PR18 - Levada do Rei

PR18 (Levada do Rei) permit - frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to hike PR18 (Levada do Rei) in Madeira?

Yes. Since December 2025 every classified trail on Madeira and Porto Santo needs a reservation, and PR18 (Levada do Rei) is one of them. 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 the PR18 hiking permit cost?

The PR18 (Levada do Rei) permit is 4.50 EUR per non-resident visitor at the single-trail rate. A day pass or multi-day pass covering two or more trails can lower the per-trail cost. Madeira residents and other eligible groups are exempt from the fee. The permit fee is paid to the Madeira government; the trail itself is free to walk once you hold a valid permit.

How hard is PR18 (Levada do Rei) and how long does it take?

PR18 (Levada do Rei) is graded moderate, about 10.6 km Out & Back (5.3 km one way), 360 m of ascent. It starts at ETA de São Jorge and ends at Ribeiro Bonito.

What time can I start PR18?

You reserve a specific 30-minute time slot and may not begin before your booked start time. Time slots run through the day, so pick the one that suits your plan.

How do I book a permit for PR18 (Levada do Rei)?

Check live time-slot availability for PR18 (Levada do Rei) on madeira.fun/hiking, then reserve on the official IFCN Simplifica portal. madeira.fun tracks availability across the whole calendar and can handle the government reservation for you.

Permit availability for PR18 (Levada do Rei)

Current observed availability

• Earliest open date: Sat, 19 Sept at 08:00
• Open days in the next 14: 14 of 14
• Current booking pressure: low (2.5 out of 10)
• Last checked: 19 Sept, 04:31 (Madeira local time)

Official rule

A paid IFCN permit is required (4.50 EUR per non-resident visitor, single-trail rate; Madeira residents and other eligible groups are exempt from the fee). You reserve a specific 30-minute time slot and may not start before your booked time.

Madeira Fun recommendation

Availability is currently good, so you can usually book close to your planned date.

Check live permit availability · How this is calculated