Madeira’s famed 7km PR1 Vereda do Areeiro trail is set to reopen following extensive restoration works after a wildfire in 2024.
Madeira, an autonomous region of Portugal, is an archipelago comprising four islands off the northwest coast of Africa.
It is known for its namesake wine and warm, subtropical climate. The main island of Madeira is volcanic, green and rugged, with high cliffs, pebbly beaches and settlements on deltas of the Fajã River.
One of Madeira’s most dramatic hikes, the PR1 Vereda do Areeiro links three of the island’s highest peaks and has been closed to walkers for two years.
According to the Visit Madeira tourism board, the upgrade reflects the island’s ongoing commitment to infrastructure, conservation programmes and community-focused tourism, aligned with its latest campaign, Explore. Respect. Preserve.
The trail was shut after fire damage made large sections unsafe, requiring significant repairs and safety improvements. With work now complete, hikers will once again be able to traverse the route, which connects Pico do Areeiro (1,818m), Pico das Torres (1,851m) and Pico Ruivo (1,862m).
Starting from the Pico do Areeiro viewpoint, the walk takes around three and a half hours, crossing narrow ridgelines, tunnels carved through volcanic rock and a series of high-altitude viewpoints often above the clouds.
The trail also passes through the protected Central Mountain Massif, home to unique habitats and endemic birdlife, including the canary, Berthelot’s pipit and plain swift.