Madeira, with its dramatic mountains, lush slopes, and captivating natural beauty, has long been a haven for hiking enthusiasts. Its network of scenic trails is a major draw for visitors, attracting those seeking adventure and breathtaking vistas. But beginning January 1, 2025, exploring these trails will come with a new twist.
The Portuguese archipelago is implementing a fee for non-residents to hike its popular trails managed by the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (ICNF). While currently affecting seven renowned routes – Pico do Areeiro, Pico Ruivo, Levada do Risco, Levada do Caldeirão Verde, Balcões, Levada do Rei, and Ponta de São Lourenço – this fee is poised to expand across at least 30 trails.
The fee, set at €3 (£2.50) for non-residents over 12, aims to promote sustainable tourism and safeguard trail preservation. It’s a strategy designed to encourage hikers to explore less crowded trails while generating funds for trail upkeep and maintenance. The initiative is also expected to mitigate the impact of overtourism on the island’s treasured natural resources.
Hikers can pay for their trail access through the regional government portal Simplifica, or directly at ICNF stations along the trails. While the website currently offers 2,000 passes for the seven included trails, it remains unclear if this is a daily limit.
The move has generated discussion, with some questioning its impact on tourism. However, Madeira’s beauty and diverse trails, spanning nearly 1,800km, continue to lure visitors. The island offers a myriad of hiking experiences, from the network of trails along the east and west coast to the Central Mountain range. The island’s iconic levadas – man-made irrigation channels – offer a unique perspective, especially on the north coast, where some of Madeira’s most stunning levada trails are found.
On the south coast, hikers can enjoy captivating views of Funchal, the island’s capital. Among the island’s most popular trails is the Levada Do Caldeirao Verde, a moderately challenging route that stretches for 5.4 miles and takes around six and a half hours.
The Levada das 25 Fontes is another popular route with tourists, spanning around 2.6 miles and estimated to take three hours.
Madeira’s new hiking fee joins a growing trend of regulations aimed at mitigating overtourism across Europe. From restrictions on selfie locations to tourist tax hikes, the continent is grappling with the impact of tourism on its most popular destinations.
While the fee might seem like a small price to pay for experiencing the wonders of Madeira, it highlights the complexities of balancing tourism with environmental preservation in a world of increasing travel. For those seeking a unique and unforgettable hiking experience, Madeira remains a captivating destination, even with the addition of this new fee.
