PR1 Trail Closed Since 2024 Fires to Reopen on April 27, 2026
This one is already more than a week old, but it slipped my attention, thanks to Hiking Madeira for spreading the word!
The PR1 Pico do Arieiro–Pico Ruivo trail, officially known as the PR1 Vereda do Arieiro, is said to reopen in April 2026 after being closed since the 2024 wildfires. The trail is set to reopen with the Madeira Island Ultra-Trail (MIUT), scheduled for April 25 and 26 and will be open for the public from April 27.
Although the trail will reopen for the race, its use will be limited to the Tuesday after the event. Circulation may be limited due to the carrying capacity that will be determined after the opening plan, based on two essential values: enjoying nature safely and in a controlled manner after the MIUT, and a sign of “respect for preservation and sustainability,” declared Eduardo Jesus.
Diario de Noticias da Madeira, October 24, 2026
The announcement came from Madeira’s Regional Secretary for Tourism, Environment and Culture, Eduardo Jesus, who confirmed that the reopening is part of a coordinated recovery plan led by the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (IFCN).
Access Limited After the Race to Ensure Safety and Sustainability
Following the event, access to the trail will will reopen to the public the following Tuesday, with limits based on visitor capacity and environmental conditions. Eduardo Jesus explained that managing visitor flow will be necessary. Do also note that the hiking fee of €3,00 applies.
Restoration of 17 Kilometers of Fire-Damaged Trails Yet to Begin
One tricky point is that the news reports the IFCN has not yet begun restoration work on roughly 17 kilometers of fire-damaged trails, including the Encumeada–Pico Ruivo segment via Pico Jorge–Pico Grande and the connection to Pico do Areeiro. Planned actions include building retaining walls and paving sections under technical supervision.
It remains to be seen how this will unfold and whether it could affect the reopening announcement. Reading this naturally raises some skepticism.
Actions are planned for cleaning, construction, and reconstruction of approximately 17 kilometers of trails affected by the fire, covering the segments of the Encumeada-Pico Ruivo Trail (via the Pico Jorge-Pico Grande Trail) and connecting Pico do Areeiro, with the removal of debris, cutting of vegetation, construction of retaining walls, and flagstone paving of verandas, all under the technical supervision of the IFCN.
Source: Diario de Noticias da Madeira, October 24, 2026
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