PR1 Reopens April 27, 2026 - What Changed After the Wildfire
Madeira's iconic PR1 trail (Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo) reopens April 27, 2026 after reconstruction from the August 2024 wildfire. New fees, capacity controls, and what to expect.
Key facts
- Reopening date: April 27, 2026 (public access after MIUT event April 25-26)
- Fee: €10.50 per person (€7 with IFCN protocol operator)
- Booking: Mandatory via SIMplifica — excluded from multi-day passes
- Capacity: Limited daily entries with 30-minute time slots
Madeira's most iconic trail is back
After more than 20 months of closure and extensive reconstruction, PR1 — the trail connecting Pico do Areeiro (1,818m) to Pico Ruivo (1,862m), Madeira's highest peak — reopens to the public on April 27, 2026.
The trail was closed following the devastating wildfire that swept through Madeira's central mountain range in August 2024, causing significant damage to trail infrastructure, vegetation, and safety features along the exposed ridgeline route.
What happened in August 2024
The wildfire, which burned for several days across the central peaks, destroyed sections of the PR1 trail including wooden walkways, handrails, safety cables, and signage. The fire also severely damaged the unique laurel forest ecosystem along parts of the route.
IFCN immediately closed the trail for safety and began planning a comprehensive reconstruction that would also incorporate improved fire resilience measures.
What changed: reconstruction details
The reconstruction of PR1 has been one of the most significant trail infrastructure projects in Madeira's history. Key improvements include:
- Rebuilt walkways and steps: Damaged wooden sections replaced with more durable, fire-resistant materials where possible
- New safety infrastructure: Updated handrails, cables, and protective barriers along exposed ridgeline sections
- Capacity management: The reopened trail operates with daily visitor limits and mandatory time-slot reservations to prevent overcrowding
- Revegetation: Natural recovery of the laurel forest is underway, though full regrowth will take years. The landscape will look different from pre-fire conditions
MIUT 2026: trail runners go first
The Madeira Island Ultra Trail (MIUT), one of Europe's premier ultra-running events, takes place April 25-26, 2026. The PR1 trail is part of the MIUT course, and this year's event serves as the trail's inaugural reopening. Public access begins the day after, April 27.
If you're in Madeira during MIUT weekend, consider watching from the viewpoints at Pico do Areeiro or Achada do Teixeira — it's a unique spectacle.
How to book PR1 in 2026
- 1Go to SIMplifica — Visit simplifica.madeira.gov.pt and create an account or log in.
- 2Select PR1 — Choose the trail, date, and a 30-minute entry slot. Note: PR1 has limited daily capacity, so popular slots sell out quickly.
- 3Pay €10.50 — PR1 is excluded from multi-day passes, so each person must pay individually. With an IFCN protocol operator, the fee is €7.
- 4Save your digital ticket — Download or screenshot your permit. You will be checked at the trailhead.
What to expect on the trail
PR1 remains one of Madeira's most spectacular but demanding trails. The route crosses exposed ridgelines at altitude with significant drops on both sides. Key things to know for the reopened trail:
Changed landscape
The fire significantly altered vegetation along the route. Expect a more exposed, less forested landscape compared to pre-2024 photos and guides.
Weather conditions
At 1,800m+ altitude, weather changes rapidly. Fog, wind, and cold are possible even in summer. Bring warm layers and a wind/rain jacket.
Route options
The full traverse is point-to-point (one way). You can also start from Achada do Teixeira for a shorter approach to Pico Ruivo summit.
Not for vertigo sufferers
PR1 has high exposure sections with steep drops. If you're afraid of heights, consider PR1.2 (Achada do Teixeira) as a less exposed alternative.
PR1 trail details
7 km (one way)
3-4 hours
+400m / -600m
Difficult (high exposure)