New Rule Introduced at Laurissilva’s 25th Anniversary Forum
At an event marking the 25th anniversary of the Laurissilva forest as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Environment and Culture, Eduardo Jesus, announced that all visits to official walking trails and natural-area routes will require a time-slot reservation from January 1 2026.
It is a collective responsibility and part of the way we want to preserve [the environment], and that is why we have revisited this very important dossier, to understand to what extent a given space can withstand it.
Eduardo Jesus, Jornal da Madeira
The new rule will apply to both tour operators and individual visitors. According to the secretary, the goal is to manage the daily flow of people more evenly.
He said the current concentration of visitors in some hours creates traffic pressure and puts stress on sensitive natural areas. A study carried out with the University of Madeira found that the maximum daily capacity has not been passed, but that pressure points remain.
This is a practice visible in various territories around the world. It's a change of habit here in Madeira, not only for residents, who continue to have the freedom to enjoy the mountains without paying for it.
Eduardo Jesus, Jornal da Madeira
SIMplifica Platform to Set Visitor Limits for Each Time Slot
All reservations will be made through the SIMplifica digital platform. Each time slot will have a limit on the number of visitors allowed. When a slot is full, users will need to choose another time, either earlier or later in the day.
Eduardo Jesus compared the new system to booking a museum visit, where selecting an entry time helps avoid large crowds. Local residents will continue to explore the mountains without paying, although they will also be encouraged to respect the scheduled system.
IFCN App and New Website Planned to Guide Tourist Access
To help visitors plan their routes, the IFCN will introduce an app and update its website. These tools will show available time slots and help people choose the best moment to enter popular areas such as the Laurissilva forest.
Tour operators will inform tourists directly, and entry points along the trails will also provide guidance. For residents, signs placed on the routes will explain how to check times and use the system.
Source: Jornal da Madeira
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