQ - Prices, Rules & How to Book
Madeira Hiking Permits - Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about hiking permits on Madeira and Porto Santo, based on official information from IFCN (Instituto das Florestas e Conservação da Natureza) and the regional government. Legislation: Portaria n.º 801/2025, 10 December 2025.
Do I need a permit to hike in Madeira?
Yes. As of December 2025, all classified hiking trails (percursos pedestres classificados) on Madeira and Porto Santo require a reservation, managed by IFCN. Non-resident visitors pay the permit fee; Madeira residents and other eligible groups are exempt from the fee but still need to register and reserve a time slot.
How much does it cost?
| Permit Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Single trail (any trail except PR1) | €4.50 |
| PR1 – Vereda do Areeiro (Full): includes PR1.1, PR1.2, PR1.3 | €10.50 |
| PR1 short Areeiro – Pedra Rija (temporary, while PR1 is restricted) | €4.50 |
| Day pass - 2+ trails in one day (excludes PR1) | €9.00 |
| 3-day pass - 2+ trails over 3 days (excludes PR1) | €22.50 |
| 7-day pass - 2+ trails over 7 days (excludes PR1) | €52.50 |
Tip: You don't need to manually choose between a single-trail or multi-day rate. Select the trails you want on the booking portal and the system automatically applies the best price.
Where do I book?
Book online through the SIMplifica Madeira portal.
Can I cancel or reschedule?
Only if the trail is officially closed by the authorities (e.g. weather, safety). Cancellations or changes for any other reason result in loss of the fee paid - no refunds.
What time can I start hiking?
You book a specific 30-minute time slot and cannot begin before your scheduled start time. Available start times vary by trail and season; some trails (for example PR1) offer early-morning slots, while others start later in the day. Do not enter before your slot, which risks a penalty.
Can I hike at sunrise (early morning)?
Some trails now offer early-morning time slots you can book through the normal reservation system; for example, PR1 has early slots in some seasons. Check the available start times for your trail when you book. Access before the earliest published slot is generally not granted; for exceptional circumstances you can email IFCN directly.
Which trails require a permit?
All classified trails on both islands, including:
Madeira (popular trails)
- PR1 – Vereda do Areeiro (restricted to Pedra Rija)
- PR1.2 – Vereda do Pico Ruivo
- PR6 – Levada das 25 Fontes
- PR6.1 – Levada do Risco
- PR8 – Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço
- PR9 – Levada do Caldeirão Verde
- PR10 – Levada do Furado
- PR11 – Vereda dos Balcões
- PR18 – Levada do Rei
- …and many more (40+ trails total)
Porto Santo
- PR1 – Vereda do Pico Branco e Terra Chã
- PR2 – Vereda do Pico do Castelo
- PR3 – Levada do Pico Castelo
Full trail list: IFCN - Percursos Pedestres
Am I liable if something happens on the trail?
Yes. Hikers are personally and exclusively responsible for any damages that occur during their hike (per Article 11, Regional Decree-Law 24/2022/M).
Are there discounted rates for tour operators?
Protocol-based rates exist for registered economic operators. Contact IFCN directly for details.
Contact IFCN
- Phone: (+351) 291 145 590
- Email: ifcn@madeira.gov.pt
- Address: Quinta Vila Passos, R. Alferes Veiga Pestana 15, 9054-505 Funchal
Check live permit availability by trail, reserve a hiking permit, or read our plain-English guide to the Simplifica booking process.