One of Madeira's most impressive high-altitude trails is accessible again. After a two-year break, the spectacular route in the island's highlands is expected to reopen to visitors from the end of April 2026.
After being closed for two years, Madeira's most spectacular high-altitude trail is once again open for adventures between the sky and the Atlantic. The PR1 Vereda do Areeiro will reopen on the last weekend of April after extensive repair work, as reported by "Euronews".
The route, which is around seven kilometers long, connects three of the island's highest peaks - Pico do Areeiro, Pico das Torres and Pico Ruivo - and is one of the most spectacular mountain hikes in the Atlantic archipelago.
The path had been closed since a forest fire in 2024. In recent months it has been extensively secured and restored, making it accessible to hikers again.
The route begins at an altitude of 1818 meters and leads over narrow ridges, through tunnels cut into the rock and to panoramic points above the sea of clouds. At the same time, it runs through a sensitive, protected ecosystem with exceptional biodiversity - so special care is required.
With the reopening, new conditions also come into force: a fee of 10.50 euros is charged for access to the PR1 Vereda do Areeiro, while other hiking trails on the island generally cost 4.50 euros. The revenue is to be used to maintain the infrastructure and for safety and nature conservation measures. Visitor guidance and staggered access times should also help to protect and slow down the experience of nature. Madeira residents remain exempt from the fee, but must register.
The reopening also coincides with the Madeira Island Ultra Trail at the end of April 2026 - one of the most renowned trail running events in Europe.
