Madeira Hiking Permits & Simplifica, in English

Many of Madeira's best hikes are on protected trails that need an official IFCN permit, sold through the government portal Simplifica. The process is largely in Portuguese and trips up a lot of visitors. Here is how it works in plain English, and how we can reserve your permit for you so you can skip the government website entirely.

Let madeira.fun book it for you

1. Pick a trail, date and time slot on madeira.fun with live availability.
2. We navigate Simplifica and submit the reservation on your behalf.
3. You pay the government permit fee directly via the secure link we email you.

100% of the permit fee goes to the government of Madeira via Simplifica. madeira.fun collects no fees on behalf of the government, and only the government issues the permit.

Check availability & reserve a permit

Which trails need a permit, and what they cost

• PR1 Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, the iconic peak-to-peak trail. One-way permit 10.50 EUR.
• PR9 Caldeirao Verde, a levada walk to a waterfall through Laurisilva forest. 4.50 EUR.
• PR8 Ponta de Sao Lourenco, the dramatic volcanic eastern peninsula. 4.50 EUR.
• PR6 Levada das 25 Fontes, the famous 25 springs at Rabacal. 4.50 EUR.
• PR11 Vereda dos Balcoes, a short, easy levada walk to a viewpoint. 4.50 EUR.
• Plus PR1.2, PR10, PR13 and other protected trails, most 4.50 EUR per non-resident adult.

How the permit fee and payment work

• Only non-resident adults pay. Children under 12, Madeira residents, and visitors with a recognised disability are fee-exempt but still need a reservation.
• The government payment link is time-limited (often only a few hours for same-day slots). Pay promptly or the slot is released.
• Permit fees are non-refundable and reservations cannot be rescheduled (Portaria 801/2025, amended by 48/2026), except when IFCN cancels the activity.
• After payment the government emails your official permit voucher and receipt. Carry it on the trail.

Frequently asked questions

What is Simplifica in Madeira?

Simplifica (simplifica.madeira.gov.pt) is the Madeira regional government online portal. Hiking permits are issued through it by IFCN, the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation. To hike a protected trail legally you reserve a dated time slot on Simplifica and pay the permit fee.

Is Simplifica available in English?

The Simplifica permit flow is largely in Portuguese and many steps are not translated, which is why visitors find it confusing. madeira.fun explains the whole process in English and can complete the reservation on the government site for you.

Which Madeira trails need a hiking permit?

Protected PR trails require a permit, including PR1 Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, PR1.2 Vereda do Pico Ruivo, PR6 Levada das 25 Fontes, PR8 Ponta de Sao Lourenco, PR9 Caldeirao Verde, PR11 Vereda dos Balcoes and more.

How much does a Madeira hiking permit cost?

Most trails cost 4.50 EUR per non-resident adult. PR1 Vereda do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo (one way) costs 10.50 EUR. Children under 12, residents of Madeira, and visitors with a recognised disability are fee-exempt but still need a reservation.

How do I book a Madeira hiking permit?

Either reserve a time slot yourself on the Simplifica portal and pay within the deadline, or use madeira.fun: pick a trail, date and time slot and we submit the reservation on the government system. You then pay the permit fee directly to the government using the link we email you.

How far in advance should I book?

Popular trails such as Pico do Arieiro and Ponta de Sao Lourenco sell out days ahead in peak season (April to October). Reserve as early as you can; madeira.fun shows live time-slot availability updated every few minutes.

Open the live availability calendar · Read the full permits FAQ