Madeira has introduced new restrictions on its hiking trails, which are drawing a growing number of adventure-loving travellers to the volcanic island.
In 2025, a new fee for non-residents was introduced on some of its most popular paths, which has now been increased.
Visitor numbers are also now limited.
The move is part of a push towards sustainable tourism and proceeds will fund conservation efforts.
With steep peaks, verdant forests, and lush waterfalls, the archipelago’s hiking trails are some of its top visitor draws. Many trace the paths of historic irrigation channels known as levadas.
Madeira’s regional secretary of Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment, Rafaela Fernandes, said the changes are necessary to protect the area’s natural landscapes and manage the increasing influx of tourists.
Tourists now have to reserve their slot to hike Madeira’s trails
From 1 January 2025, a €3.00 fee was introduced for all non-residents over the age of 12 on Madeira’s official PR hiking trails.
This has now gone up to €4.50, although when booking through a tour operator, the cost is reduced to €3.00 per person.
Tickets can also only be used to enter the route during a specific 30-minute window.
There will be a limited number of spaces available for each time period, which tourists can book using the online SIMplifica portal.
Residents and children under 12 must also register their slot, but do not have to pay.
Authorities say the new booking system will help spread hiker traffic more evenly throughout the day, easing congestion at peak times.
Hikers who do not pay face fines of up to €50.
Madeira to reopen iconic hiking trail after wildfire
Authorities have also announced that the popular PR1 trail from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo is currently undergoing major safety improvements after wildfire damage forced its closure in 2024.
It is set to reopen in April 2026. Hikers will be charged a higher fee for this route, with officials saying that "higher maintenance requirements and new infrastructure will justify an increased access fee."
Tickets will cost €7.00 per person for guided tours with tour operators or €10.50 per person for the general public and without tour operators.
Until the full reopening, the short version of the trail, which goes as far as Miradouro Pedra Rija, keeps the same €4.50 fee as all other trails.
Madeira hiking fee will fund trail maintenance and nature conservation
All profits from the new tourist fee will be put towards trail maintenance, cleaning and preservation efforts, according to Fernandes.
Madeira is experiencing an increase in tourism, particularly in peak hiking seasons, so the trail charge aims to manage the flow of visitors on paths and help protect the natural landscape.
Madeira’s authorities have launched an awareness campaign to inform visitors about the charge and its purpose.
Fernandes says the move has been welcomed by tourists who appreciate the importance of supporting conservation efforts.