Madery Roof Open! PR1 Vereda to Areeiro returns on 1.05.2026

New rules, phased opening, and changes to PR

[Complete guide May 2026]

Anyone who has stood on the ridge between Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo knows: this is not an ordinary trail. This is a place where clouds lie beneath your feet, the wind plays in rocky tunnels, and the view stretches to the ends of the ocean – if the weather is kind enough to reveal it. PR1 Vereda do Areeiro, the most famous hiking route in Madeira, is reopening after a long break and – as is often the case with the returns of legends – it comes back in a new form.

Starting May 1, 2026, you can plan your ascent to the "roof of the island." But before you lace up your hiking boots, it's worth knowing that the old freedom to walk in any direction, at any time, and without a ticket – is becoming history. The new rules are specific, well thought out, and – to put it plainly – created primarily with the protection of this unique place in mind. In this article, we have gathered everything you need to know before heading out on the trail – from practical tips to prices and logistics, to safety and transport. If you are planning PR1 this spring, this text is your essential starting point.

PR1 – a trail that does not accept compromises

PR1 Vereda do Areeiro is not only the most popular but also the highest-rated hiking trail in Madeira. It connects three peaks exceeding 1800 m above sea level: Pico do Areeiro (1818 m), Pico das Torres (1851 m), and the highest point of the island – Pico Ruivo (1862 m). The trail leads along a rocky ridge, through tunnels carved into solid rock, over steep stairs and exposed ledges, where at times you need to grab the railing and just keep going. In good weather, it reveals breathtaking panoramas – literally and figuratively. Here, at sunrise, the clouds lie beneath your feet like an ocean of cotton, and the view extends for tens of kilometers.

However, the trail should not be treated like an ordinary walk. It is a route of high difficulty – requiring both good physical fitness and mastery of the technique of moving over challenging terrain. It takes an average of 2.5 to 3.5 hours of walking one way, and the total ascents and descents hover around 1000 meters of elevation gain – which is comparable to a decent high-altitude crossing. Additionally, there are exposed sections, rapidly changing weather, and a specific high-altitude microclimate. In practice, the time taken can be longer, especially when you pull out your camera at every turn.

This is not a trail for everyone. It requires good fitness, technical confidence in your steps, and – crucially – respect for the mountains. Even if you start in the sun, at twenty degrees on the coast, here, at nearly two thousand meters, the elements write their own script. PR1 can challenge even the most seasoned hikers – regardless of the season.

The PR1 trail from Pico to ~Arieiro on Pico Ruivo, taking in Madeira’s highest peaks on a sunny day

Phased opening: in May only Friday, Saturday, and Sunday

Why was PR1 closed from Monday to Thursday?

According to the decision of IFCN (Forest and Nature Conservation Authority), full opening of PR1 will occur after the iconic MIUT – Madeira Island Ultra Trail ultramarathon, which starts on April 25, 2026. Then, for about a month,strictly limited access will be enforced:

PR1 will be available for tourist traffic only on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
From Monday to Thursday, the trail remains closed –during this time, renovation work is ongoing, new surfaces are being laid, and the area is being dried out as well asthe route is being secured for future seasons.

This is the first such restrictive schedule in the history of this place, but it has solid justification. Recent seasons have heavily strained the trail's infrastructure, and the island authorities have set themselves the goal not only of repairing it but also of long-term securing it against further degradation. At the end of May, there will be an official review – at that time a decision will be made whether the weekend access model will be extended or if the trail will be opened more widely.

One-way traffic is now only from Areeiro to Ruivo

What does one-way traffic mean for hikers?

A new feature that changesthe entire hiking logistics: from this season, PR1 operates exclusively in one-way traffic. The route can officially be started only at Pico do Areeiro and followed towards Pico Ruivo. Walking in the opposite direction (Ruivo → Areeiro) is no longer allowed. For hikers accustomed to traversing the trail in both directions, this means one thing: you need to rethink the logistics of your return.

There is one exception – the initialapproximately 1.2 km section to the viewpoint Pedra Rija remains accessible in both directions.This allows those who do not plan to complete the entire route to take a shorter walk and safely return the same way.

Simplifica –mandatory reservation and fee for everyone.

Entry to PR1 now requires a mandatory reservation of a time slot and payment – exclusively through the official portal Simplifica (simplifica.madeira.gov.pt). It is a system that manages the remaining classified trails in Madeira, but PR1 - due to its unique nature - has its own pricing and rules.

What should be remembered above all? Every person, without exception, must be registered and must have an individual ticket with a QR code – there are no exceptions.

Current fees for PR1:

Full route Areeiro–Ruivo – €10.50 per person
Section to Pedra Rija (about 1.2 km) – €4.50 - in this case, traffic remains two-way.
Children under 12 and persons with disabilities over 60% – €0, but with mandatory reservation
Residents of Madeira – €0, reservation also mandatory

And a very important note: 3- and 7-day tickets do not cover PR1. This trail always requires a separate reservation and a higher rate, even if you already have a ticket for the other routes.

Step-by-step instructions on how to buy a ticket through Simplifica, can be found in our guide:

How to buy tickets for hiking trails in Madeira through Simplifica.

The mountains do not forgive – safety high above the clouds

IFCN is the only official source of information about trail conditions, closures, and hazards. This institution is responsible for their maintenance and the safety of tourists. Whenever weather conditions become dangerous, it announces closures. Remember: cancellations on PR1 can happen in any month of the year. Strong winds, fog reducing visibility to zero, heavy rainfall, unexpected icing, and even summer rockslides – these are scenarios that can disrupt plans even in summer.

That’s why it’s so important not to overestimate your strength and always check the announcements before heading out. We continuously monitor IFCN information and immediately share it on our Facebook and Instagram – for your convenience and safety.

A few rules to always keep in mind:

The sun at this altitude can be relentless. There is almost no shade on the trail – sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are essential.
The weather changes here in the blink of an eye. Even if you set off in a short-sleeved shirt, always have a windbreaker and a warm layer in your backpack.Strong winds in open spaces can turn a pleasant walk into a struggle for every step.
Trekking poles are not only allowed but recommended – especially on steep, technical descents. Especially when descending from Pico Ruivo, they relieve the knees and add stability. A flashlight is also a must in your backpack (tunnels do not forgive darkness).
Do not overestimate your fitness. Distance on paper looks short (7 km), but the elevation gain and terrain characteristics quickly mislead.
Always check the forecast and announcements before heading out – it’s a habit that truly increases safety.

Casa de Abrigo do Pico Ruivo – a break in the clouds on the trail

About half a kilometer below the peak of Ruivo, there is a mountain shelter – Casa de Abrigo do Pico Ruivo. It is the only place on the trail where you can sit for a moment, catch your breath, and replenish your supplies. Available: water, drinks, energy bars, and sometimes warm snacks. However, remember: payment on-site is only in cash. In the mountains, reception can be very weak, and terminals can refuse to work. Having a few dozen euros in your wallet is really a good idea. Parking, returns, and hidden costs – why it’s worth considering transportation?

Transportation – that is how not to waste time and nerves on parking!

After the resumption of traffic on PR1, tourism in the Pico do Areeiro area will reach its peak again. Parking on-site is often frustrating, time-consuming, and incurs additional fees. And once you reach Pico Ruivo, the crucial question arises: how to return?

The number of parking spaces at Pico do Areeiro is limited, and the longer the stay, the higher the fees. After several hours of hiking along the ridge, you arrive tired in the Achada do Teixeira area – and again the same question: how to get back to your car? A taxi or individual return transfer to the parking lot at Areeiro is an additional expense of several dozen euros. As a result, a day in the mountains can unpleasantly strain your budget.

And now the alternative – we offer comprehensive transport for groups:

We pick you up from your hotel in Funchal
We take you directly to the start at Pico do Areeiro.
Pico do Areeiro After the hike, we will wait for you at Achada do Teixeira, and safely drive you back to the hotel.

No wandering around parking lots, no stress, no unexpected costs.

For those who only need a return transfer from Achada do Teixeira to the PR1 parking, we also offer a custom ride option.

📩 We accept individual and group requests at: transfer@madeira.com.pl

Just provide the number of people and your preferred date, we have set starting times – we will prepare an offer and handle all logistics.

Do you have questions? Want to clarify details?

Write to us: transfer@madeira.com.pl

FAQ – frequently asked questions about PR1

Can I enter PR1 without a reservation?

No. Reservation of a slot through Simplifica is mandatory for every participant.

Can I walk the route from Ruivo to Areeiro?

No. The traffic is one-way only: Areeiro → Ruivo.

Does the 7-day ticket include PR1?

No. PR1 has its own rate and requires a separate reservation.

Can I pay by card on the route?

At Casa de Abrigo do Pico Ruivo – cash only.In the mountains, there is often no signal.

What happens if the trail is closed on my reservation day?

IFCN issues an official announcement – then the reservation will be canceled or rescheduled.

See you on the trail!

The Madeira Roof is open again PR1 Vereda to Areeiro returns on May 1, 2026