Madeira hiking rules for 2026: mandatory reservations, updated fees, and what hikers must do
Official 2026 access rules for Madeira classified trails: mandatory reservations in SIMplifica (30-minute time slots), updated fee categories, and what to do before your hike. Updated as new official details are published.
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https://madeirahiking.org/trail-access/2026-rules
Last updated: 2025-12-18 · Sources are listed at the bottom of the page.
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2026 rules at a glance
- Reservations become mandatory: visitors choose an entry time using 30-minute slots in SIMplifica.
- Fees change in 2026: Visit Madeira lists different fee categories depending on visitor type and whether an operator has a protocol with IFCN.
- Final check is always official: status can change (open/restricted/closed). Verify on the same day.
Rules summary (1 minute)
| Topic | What to do | Where to verify (official) |
|---|---|---|
| Reservations | Reserve your entry time using 30-minute slots in SIMplifica. | SIMplifica + Visit Madeira |
| Fees | Confirm the fee for your exact route/date inside SIMplifica before hiking. | SIMplifica + IFCN |
| Trail status | Check closures/restrictions the same day (status can change fast). | Visit Madeira status map + IFCN |
What’s changing from 1 January 2026?
Visit Madeira states that from January 1, 2026, access to classified trails follows new rules, including mandatory reservations through SIMplifica with 30-minute entry slots. Because details can evolve (and some trails have special rules), treat this page as your planning hub and always confirm the final requirements in the official sources.
Mandatory reservations (time slots)
Under the 2026 access conditions described by Visit Madeira, reservations remain mandatory and are made through the SIMplifica portal, where visitors choose entry times using available 30-minute slots.
What you should do
- Check official trail status and weather for the day you plan to hike.
- Reserve your entry time in SIMplifica for the correct trail and date.
- Keep proof of reservation/payment accessible on your phone.
If your preferred slot is full
Be ready to choose a different time. The key idea is to spread hikers across the day, so building flexibility into your plan is important.
Fees in 2026 (what we can confirm)
Visit Madeira lists 2026 access fee categories (including different amounts depending on whether visitors are accompanied by tourism animation companies with or without protocol with IFCN). IFCN also publishes official information and references Decree No. 801/2025 for 2026 fees/prices.
Important: avoid outdated screenshots
Don’t rely on social media screenshots for pricing. Always confirm inside SIMplifica for the exact route and date.
What counts as “classified trails”?
“Classified walking routes” are the official routes managed under the regional framework (often the PR network). Access rules and status are published through official channels.
Do this before every hike (our safety + compliance checklist)
- 1) Check status: use our trail status hub and the official sources linked there.
- 2) Book/confirm fees: use our fees & booking guide, then confirm in SIMplifica.
- 3) Choose a trail that matches your risk tolerance: if you have fear of heights, start with low-exposure hikes.
- 4) Carry essentials: headlamp when tunnels are present, water, and layers.
Official links directory (bookmark this)
These are the primary sources we recommend checking for the final, up-to-date requirements.
- SIMplifica (official portal)Reservations, payment, and the definitive requirements for your exact route/date.
- Visit Madeira — Hiking (access conditions)Public-facing guidance about access conditions, including 2026 changes.
- Visit Madeira — Notice to walkers + list of walks (status map)The most widely referenced official trail status map for classified routes.
- IFCN — Fees FAQ (classified walking routes)Official FAQ and references to the 2026 fee decree.
Changelog
- 2025-12-18: Published initial 2026 guide with official source links and planning checklist.
FAQ
Will reservations be required for everyone?
Visit Madeira states reservations are mandatory and made through SIMplifica with 30-minute slots. Always confirm details for your specific trail/date.
Where should I trust the final info?
Use official sources (Visit Madeira + IFCN) and verify inside SIMplifica.