Simplifica Madeira Hiking: How to Book and Pay for Trails in 2026

Getting along with state websites is usually tricky. And Simplifica portal Madeira isn’t an exception. As of 2026, the IFCN (Instituto das Florestas e Conservação da Natureza) has implemented a mandatory permit system for the island’s classified PR walking routes to manage hiker density and preserve the environment. They now require booking in advance and a €4.50 fee.

I decided to create this detailed guide to help you book your hikes safely. Here, I’ll explain how to use the Simplifica platform Madeira to book slots for visiting key trails on the island, when it’s the best time to do it, and under what conditions you can get a refund.

How to book Simplifica Madeira hikes​: a step-by-step guide

To start booking your hikes, you need to access Simplifica Madeira and create an account. Note that while some trails were historically free, the most famous routes now require a €4.50 fee for all non-resident hikers over the age of 12.

1. Go to Simplifica

Access the official Simplifica Madeira gov pt​ site: https://simplifica.madeira.gov.pt/. You can switch to the Simplifica Madeira English​ version if you don’t know Portuguese.

2. Create an account and log in

Click on the "Register" or "Login" button in the top right corner. You will need to provide an email address and create a password. You may be asked for your passport or ID number, as the permit is individual and non-transferable.

3. Access the Ticketing Section

Once logged in, you’ll see the “Ticketing” section on the homepage, under “Our services”. Click it and then choose “Payment of Fees for Access to Classified Hiking Trails”. This will redirect you to the trail list, info about their prices, and booking. 

4. Select Your Trail and Date

Scroll the page down until you find a dropdown field named “Hiking trails”. Click it to choose the trail you want. 

After that, the system will show a calendar with available slots. Choose a day and time interval you need. Note that popular trails can book up weeks in advance during the peak months. Trails can also be unavailable for booking in case they are closed because of weather conditions. 

5. Provide hiker details

You will need to enter the names of all participants. Make sure the names match the IDs you will carry on the day of the hike, as rangers do perform spot checks.

6. Make a payment

After confirming the details, you will be directed to the payment gateway. For most classified PR trails, the standard fee is €4.50 per person for non-residents over 12 years old. Children 12 and under are exempt. Madeira residents are also exempt from payment, although registration may still be required. You can usually pay via Credit/Debit Card, Google Pay/Apple Pay, or via MB WAY (popular in Portugal). 

7. Receive your hiking permit

Once payment is successful, you will receive a PDF permit via email. You do not need to print it – a digital copy on your smartphone is sufficient to show the rangers at the trailheads. You can also add it to your digital wallet for convenience.

Understanding the time slots on Madeira Simplifica

One of the biggest changes in 2026 is the 30-minute entry window system. When booking, you select an arrival slot rather than just a hiking date. For example, you might reserve entry between 8:00 and 8:30 AM.

This does not mean you only have 30 minutes to hike. It simply controls when hikers begin the route, helping reduce congestion. Rangers may check that you enter within your booked window.

When is the best time to book a Simplifica Madeira hike​?

For quieter trails, booking a few days ahead is often enough.

For popular routes such as PR1 Pico do Areeiro, PR6 / PR6.1 Rabaçal and Risco, PR9 Caldeirão Verde, or PR11 Vereda dos Balcões, I’d book two weeks ahead in peak seasons.

If you’re visiting during summer, Easter, or Christmas/New Year, earlier is safer. Same-day bookings can still be possible if slots remain open, but I wouldn’t rely on that for Madeira’s famous routes. 

Leave Room for the Whims of the Weather

Madeira’s weather can be wildly unpredictable, and trail closures can happen fast. One day it’s sunshine, the next strong winds or heavy rain can shut down routes with little notice.

We traveled in March and ran into multiple closures, and at one point, nearly all major trails were closed at the same time. Some reopened the very next day. That’s why I’d avoid planning a rigid hike-per-day itinerary.

Are multi-day passes worth it?

If you plan to hike several classified trails, Simplifica portal Madeira also offers multi-day passes.

Note that you don’t manually choose the pass. When you add your intended hikes, Simplifica automatically applies the most advantageous tariff.

So, is the pass worth it? Let’s calculate.

Assuming that you take one qualifying paid route per day, we get:

IMAO, for travelers doing one major hike per day, paying per route is cheaper. Multi-day pricing mainly starts making sense if you plan multiple routes per day. 

Can you change or cancel your Simplifica Madeira hike​?

Refunds are limited, but there are cases where rescheduling or reimbursement may be possible.

You may be eligible if:

• The trail is officially closed by IFCN due to fire risk, storms, landslides, or maintenance.
• Access is suspended after you have booked.
• The system allows a rescheduling option for your permit type.

If a trail closes due to weather or safety restrictions, the official guidance has generally been to allow refund or rebooking options.

For voluntary cancellations, refunds are much less certain, so treat permits as mostly non-flexible unless the system states otherwise during checkout.