Madeira is set to introduce a blanket charge on visitors looking to walk any of its 30 hiking trails, in a bid to protect the Portuguese island’s natural beauty from tourism.
The new extended charge will come into being on January 1.
Currently, tourists have to pay a tax of €3 if seeking to hike seven of Madeira’s walking trails. However, that levy will now be extended to all 30 of the islands trails in the New Year.
Madeira’s authorities said: “To help preserve Madeira’s stunning natural trails, a new hiking fee system is being introduced for non-resident hikers. Starting October 28, 2024, fees will apply to seven of the island’s most popular trails. From January 1, 2025, all PR (recommended routes) trails will require a fee.”
The fee applies to anyone aged over the age of 12 who is not permanently resident in Madeira. A fine of €50 will be payable for not paying the tax.
The local authorities intend to use the tax revenue generated from tourists using the island’s hiking trails to pay for sustainable tourism policies.
Madeira follows on from Lisbon and the Algarve in introducing some form of travel tax for inbound visitors to Portugal.
