New Access Control for Classified Walking Trails Took Effect
A new system controlling access to Madeira’s classified walking trails came into force on 1 January 2026, requiring both residents and visitors to register a hiking slot in advance online. It covers the network of official pedestrian routes created and maintained with public funds over several decades.
The change has reopened a political and social debate on who should control access to land that many residents see as part of their daily life. The dozens of trails include historic levadas and mountain paths long used by locals without formal limits. Joao Jardim has a very clear opinion on this:
2026 begins very badly. Madeirans have to “register” in order to move freely around their own territory!
Official propaganda softens it with the ridiculous line “at least Madeirans don’t pay”!!!…
What powerful and hidden reasons are sustaining a situation like this—how did we get to this?!…Alberto Joao Jardim, X
Alberto João Jardim Denounces Policy and Speaks of “Legitimate Civil Resistance”
Alberto João Jardim, the former president of the Regional Government of Madeira, has been one of the strongest critics of the new rules. Over several public statements, he has rejected the idea that Madeirans must register to “walk freely in their own territory.”
In a New Year message, he described the system as unconstitutional and said:
We are facing a constitutional situation of legitimate civil resistance, despite the volume of public resources used in a propaganda campaign.
Jardim also questioned how the rule would apply to landowners, asking whether those who own or co-own levadas must register every day to care for their property.
Portaria No. 801/2025 of 10 December Sets Registration via Simplifica Portal
The legal basis for the system is Portaria n.º 801/2025, dated 10 December, which sets the fees and rules applied by the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation. Under this regulation, all users of classified walking trails must complete prior registration through the Simplifica portal.
Residents are exempt from payment, but they must still register in advance, placing them under the same formal process as visitors. Members of the regional government have said that specific slots will be reserved for locals, but authorities have not announced how many places will be available or the maximum capacity for each 30-minute time slot.
https://twitter.com/AlbertoJoaoJar1/status/2007118081760346610
Protest on 21 December 2025 Followed by Firm Refusal to Reverse Policy
Public opposition to the measure appeared before it took effect. On 21 December 2025, regular walkers organized a protest against what they called a restriction on free movement. The demonstration added pressure on the regional government as the start date approached.
After the protest, the current president of the Regional Government, Miguel Albuquerque, ruled out any change of course.
We will not go back. They can contest as much as they want, but the organization is for the benefit of everyone,” he said, later adding when asked about the possibility of backing down, he simply replied: "No," adding immediately: "Not a chance."
Diário de Notícias Madeira, quoting president Miguel Albuquerque
Source: Diário de Notícias Madeira
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