Madeira trail status. 🥾 Current list of IFCN routes

The iconic ridge trail from Pico do Areeiro (1818 m) to Pico Ruivo (1862 m) – fully reopened on 1 May 2026 after almost two years of closure caused by the wildfires of August 2024. You walk the vereda oeste (the western path, through the tunnels) in the Areeiro → Ruivo direction. The vereda este (the eastern path, via Pico das Torres) is closed. Rebuilt infrastructure: new boardwalks, railings and safety features made of fire-resistant materials.

⚠️ Traffic rules (IFCN, 24 July 2026): the Areeiro ↔ Miradouro da Pedra Rija section (km 1.2) is two-way; the Pedra Rija → Pico Ruivo section is one-way (vereda oeste through the tunnels; vereda este via Pico das Torres closed). From Pico Ruivo you descend to Achada do Teixeira (PR1.2, 2.8 km) or to Ilha (PR1.1, 8.2 km) – either way you’ll need transport (taxi/transfer). Fee: €10.50 (also covers PR1.1 and PR1.2). Booking required.

The descent from Pico Ruivo northwards to the village of Ilha in the municipality of Santana. A long one-way route – you’ll need to sort out how to get back, or bring a second car.

The climb to Pico Ruivo (1862 m, Madeira’s highest peak) from the Achada do Teixeira car park (1592 m). The shortest and easiest route to the summit – a fairly short climb for the reward of the view from the island’s highest point. The alternative is PR1 from Pico do Areeiro (a longer, demanding ridge route).

⚠️ The shortest way up Pico Ruivo. Booking through SIMplifica required.

A ridge route from Pico Ruivo to the Encumeada pass. It runs through two Natura 2000 ecosystems – the central massif and the laurel forest. Partly reopened.

⚠️ The Boca das Torrinhas – Encumeada section remains closed. The rest of the route can be walked.

A route from the deep Curral das Freiras canyon over the Boca das Torrinhas pass to the north coast. On the northern side the trail goes through laurel forest – the landscape changes noticeably halfway.

A descent from just below the summit of Pico do Areeiro (1818 m) through the Parque Ecológico do Funchal to the Ribeira das Cales valley. Managed by Câmara Municipal do Funchal (Funchal City Council) – no booking or IFCN fee needed.

A historic road linking the valley with Monte. Managed by Câmara Municipal do Funchal – no fees or booking. Often combined with PR3 into one longer day.

A route in the north-east of the island through the deeply cut Funduras valley. A demanding trail with big differences in altitude (max. 605 m, min. 175 m). One of the tougher classified trails in Madeira.

One of the most popular trails on the island. The levada leads to the waterfall at the 25 springs. One-way traffic applies – out along the levada, back on the alternative route (the Bypass). Book ahead, especially at weekends. More about PR6 and Risco →

⚠️ One-way traffic – out along the levada, back via the Bypass.

A branch from Rabaçal to the Risco waterfall. A fairly short and easy route that combines well with PR6 when you plan a day in the Rabaçal area.

A route to the source of the levada through heather forest. Quieter than PR6, with a calmer atmosphere. It starts from the same point in Rabaçal.

A short route to the Lagoa do Vento lake on the Paul da Serra plateau. Easy and suitable for less experienced walkers.

An old levada linking Pico Gordo with the forest warden’s house in Rabaçal. A one-way route – you need to arrange transport or return the same way.

A descent from the Paul da Serra plateau to 25 Fontes. An alternative starting point for PR6 if you’re coming from the south.

A short route through the old Túnel do Cavalo water tunnel to Rabaçal. An alternative way into the Rabaçal area.

A link between Rabaçal and the Túnel do Cavalo tunnel. A short stretch, usually walked in combination with other routes in the Rabaçal area.

A trail adapted for people with reduced mobility and for wheelchairs – a hard surface and no steep climbs. Certified Um Caminho para todos (“A path for everyone”).

Madeira’s easternmost headland – volcanic rock, not a single tree, full sun and wind. One of the most striking landscapes on the island. Set off in the morning or late afternoon – at midday, with no shade, it gets very hot. More about PR8 Ponta de São Lourenço →

⚠️ Trail restoration works (IFCN notice): from 30 September 2026 there are short, temporary detours on the route, marked with arrows. The trail stays open, and the disruption will last at least 270 days (until the end of June 2027 or longer). Follow the signs on site.

A classic levada walk through laurel forest to the Caldeirão Verde waterfall – one of the most beautiful trails in Madeira. Reopened on 29 May 2026 after a closure that began on 22 March 2026. According to the IFCN notice of 29 May 2026, the section to Caldeirão Verde is open. The onward section to Caldeirão do Inferno remains closed, even though the IFCN list describes the whole 8.7 km route. The walk starts from the Queimadas forest park (paid parking: €2 per hour, first 30 min free, max. €10 per day).

✅ Reopened on 29 May 2026, but only as far as Caldeirão Verde (about 6.5 km each way). The section to Caldeirão do Inferno is closed.

An accessible version of the first stretch of PR9, adapted for wheelchairs and people with reduced mobility. Certified Um Caminho para todos. It starts from Queimadas – a charming forest park with paid parking (€2 per hour, max. €10 per day).

A classic levada linking Ribeiro Frio with Portela. A beautiful route through laurel forest with views of the deep valleys in the east of the island. Reopened on 14 July 2026 after a longer closure.

A short, easy trail ending at a viewpoint over the central mountain range, with Pico Ruivo in the background. It starts by the Ribeiro Frio trout farm. A good choice for a day when you’re short of time, or with children.

Through the laurissilva laurel forest – ancient, mossy trees in the mist that look straight out of a fairy tale. It starts on the Paul da Serra plateau at about 1400 m above sea level. Bring a warm layer – the weather changes fast.

A short link between the Fanal area and 25 Fontes. Handy when you’re planning combined routes in the west of the island.

A levada through laurel forest between Fanal and Curral Falso in the north-west of the island. A peaceful route away from the crowds – it combines well with PR13 or PR15.

A descent from the laurel forest to the Ribeira da Janela valley on the north coast. Usually walked as a continuation of PR14.

A route on the north coast to the Ribeira do Inferno valley. Reopened at the end of April 2026. One of the more remote and wilder places in the west of Madeira.

One of the longer routes in Madeira, through the Folhadal laurel forest. Views of the island’s central ridge and the valleys on both sides.

⚠️ Only the Encumeada – Folhadal – Caramujo – Bica da Cana section can be walked. The rest is closed.

The King’s Levada in the north of the island, known for its exceptionally well-preserved laurel forest. The trail reopened in April 2026. More about Levada do Rei →

An old royal road leading down to the fishing village of Paul do Mar. Short but intense – a descent down steep slopes. At the bottom is a village known to surfers from all over Europe.

A short route from the Encumeada pass towards the north coast. Encumeada is one of the few places where, in good weather, you can see both coasts of the island at once.

A circular route (loop) through the Chão dos Louros laurel forest. A Natura 2000 area next to the Encumeada pass. A gentle walk without much climbing.

A short levada managed by Junta de Freguesia do Caniço (the Caniço parish council) – no fees or booking. An easy route in the east of the island, good for families with children.

Porto Santo’s main walking route, up Pico Branco (450 m), the island’s second-highest peak after Pico do Facho (517 m). A panorama of the whole island and the Atlantic. A completely different feel from the trails in Madeira.

The climb up Pico do Castelo – Porto Santo’s historic lookout point. Two route lengths to choose from. When visibility is good, you can see Madeira on the horizon.