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 government permit fee; Madeira residents, children aged 12 and under, and visitors with a disability of 60% or more are exempt from the fee but still need to register and reserve a time slot.

How much does it cost?

Madeira residents, children aged 12 and under, and visitors with a disability of 60% or more are exempt.

Tip: You don't need to manually choose between a single-trail or multi-day rate. When you book several trails yourself on SIMplifica, the government portal automatically applies the best price.

Where do I book?

Reserve with Madeira Fun: pick a trail, date and time slot at madeira.fun/hiking, and we submit the reservation on the government system for you. You pay the permit fee directly to the government through the PayPay link we email you; Madeira Fun never collects the permit fee. You can also book and pay yourself on the official 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 Full (One Way) – Vereda do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo
• PR1 Short – Vereda do Areeiro to Miradouro 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.