New regulations aim to protect the laurel forest and better distribute hiking traffic
An important change will come into effect in Madeira on January 1, 2026:
Online reservations with fixed time slots will be mandatory for all official PR hiking trails (Percursos Recomendados). Anyone wishing to visit the island’s famous levadas, waterfall routes, or viewpoints will have to plan their visit digitally in advance.
The Madeira government presented the new regulation at the 25th anniversary of the UNESCO designation of the laurel forest. The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Environment, and Culture, Eduardo Jesus, is responsible for the measure and emphasizes:
The measure is intended to protect sensitive natural areas while better managing visitor flows on Madeira’s popular hiking trails.
Why Madeira is introducing a time slot system for hiking trails
Madeira has been one of Europe’s most popular hiking islands for years. The levadas and laurel forests in particular attract thousands of visitors every day. The result:
at certain times, traffic jams form on narrow paths, there are waiting times at highlights, and nature is under considerable strain.
A study by the University of Madeira shows that
although the total daily capacity of the trails is not exceeded, critical peak times do occur. This is exactly where the new system comes in.
Eduardo Jesus explains:
“It’s like booking a museum: with a time slot, you avoid crowds and protect nature.”
Access remains free for locals, but they too will have to observe the reservation times in future.
How the new booking system for PR hiking trails works
All hikes must be booked via the SIMplifica digital platform.
Each hiking trail is allocated several time slots per day, with fixed visitor limits.
What you need to know:
• If a time slot is fully booked, you must choose another one.
• Reservations are mandatory for individuals, groups, and tour operators.
• Without a valid time slot booking, there is no access to the official hiking trails.
• The system applies to all PR routes – including popular classics such as PR1 Pico do Arieiro – Pico Ruivo or PR6 Levada das 25 Fontes.
Madeira is thus following international best practices: many nature parks around the world already regulate access via time slots to protect sensitive ecosystems.
New IFCN app: free times, visitor numbers, and migration planning
To make planning easier for visitors, the IFCN is developing a new app and an updated website. These will:
- Show available time slots,
- show when a hiking trail is particularly busy,
- Provide route recommendations,
- and provide orientation in the laurel forest.
In future, QR codes, information boards, and signs will also provide information about available times at the starting points of hiking trails.
What does this mean for tourists in Madeira?
If you travel to Madeira in 2026, you should:
- Book hikes online in advance,
- Have the confirmation (screenshot is sufficient) ready at the starting point.
- be flexible if the dream time slot is already full,
- and plan hikes better in advance – especially during peak season.
The advantage:
Less congestion, more peace and quiet, more enjoyment of nature. The new rules are intended to create a more enjoyable and sustainable hiking experience.
Conclusion: An important step for sustainable hiking on Madeira
The requirement to book time slots will change hiking holidays in Madeira – but it brings many advantages. The island’s unique laurel forest, levadas, and mountain landscapes need protection.
The new regulation will result in:
• better distribution of visitors,
• greater safety on the trails,
• better protection of the World Natural Heritage Site,
• a more relaxed hiking experience overall.
This will ensure that Madeira remains what it is today:
one of the most beautiful hiking islands in the world.
This post is also available in: German
