Madeira is a spectacular island, but above all, it is extremely fragile. Behind the “postcard” landscapes lies an ecosystem millions of years old, shaped by volcanism and a biodiversity that is unique in the world.
In recent years, mass tourism has left its mark: eroded trails, trampled vegetation, and disturbed wildlife. To protect this sanctuary, the rules have changed. This is not to complicate your stay, but to ensure that Madeira remains the island of flowers, not a land of concrete and dust.
📅 Everything you need is listed here
Since 2026, access to most official trails (the famous PRs) has been strictly regulated.
- Reservations are required: Everything is done online via the official SIMplifica platform.
Offical website (With all services) : CLICK HERE
Booking / Tickets / Paying for levada : CLICK HERE - Payment in advance: It is now impossible to pay on site. Without a valid QR code, forest rangers will deny you access to the trail.
Checks are random, and rangers are not permanently stationed at trailheads.
- Time slots: When booking, you choose a departure time slot (in 30-minute increments).
- Prices: Expect to pay around €4.50 per adult (free for children under 12). Some iconic sites, such as Pico do Areeiro, have specific rates.
💡 Madeira Horizon tip: Download your QR code or take a screenshot before you leave! There is often no mobile network coverage at the start of hikes in the mountains. Don’t book too far in advance; 2 days max is enough.
🦌 Common sense: Be guests, not consumers
Beyond the entrance fee, it is your behavior that saves the island. Madeira is not an amusement park, it is a living natural balance.
- Stay on the trails: Going off the beaten track destroys roots and accelerates soil erosion.
- Silence and discretion: Do not disturb the animals. Madeira is home to species of birds and insects found nowhere else.
- NEVER feed the animals: Giving bread to birds or lizards alters their wild behavior and can seriously harm their health. Admire them, but do not turn them into circus animals.
- Zero waste: It seems obvious, but take everything with you, including your organic waste (fruit peels, etc.), which has no place in this ecosystem.
🧭 The Madeira Horizon approach
At Madeira Horizon, I share a clear vision with you: understand the island before exploring it. Explore without damaging, discover without consuming.
My excursions are not a substitute for classic long hikes; they complement them. I help you avoid the pitfalls: knowing which trails are really worth it and choosing the best time to go.
If you’re eager to walk during our outings, I’ll take you on small, secret, and free local trails, far from the tourist crowds. I’ll leave the QR code “highways” for your days off, because Madeira Horizon exists to help you discover Madeira differently: with respect, calm, and common sense.
Want the views without the permit drama?
While everyone else is queuing for the PR1 or struggling with the new trail taxes, there’s a smarter way to explore the island. Let me handle the driving, the steep roads, and the logistics. On my Private Jeep Tours, we go off the beaten path to viewpoints most tourists will never see. Sit back, relax, and leave the hiking boots at home. BOOK ONE OF OUR TOUR HERE