Following a DIÁRIO report showing tourists climbing over the gate at Pedra Rija on the PR1 – Vereda do Areeiro trail, the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN) issued a clarification about access rules and the opening schedule for the route. The IFCN said the official PR1 route between Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo starts at Pico do Areeiro, not at Pedra Rija, and that the first access window runs from 08:00 to 08.30. It added that the initial 1.2-kilometre stretch to Pedra Rija usually takes about 20 minutes to walk at a normal pace, and that the Madeira Forest Police opened the gate at 8:10 am. According to the Institute, that timing gave hikers who had entered correctly from Pico do Areeiro enough time to reach the point after access was granted, while anyone who climbed the closed gate acted illegally. The IFCN said those involved are being identified by the Forest Police, and it also reported that around 170 notices have already been issued for access to closed walking routes, with roughly 100 tied to PR1 and six in the past week. The Institute further confirmed that a report has been sent to the Public Prosecutor’s Office over damage to the Pedra Rija gate, which may amount to a criminal offence against property. The dispute follows Friday, the 22nd of May, when around 300 people were waiting at the access gate and some tourists allegedly crossed it by throwing backpacks over first, after which the guard arrived at approximately 08:15. The incident has renewed discussion over whether opening times should be brought forward or more staff should be deployed during peak periods on the busy 12-kilometre Pico do Areeiro – Pico Ruivo trail.
