Fees Aim to Support Sustainability and Improve Visitor Experience
Tourists visiting Madeira’s most popular natural attractions will soon be required to pay a fee of two to three euros, according to a statement by Miguel Albuquerque, President of the Regional Government. The measure, expected to begin in early 2026, applies only to non-residents. Locals will not be charged. According to Albuquerque, all Percursos Pedestres Classificados will be charged.
Starting in January next year, all classified walking trails will become paid, says the president of the government, Miguel Albuquerque. He goes further, saying that the government also wants to include other areas like viewpoints and parking lots. These are measures to prevent, according to Albuquerque, the degradation of the destination.
Announcing the plan at a ceremony in Caniço, Albuquerque described it as part of a broader effort to improve the overall quality of tourism.
The goal is to ensure these areas are clean, safe, and well-maintained, he said, adding that such changes are essential for preserving the island’s environment and delivering a better experience.
Diário de NotĂcias da Madeira, quoting President Albuquerque
More Fees to Be Directed At Maintenance
The introduction of fees comes amid growing visitor numbers, which have put pressure on the island’s natural sites. Authorities say the funds collected will go toward maintaining those areas and managing their use more effectively.
Will The Additional Money Be Allocated Properly?
We remember that the same argument was used when tourists first had to pay to visit the levadas and places like Cabo GirĂŁo, starting in 2024. At the time, people said the money would be used to maintain the trails.
However, many trails are today in a very bad condition, and the government is even thinking about giving private companies control over access to these sites, which is heavily contested.
New Questions Arise
The announcement by the president raises additional questions:
What sites are affected by these new fees?
Who will collect them?
How will they be collected?
What are the means of payment?
Residents Exempt as Island Seeks Long-Term Balance
By exempting Madeira residents, the policy aims to maintain community access while encouraging visitors to contribute to the upkeep of shared spaces. Officials believe this approach supports both local interests and environmental goals.
A Myriad of Existing Taxes For Tourists Since Last Year
Since last year, tourists in Madeira have been subject to multiple charges and fees, creating what seems to be a bureaucratic nightmare.
Arguably, it wouldn’t it be easier to simply consider one tax for all and distribute the collected funds accordingly. The way it is implemented now suggests that it is generally not transparent how these funds are managed or even where the money ends up. The existing fees are:
A €2 tourist tax per overnight stay
A €2 fee per person when disembarking from cruise ships
A €3 charge to access certain hiking trails
Plus the additional paid services for parking lots, viewpoints, and more, which will be put in place in 2026 - as announced today.
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