Hiking fees on the Portuguese island of Madeira have increased in 2026, with one popular trail set to cost nearly £10 per person when it reopens in April. The move is part of efforts to promote sustainable tourism and fund trail maintenance.
Non-residents over 12 must now pay €4.50 (£3.90) for most scenic walks managed by the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (ICNF), up from €3 (£2.50) in 2025. The Vereda do Areeiro (PR1) trail, linking Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo, will cost €10.50 (£9.13) per person, or €7 (£6) with a tour operator. The trail closed in August 2024 for safety and improvement works.
Visitor caps have also been introduced, though daily limits per trail have not been disclosed. Hikers must register and book a 30-minute entry slot via the SIMplifica platform, with proof of reservation required. Failure to pay can result in a €50 (£42) fine. Residents must also register but are exempt from fees.
Revenue from the charges will go towards cleaning and maintaining the trails, according to Rafaela Fernandes, regional secretary of agriculture, fisheries and the environment. The aim is to encourage tourists to explore lesser-visited routes on the island, which boasts nearly 1,800km of hiking trails.
