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

Vivid green forests, spectacular volcanic peaks and paradisical coastlines dotted with pretty villages are what characterise the scenery in Madeira, so the fact it’s experienced an explosion of popularity among hikers is hardly surprising. 

However, the newfound attention is something that authorities in Madeira are keen to manage. That’s why, 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. 

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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, according to euronews. 

Oh, and if you’re hoping to hike the soon-to-reopen PR1 trail from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo, that’ll cost you a little more. After a wildfire damaged the trail in 2024 and it was temporarily closed, significant improvements to its safety have been made. 

Until then, if you want to hike the shorter route to Miradouro Pedra Rija, the €4.50 fee will apply, but ‘higher maintenance requirements’ mean the fee will increase to €7 per person once it reopens at the end of April. 

Where will the money from Madeira’s hiking entry fees go?

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. 

According to her, these changes need to be made so that the island’s glorious environment doesn’t crumble under the weight of so many visitors. 

Italy has previously implemented similar measures: a one-way system on some of Cinque Terre’s hiking paths or voluntary entry fees along well-trodden trails in the Dolomites. 

📍 Read Time Out’s guide to the very best things to do in Madeira. 

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