The 7-kilometer Vereda do Areeiro trail in Madeira was closed in 2024 for safety reasons due to the aftermath of large-scale forest fires.
The breathtaking PR1 Vereda do Areeiro trail on the Portuguese island of Madeira, which connects the three highest points of the archipelago, will reopen to hikers in April 2026 after being closed for two years.
According to Euronews Travel, the trail was forced to close in 2024 due to a forest fire that damaged most of it. Over the next two years, extensive safety measures were implemented on the route.
The opening of the route coincides with the Madeira Island Ultra Trail Running Challenge, which takes place on April 25-26, 2026.
Note, the PR1 Vereda do Areeiro route passes through the peaks of Pico do Areeiro (1818 m), Pico das Torres (1851 m) and Pico Ruivo (1862 m). In about 3.5 hours, tourists pass through tunnels carved in volcanic rocks, steep ridges and panoramic views above the clouds.
Along the way, hiking enthusiasts also cross the Central Mountain Range, a protected area known for its unique biodiversity.
However, tourists will have to pay 10.50 euros to use the trail, which is significantly higher than the standard 4.50 euros for other classified hiking trails on the island.
“Higher maintenance requirements and new infrastructure will justify the increase in access fees,” local authorities said.
The fees from these charges are used to maintain the trails, improve safety and environmental protection, and help regulate the flow of visitors.Read also:
Entrance fees for tourist routes in Madeira
As reported by UNIAN.Tourism, in 2025, the Portuguese island of Madeira introduced new rules for hiking trails aimed at protecting nature and improving visitor experiences, including staggered access for visitors throughout the day to reduce crowds during peak hours and alleviate the strain on the island’s ecosystems.
These rules came into force on January 1, 2026. Since then, the fee for accessing routes such as the 6-kilometer Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço, the 5.6-kilometer Vereda do Pico Ruivo, and the 10.6-kilometer Levada do Rei is 4.50 euros.
Residents of Madeira are exempt from paying such fees, although pre-registration is mandatory for everyone.