After two years, one of Europe’s most beautiful hiking trails will re-open this month

Traversing the planet on two feet will take you past some of the most glorious scenery imaginable, and thanks to new trails open in the UK, South Korea and Mallorca for 2026, there are more opportunities than ever to don your hiking boots. 

Oh, and to complement all of that, one of the most beautiful paths in Europe is about to reopen after a two-year closure. 

The route in question is Madeira’s PR1 Vereda do Areeiro, a 7km trail which encompasses three of the archipelago’s highest peaks, beginning at the Pico do Arieiro viewpoint and meandering across ridgelines, through volcanic tunnels and over Pico das Torres and Pico Ruivo. 

Recommended: These are the best walking trails in Madeira. 

It takes around three and a half hours and also ventures through the protected area of Central Mountain Massif – keep your eyes peeled for native birds like Berthelot’s pipit and the plain swift (unique to North Atlantic Macaronesian archipelagos). 

So, why has it been closed for so long? Well, back in 2024, much of the route was damaged by a wildfire and significant safety improvements were needed before it could be trekked safely again. 

Its reopening, earmarked for later on in April, is part of the island’s ‘continued commitment to investing in infrastructure, conservation programmes and community-focused tourism activities’, according to the Visit Madeira tourism board. 

However, we reported back in January that Madeira had plans to up the entry fees required for some of its hiking paths, and if you’re keen to explore PR1 Vereda do Areeiro, it will cost you €10.50. 

The money raised will go towards further safety improvements, environmental protection, managing visitor flow and general trail maintenance, and officials said this ‘will justify an increased access fee’, according to euronews. 

🏔️ Step right this way for our collection of the planet’s most beautiful hiking trails. 

Plus: Two South American cities have been ranked among the world’s best for green space. 

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