Madeira is increasing entry fees and introducing visitor caps on its hiking trails

in early 2025, it was announced that entry fees which originally applied to just seven of the island’s most popular trails were expanded to include 30 different routes. Now, that fee is not only going up from €3 to €4.50, but caps on visitor numbers are being implemented, too. 

Specifically, the fee applies to all non-residents over the age of 12 who are looking to hike on Madeira’s official PR hiking trails, though it will reportedly still only cost €3 if you book through a tour operator. 

What’s more, everybody – including residents and those under the age of 12 – will now have to book a 30-minute long entry window through the SIMplifica portal, of which there are a limited number. 

The aim of this is to minimise congestion along the routes at peak times and spread out hiker traffic. All those who are required but fail to pay the entry fee could be slapped with a fine of up to €50.

Rafaela Fernances, Madeira’s regional secretary of Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment, has said the money raised from the entry fees will go towards maintaining the trails, by preserving them and keeping them clean.