Madeira Trails Without Booking Requirements
Under the regional fee regime effective from January 1, 2026, all open classified PR trails managed by the regional nature agency (IFCN) require advance online reservation on the SIMplifica portal and an access fee (€4.50 per person, or €10.50 for PR 1).
Only trails managed by other public authorities (such as the Câmara Municipal do Funchal or Junta de Freguesia do Caniço) currently remain outside the IFCN booking and fee system.
Verified Free Trails (4)
No Fee or Permit Needed
Why Are Most Other Trails Paid?
Following Regional Orders (Portaria 801/2025 and 48/2026), 30 classified walking routes managed by the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN) transitioned to mandatory online time-slot reservations and access fees. This system controls foot-traffic density, improves mountain safety, and supports ongoing environmental conservation of Madeira’s UNESCO-recognized Laurisilva forest.
What About Popular Trails Like PR 6 or PR 9?
Older travel blogs often label trails like PR 6 (Levada das 25 Fontes), PR 8 (Ponta de São Lourenço), PR 9 (Caldeirão Verde), and PR 10 (Levada do Furado) as free. This is no longer the case. All of these trails now require a €4.50 ticket and pre-reserved time slot booked on SIMplifica.
Exemptions from Trail Fees
Under official IFCN rules, the following individuals are exempt from the fee (though an advance reservation slot is still required):
- Children aged 12 and under.
- Permanent residents of the Autonomous Region of Madeira (with valid proof of residence).
- Visitors with a medically certified disability of 60% or higher, plus one accompanying assistant.
- Owners of land immediately adjacent to the classified route.
Need to Book an IFCN Trail?
Check out our complete overview of booking rules, time slots, and multi-day trail passes on our Fees & Booking guide.