Madeira adds 140 daily slots for popular Areeiro trail

Madeira's forestry and nature conservation institute (IFCN) is adding 140 daily slots to the PR1 trail between Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo, one of the island's most popular hikes, starting 21 June. Two new entry windows, each for 70 people, will open on the SIMplifica booking platform. The move follows complaints from tourists after a gate at Pedra Rija opened late, past the ticketed entry time, leaving hikers waiting after sunrise viewing at Pico do Areeiro. From 26 June, the trail will also be open daily, ending previous day restrictions, with the expanded slot system becoming permanent.