Portugal introducing new fee for UK tourists heading out on walks

A Portuguese island is set to introduce fees to more of its hiking trails in 2025 to help with conservation efforts and promote sustainable tourism. Madeira's popular trails on the European Union island range from 3km to a 17.4km.

In October 2023, a €3 access fee was put in place for some of Maderia’s most sought-after trails, such as the 6km Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço, 5.6 km Vereda do Pico Ruivo and the 10.6 km Levada do Rei in the island hotspot.

Children up to 12 years old and residents of the area can still hike the trails for free. The trails are looked after by the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation, which uses fees to uphold public services in the areas, bosses have said.

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Over a year after their introduction, Madeira is reported to have plans to extend this fee to at least 30 of its other hiking routes by January 2025. Those who do not pay for access to the trails could be hit with a €50 fine, it is warned.

Madeira’s Regional Secretary of Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment, Rafaela Fernandes told EuroNews this week that the charge is necessary to protect the area’s natural landscapes and manage the increasing influx of tourists.

Madeira’s Regional Secretary of Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment, Rafaela Fernandes toldEuroNews that the charge is necessary to protect the area’s natural landscapes and manage the increasing influx of tourists. While Madeira only has a population of around 250,000, an average of 1.6 million tourists flock to the island by plane each year, and a further 533,000 arrive on cruise ships, according to Civitas.

The island is experiencing an increase in tourism, particularly in peak hiking seasons, so the trail charge aims to manage the flow of visitors on paths and help protect the natural landscape.