Madeira to Increase Hiking Fees for Tourists Starting in 2025

Starting January 1, 2025, tourists to the Portuguese island will have to pay a fee to hike in any of the region’s 30 routes.

This existing measure applies to seven popular trails but will be expended to at least 30 routes managed by the Institute of Forests and Nature Conversation, Schengen.News reports.

Tourists over the age of 12 will have to pay a €3 fee to hike trails in Madeira, and those violating this requirement will be charged €50.

The Fee Already Applies to These 7 Routes
According to the official website of the Madeira island, as of October 25, the fee applies to these seven hiking trails:

• Vereda do Areeiro (PR1): Hike between Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo, Madeira’s highest peak.
• Vereda do Pico Ruivo (PR1.2): Hiking route from Achada do Teixeira to Pico Ruivo.
• Levada do Risco (PR6.1): The route to Risco waterfall.
• Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8): Coastal trail.
• Levada do Caldeirão Verde (PR9): The hike from Laurisilva forest to the Caldeirão Verde waterfall.
• Vereda dos Balcões (PR11): A short and rewarding hike to a stunning valley viewpoint.
• Levada do Rei (PR18): The route to Madeira’s ancient Laurisilva forest.

Due to its levadas and veredas, Madeira is a popular destination for hikers and tourists, with thousands of newcomers choosing this destination for their summer vacation every year.

Revenues Generated by Hikers Tax in Madeira to Be Allocated for Sustainable Tourism
The authorities have revealed that the funds generated by the new tax will be distributed for sustainable tourism. This initiative will protect the island’s landscape and improve visitors’ hiking experience as the local authorities maintain the trails. These fees are part of a broader sustainability effort in Madeira.

Not only has Madeira introduced tourist taxes, but other Portuguese regions also have new incentives. For example, Lisbon has introduced a city tax, which became effective on September 1, 2024.

Tourists will pay €4 per night, up from €2 for all accommodation types. The fee applies for stays of up to seven consecutive nights.

Algarve has a €2 tax per night during the tourist season, which is considered April to October, while the same is €1 during the other months (November to March).

Source: https://schengen.news/madeira-to-increase-hiking-fees-for-tourists-starting-in-2025/