This summer, outdoor enthusiasts dreaming of traversing the breathtaking landscapes of the Atlantic will need to slip a few extra euros into their backpacks. Madeira, a Portuguese gem favored by hikers worldwide, has indeed introduced a new financial contribution for all foreign visitors eager to explore its most iconic trails. A small but necessary step to savor the magic of its levadas while contributing to the preservation of this natural paradise.
Madeira, the pearl of the Atlantic and a dream destination for nature lovers, is setting a new tone for summer hiking. Starting this summer, foreign visitors over 12 years of age will need to pay access fees to walk its most legendary trails, an initiative aimed at preserving the island’s wild beauty. Here’s an overview of this unprecedented measure, its details, objectives, and the list of paths that are now subject to fees.
Madeira, the island of a thousand paths… and now, a fee
Steep landscapes, endless laurel forests, natural pools, and those charming cobbled paths that make the whole world dream, Madeira has lost none of its allure. Except that starting January 1, 2025, free access to its busiest trails will no longer be available for foreign travelers who enjoy trekking through the tundra in shorts or technical pants. Thirty designated trails, known as Percursos Recomendados or “PR,” located on Madeira as well as on the island of Porto Santo, will now be subject to a mandatory contribution.
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How it works: fees, terms, and penalties
3 euros. This is the amount required to cross the invisible barrier separating casual hiking from responsible hiking. Specifically, any non-resident visitor over 12 years old will have to pay this fee either online on the Madeira government website or on-site via a QR Code posted at the entrances of the affected trails. Neglecting this contribution could result in a 50-euro fine — moderate, but pricier than the famous local poncha, assures the tourist office. However, the expressed philosophy remains one of raising awareness before imposing penalties.
Why a fee for the trails? A boost for nature
While putting a coin in the hiking piggy bank may come as a surprise, the logic is compelling: with nearly a million annual visitors and a steady stream of success, the maintenance of Madeira’s trails has become a significant challenge. The promised fee will help fund the cleaning, signage, and protection of these treasures, as well as compensate for the chronic underfunding of conservation in Portugal. This approach is generally well received by hikers who understand the ecological stakes and the spirit of responsible tourism.
Which trails are affected?
On the map, making your choice now feels akin to calculating a leisure budget. Among the 30 legendary trails of Madeira: Vereda do Areeiro, Levada das 25 Fontes, Vereda dos Balcões, Vereda do Pico Ruivo, not to mention the thrilling levadas, these irrigation channels dating back sometimes to the 16th century that wind through remote valleys. On the Porto Santo side, the star trails: Vereda do Pico Branco e Terra Chã, Vereda do Pico do Castelo, and Levada do Pico Castelo.
A success that continues, a possible evolution
Madeira does not plan to revise its policy immediately but does not rule out adjusting the fee if visitor numbers or management costs rise. Named the best island destination for adventure and beach at the 2025 World Travel Awards, the island remains an accessible paradise, just four hours by plane from France. The recipe works: adventure, a sweet way of life, and now environmental awareness.
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Key points to know to prepare your hike in Madeira
Before lacing up your sneakers, remember the rule: 3 € fee, payment online or via QR code, and make sure to check the official list of the affected trails. It’s better to avoid an unexpected fine around a glade. And for all those dreaming of other horizons, it’s not too late to find smart airfare for overseas destinations, explore picturesque villages near La Rochelle, or admire California, the number one travel desire in the United States or the mysterious island near Athens between heritage and enchanting landscapes.
Hiking Madeira, yes, but safely and by the rules!
The levadas and steep trails of Madeira have earned their reputation as legendary routes, sometimes marked by tricky passages. The government emphasizes the importance of safety on the trails, so that hiking remains a celebration for all. A new step in the sporting adventure: contribute, at the cost of 3 euros, to the preservation of the beloved playground for nature lovers.
