Booking a Hike in Madeira is Mandatory
Booking a hike in Madeira is now a mandatory digital process for all non-residents over the age of 12. You cannot buy a ticket at a physical kiosk or from a ranger at the start of the trail. Instead, you must access the government's official platform, called “Simplifica” to secure your permit before you arrive.
Understanding the Simplifica Platform
Simplifica is the Regional Government of Madeira's digital hub for public services, similar to a digital town hall. While it handles everything from fishing licenses to social security for residents, it is now the primary tool for tourism management. For a visitor, Simplifica functions purely as a ticket office.
The platform is available in Portuguese and English, though some translation elements may be automatic. It connects directly to the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN) database, ensuring that when you book a slot, it is instantly registered against the trail's daily capacity. You do not need to download a separate mobile app; the entire transaction occurs within your web browser.
How to Book a Hiking Trail / "Percurso Pedestre" Online
The process is designed to be completed in advance - ideally 24 hours before your trip - to avoid issues with poor mobile signal in the mountains.
To begin, navigate to simplifica.madeira.gov.pt on your smartphone or computer. This is the centralized administrative platform for Madeira. Once there, look for the service titled "Pagamento de Taxas para Percursos Pedestres Classificados" (Payment of Fees for Classified Walking Routes).
At the bottom of the page, the interface allows you to select your specific trail. Choose it and it will then also ask you the booking period and the number of participants.
Since daily caps are enforced on popular routes like PR 8 - Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço, booking early is the only way to guarantee entry. You will also be asked to provide necessary personal details, such as your name, country of origin and email address to issue the permit.
Once you have selected your route and the date of your hike, you will be prompted to pay. The fee is strictly set at €3 per person, per trail. There is no "day pass" that covers multiple trails. If you plan to hike two different PR routes in one day, you must purchase two separate permits.
The platform currently accepts major credit cards, specifically Visa and Mastercard. While some users report success with debit cards, a credit card is the most reliable method. After entering your payment details, the system processes the transaction immediately. Be aware that cash payments are not accepted at trailheads, and inspectors cannot sell you a ticket on-site.
Registration Requirements for Tourists vs. Residents
A common confusion for travelers is whether they need to create a full government account. Tourists do not need to register a verified account to pay the hiking fee. When accessing the payment service, you can proceed as a "guest" by simply clicking the "Solicitar" (Request) or "Start" button associated with the hiking fee service.
Residents of Madeira, however, must log in and authenticate their account to prove their residency status. This authentication allows the system to apply their exemption automatically, waiving the €3 fee.
Digital Tickets and Proof of Payment
After a successful transaction, you will receive a digital receipt or permit, which will be sent by email or made available directly for download from the confirmation screen. This is your ticket. You do not need to visit a tourism office to print a physical voucher, although carrying a paper copy is a safe backup if your phone runs out of battery.
On the trail, you must present this digital ticket to IFCN officers or Forest Police upon request. These checkpoints can be located at the beginning of the hike (like at the Pico do Areeiro parking lot) or at random spots along the route. The ticket will likely contain a QR code or a transaction ID that officers can verify. Failure to show valid proof of payment can result in a fine ranging from €50 to €500.
Frequently Asked Questions: Hiking Permits on Madeira
What is the Current Fee for the Trails?
The mandatory fee is €3 per person, per trail for all non-residents aged 13 and over. Children 12 and under are exempt. The money is used by the IFCN for trail maintenance and conservation.
Can I Pay in Cash at the Trailhead?
No. The fee must be paid online in advance via the Simplifica platform. You can use your own mobile device to pay on-site if you have a signal, but poor mountain connectivity means you should purchase the ticket beforehand.
What if I Can't Finish the Trail or Change my Mind?
Generally, once a ticket is purchased, cancellations are not possible. However, if you are unable to complete the route on the day you paid for, you may contact the Simplifica call center to request a change of date. This request must be made before the scheduled day of the hike.
Can I Change the Trail I Booked?
No, the fee is specific to the route selected (e.g., PR1) and the route cannot be swapped for a different one (e.g., PR9). The only exception is if the original route you paid for is officially closed by the authorities (due to weather, maintenance, etc.). In this case, contact the Simplifica call center for a transfer.
What if I Lose my Mobile Signal on the Trail?
The digital ticket (or proof of payment) must be presented to IFCN inspectors on demand. You should download the ticket (or take a clear screenshot of the QR code/proof of payment) to your phone's gallery before starting the hike. A digital copy saved offline is sufficient proof, even without a signal.
Does the Fee Cover Insurance if I Have an Accident?
No. Payment of the €3 fee is a service charge for access and maintenance; it does not include or imply any type of personal accident insurance. You remain personally and exclusively responsible for any damages or injuries that occur during your use of the route.
I Booked Through a Tour Company. Do I still Need a Ticket?
If you booked a guided hike, the tour company should handle the fee on your behalf and provide you with the required proof of payment. Clarify this with your guide or operator to ensure you are covered, as you are still liable for the fine if you cannot present a ticket.
What are the Official Hiking Trails That Require Payment?
These are all the official percursos pedestres (hiking trails) which require a €3 payment per person.
Madeira Island
PR1 Vereda do Areeiro
PR9.1 Levada do Caldeirão Verde
PR1.1 Vereda da Ilha
PR10 Levada do Furado
PR1.2 Vereda do Pico Ruivo
PR11 Vereda dos Balcões
PR1.3 Vereda da Encumeada
PR12 Caminho Real da Encumeada
PR2 Vereda do Urzal
PR13 Vereda do Fanal
PR5 Vereda das Funduras
PR13.1 Vereda da Palha Carga
PR6 Levada das 25 Fontes
PR14 Levada dos Cedros
PR6.1 Levada do Risco
PR15 Vereda da Ribeira da Janela
PR6.2 Levada do Alecrim
PR16 Levada Fajã do Rodrigues
PR6.3 Vereda da Lagoa do Vento
PR17 Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal
PR6.4 Levada Velha do Rabaçal
PR18 Levada do Rei
PR6.5 Vereda do Pico Fernandes
PR19 Caminho Real do Paul do Mar
PR6.6 Vereda do Túnel do Cavalo
PR20 Vereda do Jardim do Mar
PR6.7 Vereda da Câmara de carga do Rabaçal
PR21 Caminho do Norte
PR6.8 Levada do Paul II
PR22 Vereda do Chão dos Louros
PR7 Levada do Moinho
PR27 Glaciar de Planalto
PR8 Vereda da Ponta de S. Lourenço
PR28 Levada da Rocha Vermelha
PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde
Porto Santo
PR1 Vereda do Pico Branco e Terra Chã
PR2 Vereda do Pico do Castelo ‘
PR3 Levada do Pico Castelo
Where Can I Contact Simplifica?
You can contact Simplifica every weekday, from 09:00 to 18:00, through the following contacts:
Phone: 800 29 90 90
E-Mail: 800299090@madeira.gov.pt
Whatsapp: 351 926 155 465
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