November 6th 2024.
When planning a trip to Madeira, the island's stunning hiking trails are often one of the main attractions. With its rugged mountains, lush slopes, and breathtaking natural scenery, it's no wonder that hikers flock to this Portuguese archipelago. However, things are about to change for tourists planning to explore these trails.
Starting January 1, 2025, visitors will need to pay a fee in order to hike on the island's popular trails managed by the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation. While the fee currently only applies to seven of the most popular trails, it will soon be expanded to include at least 30 more routes. This fee, which is €3 for non-residents over the age of 12, will go towards the cleaning and maintenance of the trails. Those caught hiking without paying the fee could face fines of up to €50.
This new measure is part of a larger effort to promote sustainable tourism and conservation on the island. According to Rafaela Fernandes, the regional secretary of agriculture, fisheries, and the environment for Madeira, the fees will help ensure that the trails are well-maintained for future hikers.
The hope is that this fee will also encourage tourists to explore some of the lesser-known trails on the island. Hikers can pay the fee through the regional government portal Simplifica or at on-site payment stations along the trails. The website currently offers a daily cap of 2,000 passes for the seven included trails, but it is unclear if this will remain the same in the future.
Madeira is often compared to bucket list destinations like Hawaii, Peru, and Croatia because of its stunning landscapes, including rugged cliffs and volcanic scenery. With nearly 1,800km of hiking trails, there are countless places to get lost and discover the beauty of this island. The network of trails along the east and west coast and the Central Mountain range offer a variety of experiences for hikers.
On the north coast, hikers can enjoy the island's famous levadas, a system of man-made irrigation channels that crisscross the island. These levadas provide stunning views and are a popular attraction for tourists. On the south coast, hikers can take in breathtaking views over Funchal, the capital and largest city of the archipelago.
Tripadvisor lists the Levada Do Caldeirao Verde as the island's most popular route. This moderately difficult trail is 5.4 miles long and takes around six and a half hours to complete. Hikers rave about the feeling of being immersed in nature and the beautiful waterfall at the end of the trail.
Another popular route is the Levada das 25 Fontes, which is 2.6 miles long and takes around three hours to complete. While it offers beautiful views, it can often be crowded with tourists. Reviews suggest getting there early to avoid the crowds.
Madeira's new hiking fee is just one of many measures being implemented to combat overtourism in Europe. In addition to this fee, tourists may also encounter restrictions on where they can take selfies, higher tourist taxes, and fines for hogging sun loungers or hiking in inappropriate footwear. Some beaches may also have limited access to control the number of visitors.
According to TripAdvisor, the five best hiking trails in Madeira are Levada Do Caldeirao Verde, Levada das 25 Fontes, Madeira Explorers, Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto, and Levada do Risco. Have you hiked any of these trails? We would love to hear your story! Get in touch by emailing us at [insert email].
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