With its beautiful nature, the island of Madeira in Portugal is a popular European hiking destination. However, from January 1, 2025, travelers visiting the island will have to pay a fee to hike more than 30 routes managed by the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (ICNF) in Madeira.
Tourist fee to hike 30 popular routes in Madeira
To promote sustainable tourism in Madeira, tourist fees to hike popular routes on the island will fund conservation efforts. Currently, the fee applies to seven of the most trafficked routes. However, the surcharge will be expanded from January 2025, to cover all recommended trails in the Portuguese archipelago.
Madeira’s hiking trails navigate verdant forests, steep mountain peaks and lush waterfalls and many are a top draw for visitors.
According to Rafaela Fernandes, the regional secretary of Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment, the new tourist fee is necessary to protect the island’s natural landscapes, while managing the increasing influx of tourists.
About the tourist fees to hike the island’s trails
Currently, tourists pay €3 ($3.16) to hike Madeira’s trails and the fee applies to all non-resident hikers over the age of 12. That fee is already in place on the island’s most popular trails. These hiking trails include Balcões, Levada do Caldeirão Verde, Levada do Rei, Levada do Risco, Pico do Areeiro, Pico Ruivo and Ponta de São Lourenço.
Meanwhile, from January 2025, travelers will have to pay a tourist fee to hike more than 30 hiking routes under the management of the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (ICNF) in Madeira. Meanwhile, hikers who do not pay the fee can face fines of up to €50 ($53).
Tourists can pay the fee by using the regional government portal, Simplifica. Moreover, there are several on-site payment options available at ICNF stations located on many of the hiking trails.
How will the tourist fees be used on Madeira?
According to Fernandes, the hiking fee in Madeira will be used to fund trail maintenance, cleaning, preservation and nature conservation. Currently, like many other popular tourism destinations, Madeira is experiencing an increase in tourism. This is particularly so in peak hiking seasons, meaning that the trail charge will be used to manage the flow of travelers on trails and to help protect the natural landscape. Moreover, authorities in Madeira have launched an awareness campaign relating to the tourist fee and its purpose.
According to Fernandes, the move has so far been welcomed by tourists, who appreciate the importance of supporting conservation efforts and a move towards sustainability. Meanwhile, users of the hiking trails are personally responsible for any damage, material or human, that happens during their use.
Find out more about Madeira’s beautiful hiking trails here.