The world’s long-reigning leading island destination is set to reopen one of its most iconic walking trails after two years’ work to restore wildfire damage. Visitors hoping to hike Madeira’s PR1 Vereda do Areeiro route can now do so again, but will need to make a payment of a €10.50 fee, helping to raise funds for maintenance and new infrastructure.
The three-and-a-half-hour trail covers only seven kilometres but is not short on drama, crossing Madeira’s Central Mountain Massif and taking in three of the island’s highest peaks: Pico do Areeiro, Pico das Torres, and Pico Ruivo. It starts as it means to go on, with a stunning viewpoint at Pico do Areeiro and the famous “Stairway to Heaven” section early in the hike, before tunnelling through volcanic rocks, threading along ridges, and revealing more vertiginous vistas among the clouds.
The protected landscape of the Central Mountain Massif also offers chances to get up close and personal with the island’s biodiverse wildlife. It is a haven for nature lovers and bird spotters, with some avian species unique to Macaronesia and the Madeiran archipelago.
Vereda do Areeiro is not the only Madeiran trail to come with an access charge, but it is the costliest. All other routes are priced at €4.50, or a reduced levy of €3 if the reservation is made in advance. Residents of the Portuguese Atlantic island, as well as children under the age of twelve, can walk the trails for free, but must be registered to do so, using the mandatory Simplifica portal. The fees go towards the upkeep of the trails, visitor management, safety measures, and efforts to protect habitats and the environment.
@s.x.traveler 📍 Stairway to Heaven on the PR1 Hiking Route in Madeira, Portugal 🇵🇹 ⛰️ Within 25-30 minutes from the Pico to Arieiro trailhead, you’ll find yourself immersed in epic scenery. The trail narrows with steep drops on either side, adding to the thrill. Even if you can’t complete the full route, reaching this spot is a must for its breathtaking views. Especially I would recommend to visit this place during the evening golden hour before sunset 🌅✨ Ready for a stroll through the clouds? 😉⛅️ 💡Discover more incredible places and helpful travel tips in my Interactive Guide with a Map of Madeira 🗺️ 👉🏼 Link in bio 🔗 #MountainTrail #Madeira #ScenicViews #HikingAdventures #ExploreTheOutdoors #MountainLovers #OutdoorExploration #EpicJourney #GoOutdoors #HikingLife #VisitMadeira #Narrow #HikingTrail #stairwaytoheaven ♬ nowhere to go – MitroWave & angelcry
The reopening of Vereda do Areeiro comes with some fanfare, timed to coincide with the Madeira Island Ultra Trail on 25 and 26 April—an event sure to attract visitors who love hiking and outbound activities. The island has proved increasingly popular, breaking its own tourism records in the last two years, with 12.8 million overnight stays in 2025, a year-on-year increase of 8.4%, and achieving revenues of €893.7 million, up over 17%.
But with overtourism in the rest of Europe increasingly criticised, destination managers Visit Madeira say they are committed to looking after the island’s natural attractions by “investing in infrastructure, conservation programmes and community-focused tourism activities.” That includes a public campaign promoting environmental awareness under the mantra “Explore. Respect. Preserve.” The new hiking charges reflect that sustainability-focused approach.
