Iconic Madeira hiking trail to reopen after two-year closure

Madeira’s PR1 Vereda do Areeiro, a breathtaking trail that links three of the highest points on the Portuguese archipelago, will reopen in April after being closed off to hikers for two years.

According to the Visit Madeira tourism board, the trail’s revamp is part of the island’s “continued commitment to investing in infrastructure, conservation programmes and community-focused tourism activities”, within the framework of its latest awareness campaign: Explore. Respect. Preserve.

The trail was forced into closure in 2024 due to a wildfire, which damaged much of the trail and required extensive safety improvements.

With restoration works now complete, the 7km-long route, which traverses through the island’s Pico do Areeiro (1,818m), Pico das Torres (1,851m) and Pico Ruivo (1,862m) peaks, will soon welcome hikers once more.

The high-altitude hiking experience begins at the Pico de Areeiro viewpoint, with an approximate three-and-a-half-hour-long route through tunnels carved into volcanic rock, steep ridgelines and panoramic viewpoints above the clouds.

Trekkers will also cover the Central Mountain Massif, a protected area recognised for its unique habitats and biodiversity. With a bit of luck and a camera at hand, trekkers may spot bird species and subspecies, such as the canary, the Berthelot’s pipit and plain swift, unique to Madeira and neighbouring Macaronesian archipelagos in the North Atlantic.

Highlighting climate conservation, Visit Madeira has called on visitors and locals to “protect the island”, with guidelines warning against uprooting flora and fauna. Travellers are also urged not to litter and remember that “animals are not attractions”, as excessive human contact disrupts their natural flows.

Fees to support trail maintenance, nature conservation

Trekkers keen to take on the soon-to-reopen trail will have to pay a fee to access it.

A fee of €10.50 will apply with the full reopening of the PR1 Vereda do Areeiro. In contrast, a €4.50 fee applies to all other classified walking routes.

“Higher maintenance requirements and new infrastructure will justify an increased access fee,” officials said in 2024 regarding the fees.

Contributions from these fees support trail maintenance, safety improvements and environmental protection, while helping to manage visitor flow.

In 2025, the Portuguese island introduced new hiking trail regulations to protect nature and improve visitor experience, including staggering visitor access throughout the day to reduce congestion at busy times and lower pressure on the Island’s ecosystems.

These regulations came into force on 1 January 2026.

Fees to access trails, such as the 6km Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço, the 5.6km Vereda do Pico Ruivo and the 10.6km Levada do Rei, stand at €4.50 if payment is made at the time of booking. However, a slightly cheaper rate of €3 can be paid if booking is made in advance.

Madeira’s residents are exempt from paying such fees, although preregistration is required for all.

The reopening of PR1 Vereda do Areeiro coincides with the Madeira Island Ultra Trail running challenge, taking place from 25-26 April 2026.

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