Should Madeira Spread Tourism Beyond Crowded Hotspots?
Sustainability consultant Paulo Brehm warns Madeira must rethink tourism, guiding visitors to less-crowded areas, involving residents, and considering a single regional tax.
Hiking
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U-Turn! Residents Can Now Access Trails Without Online Booking
As announced today, Madeira residents no longer need to register their hike on Simplifica, allowing spontaneous access while visitor controls remain.
5% of Hiking Slots Reserved for Madeirans
5% of hiking slots are reserved for residents. Since they make up only 2% of hikers, the president of the IFCN considers this quota sufficient, all while arguably struggling to defend the law.
PS-Madeira Pushes to Abolish Hiking Time Slots for Residents
PS-Madeira has submitted a proposal to amend current rules so that Madeira residents - who account for just 2% of trail users - can access hiking trails without mandatory time-slot booking.
Machico and Santana Oppose Hiking Time-Slots for Residents
Santana and Machico are challenging Madeira's new mandatory trail registration, labeling the time-slot requirements restrictive for local residents.
Madeira Rejects Cash for Hikes as Mobile Coverage Falls Short
Madeira hiking trails now operate with digital-only payments, leaving tourists frustrated by poor mobile coverage.
The Two Paths of Madeira: Understanding Levadas and Veredas
Levadas and veredas follow different histories, landscapes, and risks, shaping how people experience Madeira. But what exactly sets these two apart?
João Jardim Condemns Hiking Restrictions for Residents
Alberto João Jardim strongly condemns Madeira’s new trail access rules, calling mandatory time slots an attack on residents’ freedom of movement and warning they create conditions for legitimate civil resistance.
Storm Francis: All Hiking Trails Closed on New Year
In response to Storm Francis and the orange weather warning forecasting strong winds and heavy rainfall in Madeira, the Civil Protection Service has ordered the closure of all hiking trails on January 1.
Hikers Protest as Albuquerque Rejects Changes to Trail Access
Hikers in Madeira protest new access limits on all percursos pedestres, but President Albuquerque insists he will not reverse the legislation, saying: "they can contest as much as they want".
Residents Can be Denied Hiking Time Slot if Quota is Reached
Madeira residents will soon need to book hiking time slots for hiking on percursos pedestres. A reserved quota ensures they compete only among themselves for access.
