How to Use SIMplifica
SIMplifica is Madeira's official government portal for booking trail permits and paying hiking fees. This guide walks you through the booking process step by step.
What is SIMplifica?
SIMplifica (simplifica.madeira.gov.pt) is the Madeira Regional Government's online services portal. For hikers, it's where you:
- Check which trails require permits and their availability
- Pay trail access fees (typically €3 per person)
- Book your hiking date (required for some trails)
- Get confirmation/ticket to present if checked
Step-by-Step Booking Guide
Access the Portal
Go to simplifica.madeira.gov.pt in your web browser. The site is available in Portuguese, English, and other languages — look for the language selector.
Find Trail Permits
Navigate to the hiking trails section. Look for "Percursos Pedestres" (Hiking Trails) or similar. The exact menu structure may change, but trail permits are typically under tourism or nature services.
Select Your Trail
Choose the PR route you want to hike (e.g., PR6 Levada das 25 Fontes, PR1 Pico do Areeiro). The system will show availability and any capacity limits for your chosen date.
Choose Date & Number of Hikers
Select your hiking date and specify how many people are in your group. Each person typically needs their own permit.
Pay Online
Complete payment with a credit or debit card. The fee is typically around €3 per person but can vary by trail. You'll receive a confirmation email with your permit/ticket.
Save Your Confirmation
Download or screenshot your permit confirmation. You may be asked to show it at the trailhead or during your hike. Keep it accessible on your phone.
Tips & Troubleshooting
- Book in advance — Popular trails like PR6 and PR1 can fill up, especially in peak season
- Check trail status separately — Buying a permit doesn't guarantee the trail is open. Verify status on our status page
- Madeira residents are exempt — If you're a resident, you don't pay but may still need to register
- Portal can be slow — The site sometimes has performance issues. Try during off-peak hours if it's unresponsive
- Save confirmation offline — Phone signal is unreliable on trails, so save your permit before you go