A Popular Portuguese Hiking Destination Is Introducing Fees For All Of Its Trails In 2025
The Portuguese archipelago of Madeira, 600 miles (968 km) off the coast of Lisbon, is one of Europe's best underrated destinations. The main island (Madeira) is known as the "Island of Flowers" due to its lush vegetation and subtropical climate. Long a quick stopover for transatlantic cruises and a winter escape for mainland Europeans, Madeira has been gaining attention for its wild nature and charming towns with a Portuguese twist. It's also an adventurer's paradise, with climbing routes, rappelling lines, and hiking trails crisscrossing volcanic peaks, dense rainforests, shimmering waterfalls, and dramatic coastline.
If you're planning a visit to Madeira Island for amazing hiking adventures, you definitely won't be disappointed. Whether you prefer challenging inclines or easy meanders in search of waterfalls, straight wilderness, or cobblestoned paths through quaint villages, Madeira has got it all. However, before you book your flights, you should know a few things about hiking in Madeira. Mainly, that Madeira has recently implemented trail fees on select trails, with plans to include all of the island's trails on the island by the beginning of 2025.
Why is Maderia introducing fees on their hiking trails?
Madeira is off the beaten path — literally and figuratively — but, like much of the world, overtourism is still a concern. As other destinations have seen famous landmarks left damaged or disturbed by tourists, Madeira has taken steps to hopefully prevent this from happening on the island, putting the country on the cutting edge of ecotourism. This is the primary reason behind their hiking fee: to keep the trails in good shape and to lower the impact of tourism on the trails.
According to This Is Madeira Island, the fees will go toward funding conservation efforts, maintaining trail quality, and promoting sustainable tours so "future hikers can continue to enjoy Madeira's trails in their natural splendor." As of October 2024, seven of Madeira's most popular trails now have a 3 EUR fee (about $3.15 at the time of writing) for tourists and non-natives. (Residents and children under the age of 12 are free). If you don't pay the fee, you may be fined up to 50 EUR ($52), so it's in your best interest to pay it! It's easy to pay online, and it goes to a good cause: Keeping the wilds of Madeira alive for generations to come.
Hiking through an enchanted island in the middle of the Atlantic
Despite the new hiking fee, Madeira still has many hiking trails to add to your bucket list. Of the nearly 1,865 miles (3,000 km) of paths, 23 have been officially recommended by the Madeira government and labeled as "PR," Pequena Rota, which translates to "short route." Do remember that PR trails will have fees as of January 1, 2025. Madeira's trail system is uniquely classified into two primary categories: levadas and veredas. Levadas follow historic 15th-century irrigation canals that wind around the island, which have been used for everything from drinking water to banana plantations, while the veredas are mountain, coastal, or forested routes.
Hiking through Madeira is truly an experience: part of your trek will meander past cliffside waterfalls, then you'll follow the trail into a cave, and suddenly, you'll be walking a skinny mountain ridge. You'll be walking past vineyards and peekaboo coast views before you find yourself at the doorstep of a charming taberna (local tavern). Sample some famous Madeira wine or an island delicacy, like espetada (beef skewers) or milho frito (fried corn). Then, head out on the trail for more enchanting landscapes.