Martin & Tina • 30. 11. 2025

Travel

Madeira continues to hold its position as one of Europe’s most popular destinations. As we informed you in our original article on the 2025 rules, the island is actively responding to the growing influx of tourists. Now comes even more crucial news that will affect travel planning: from 2026, Madeira is introducing compulsory bookings and charges on its most popular tourist routes (PR).

What you can expect: time slot reservation via SIMPlifica

To enter any official, classified route (marked with the abbreviation PR, so-called Classified Walking Routes) you will need to reserve a time slot in advance. The system aims to actively monitor visitor numbers and prevent congestion and destruction of the most valuable sections. You will not be allowed on the route without a valid and confirmed reservation – all this will be supervised by a newly introduced control system.

Reservations will be made via the digital platform and the SIMPlifica app . Most visitors will pay a symbolic entrance fee of around €3. Please note that compliance with these rules will be checked on the trails, and if you do not have a valid reservation, you can be fined up to €250. We therefore recommend that you always have your booking confirmation with you.

Why is this happening? Protecting the UNESCO rainforest

The reason for these steps is to preserve the unique Laurissilva Forest (UNESCO) in good condition and to provide a more peaceful and better experience for visitors. By regulating the number of people, the island is trying to take a responsible approach to tourism that protects both nature and the quality of your experience.

Planning Madeira in 2026

If you are planning a trip to Madeira in 2026, we recommend:

Book early: time slots on popular routes will fill up quickly.
Have an alternative: Always have another route or time in reserve in case your preferred slot sells out.
Follow the official information: the system will continue to be fine-tuned, so it is essential to follow the official instructions before departure.

While these new steps make planning a trip to Madeira more complex, it’s still the easiest with our detailed 7-day itinerary! In the itinerary you’ll find the best of Madeira, prepared to avoid booking problems and maximize your experience. Check out our 7-day itinerary and experience the best of Madeira without the stress!